The director of the medical center for seafarers in Odesa was barred from work

The director of a medical center that conducts medical examinations of sailors has been suspended from his position for two months on charges of soliciting and accepting bribes. 

The decision was issued by the Primorsky District Court of Odesa.

According to the investigation, the director of the LLC “Medical Center for Maritime Safety for Seafarers” issued certificates of fitness for work on ships without the seafarers actually undergoing medical examinations, and demanded money for his so-called services.

Law enforcement officials determined that this involved at least three seafarers who were abroad at the time the documents were issued. Despite this, the director of the medical center, who also headed the medical commission, entered information into the outpatient registration log regarding the sailors’ alleged visits to the facility and completion of medical examinations.

The prosecutor requested that the defendant be removed from his position as director of the LLC “Medical Center for Maritime Safety for Seafarers,” as well as from his duties as head of the medical commission, and that he be removed from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine’s list of recognized medical specialists.

He justified the need for removal by citing the risk of influencing witnesses—particularly employees of the medical center—and the possibility of destroying or tampering with documents relevant to the case. Neither the director of the medical center nor his defense attorney objected to the motion being granted.

The court suspended the man from his position for a period of two months—through December 21, 2026, inclusive. The ruling is subject to immediate enforcement and cannot be appealed. 

As reported by Intent, in May 2026, law enforcement officers detained the director of the medical center in his office. According to the investigation, he handed over prepared documents to a representative of the sailors and received money in exchange.

During searches of the medical center and the official’s home, investigators seized cash, a cell phone, documents, seals, and other materials that they consider evidence of his involvement in the alleged scheme.

Анна Літман