In Odesa, law enforcement has arrested a doctor from a local medical facility who demanded $1600 from a patient for assistance in obtaining a III group disability and speeding up medical examinations.
According to the investigation, a citizen approached a neurologist, who is the head of the neurology and psychiatry department, seeking advice on the examination process and disability classification. The medical worker agreed to 'help' only for a financial incentive. For processing the III group disability and accelerating the examination appointment, she demanded $1600.
The man reported this to law enforcement. Investigators from the Odesa Regional Police, together with the Security Service of Ukraine, uncovered and documented the illegal activities of the 56-year-old woman.
The doctor received the agreed sum from the patient in several installments. Following this, police arrested her under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. During authorized searches of her office and residence, law enforcement seized cash, mobile phones, and other material evidence. The seized property has been placed under court arrest.
With sufficient evidence, investigators informed the doctor of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - receiving unlawful benefits by a public official in connection with extortion.
The article's sanctions provide for imprisonment for up to 10 years with a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities for up to three years and with confiscation of property.
The court has chosen house arrest as a preventive measure for the suspect.
Pre-trial investigation is ongoing under the procedural guidance of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.