The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) of Ukraine has detained the head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Center for Medical and Social Expertise (MSEC) on suspicion of illegal enrichment for nearly $6 million. 

Ukraine intensified its anti-corruption measures to foster economic growth, fulfill requirements for EU integration, secure western aid amid the war, and align with Western standards in general. 

According to the SBI, searches conducted on 3 and 4 October, uncovered nearly $6 million in various currencies at properties belonging to the female official and her relatives, particularly her son, who holds a leadership position in the the Pension Fund office of Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

While the SBI doesn’t name her, the open sources link to Tetiana Krupa, member of the parliamentary faction of the political party “Servant of the people” and the head of MSEC. 

MSEC in Ukraine is responsible for determining disability status and assess medical conditions. This enrichment scheme involved the illegal registration of disability status for men attempting to avoid military conscription.

The investigation stems from allegations of illegally granting disability status to men attempting to evade military service. 

During the search of the official’s office, investigators reportedly found $100,000 in cash, forged medical documents, and lists of “draft dodgers” with fictitious diagnoses.

The SBI also reported finding $5,244,000, €300,000, over 5 million hryvnias ($120,956), along with branded jewelry and valuables. 

“Money was found in almost every corner of the apartment – in closets, drawers, and niches,” according to SBI.

Tetiana Krupa reportedly attempted to dispose of evidence by throwing two bags containing half a million dollars out of a window during the search.

The investigation has also unveiled an extensive portfolio of assets belonging to Krupa’s family, including:

1. 30 real estate properties across Khmelnytskyi, Lviv, and Kyiv

2. Nine luxury vehicles

3. Corporate rights valued at 48 million hryvnias ($1,1 million)

4. A hotel-restaurant complex spanning nearly 3,000 square meters in Khmelnytskyi

5. Real estate holdings in Austria, Spain, and Türkiye

6. Foreign currency accounts containing approximately $2.3 million

None of these assets were declared in the official’s mandatory annual declarations, as required by Ukrainian law for persons in public office.

If convicted, the accused could face up to 10 years in prison and the confiscation of all property.

Law enforcement agencies are now working to identify other individuals who may be involved in these criminal activities. The Office of the Prosecutor General is considering pressing charges for fraud on an especially large scale, money laundering, false declaration of assets, and illegal enrichment.

Related:

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• Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court flexes muscles, arrests sitting minister