Crimes in medicine

Cartels in Health Care

Main article: Cartels in Health Care

Medical bribes

Main article: Bribes in medicine

2024

Ex-employee of the Astrakhan Ministry of Health sentenced to prison for fraud in the supply of medical products worth millions of rubles

On November 11, 2024, an Astrakhan court sentenced a former official of the regional Ministry of Health to two and a half years in prison for fraud in the supply of medical protective equipment, which caused damage to the budget in the amount of ₽5 million. Read more here.

The ex-director of the Perm state institution received 3 years in prison in the case of the purchase of fake medhalats worth hundreds of millions of rubles

The Perm Regional Court upheld the verdict of Marina Barova, former director of the Financial and Economic Administration, sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of ₽400 thousand for abuse of office when purchasing personal protective equipment. The appeal decision was made on October 30, 2024. Read more here.

The case of the protracted reconstruction of the medical center in Moscow

On October 3, 2024, the Dzerzhinsky District Court of St. Petersburg ruled to recover ₽2,7 billion in favor of managing the affairs of the President of Russia in the case of the protracted reconstruction of the building of the medical center in Moscow. The reason for the claim was the contractor's failure to fulfill contractual obligations to restore the facility. Read more [Children's Medical Center of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation 'here]

A criminal case was initiated on fraud in the supply of an X-ray scanner for ₽4,7 million to the Oryol hospital

In the Oryol region, a criminal case was initiated on the fact of fraud in the supply of an X-ray diagnostic complex to the Livenskaya Central District Hospital. Information on illegal actions that caused damage to the regional budget in the amount of more than ₽4,7 million was published on October 1, 2024 according to the results of a prosecutor's check. Read more here

City hospital No. 20 in St. Petersburg came security forces because of the case of embezzlement of 1 billion rubles through "dead souls." VIDEO

On October 1, 2024, it became known that the security forces conducted about 50 searches in a criminal case of major fraud in the City Hospital No. 20 of St. Petersburg. The administration of the medical institution is suspected of organizing a fraudulent scheme to steal compulsory medical insurance funds through fictitious employment. The total damage is estimated at about 1 billion rubles. Read more here

In the Ivanovo region, a criminal case was initiated on overstating the cost of a state contract for the development of a medical IT system

In the Ivanovo region in September 2024, the investigating authorities opened a criminal case on the fact of negligence of officials from the regional health department. The case concerns the overstatement of the cost of the state contract for the development of the medical information system. Read more here

A case was opened against the ex-deputy minister of Ingushetia for overpricing in public procurement of medical equipment

In mid-August 2024, it became known about the initiation of a criminal case against the former Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Ingushetia. The basis for this was the identification of his illegal participation in entrepreneurial activities related to public procurement of medical equipment at inflated prices. Read more here

FSB detained the head of the security department of the Miass hospital in the case of fictitious employment with theft of 6 million rubles

On August 14, 2024, it became known that employees FSB Russia of the Office of Security detained Chelyabinsk region the head of the security department of the city hospital No. 2 in Miassa on suspicion of major fraud. The man is accused of embezzling more than ₽6 million by fictitious employment of citizens. More here

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation presented an anti-rating of economic violations in clinics

The Russian Ministry of Health has published a list of the most significant economic violations identified in medical institutions following inspections conducted in the first half of 2024. The analysis highlighted typical errors and violations in the areas of budget accounting, procurement of goods and financial and economic activities, which became the basis for creating an anti-rating.

Specialists of the Ministry of Health revealed the most frequent violations in medical organizations regarding the procurement procedure. One of the most common violations was non-compliance with the procedure for determining the initial maximum price of a contract for the purchase of medical devices, which violates Art. 22 of Federal Law No. 44-FZ "On the contract system in the field of procurement of goods, works, services to meet state and municipal needs." There were also recorded cases of acceptance and payment of actually unfulfilled obligations, violation of the terms of payment under contracts and unlawful change of material terms of the contract. For such violations, fines are provided in the amount of ₽20 thousand to ₽200 thousand.

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation published an anti-rating of economic violations in clinics

When analyzing the results of inspections, it turned out that in a number of medical institutions, managers make incentive payments to employees without taking into account criteria that allow them to objectively assess the effectiveness and quality of their work. Also, cases were identified when the institutions did not timely index scholarships for students, and postgraduate students and residents were paid scholarships for participation in events, which is not provided for by the current legislation. Moreover, some hospitals spent subsidies to financially secure government assignments for unintended expenses such as fines.^[1]

A therapist in the Khabarovsk Territory received a term for issuing a fictitious sick leave

In August 2024, it became known that a therapist from the Khabarovsk Territory was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months of suspended imprisonment for issuing a fictitious sick leave. The Komsomolsk-on-Amur court found the 29-year-old doctor guilty of accepting a bribe and forgery, which is confirmed by the case materials published by the prosecutor's office of the Khabarovsk Territory. Read more here

Ex-director of a manufacturer of medical devices in Astrakhan received a term for fraud in the supply of tests for coronavirus

In August 2024, the Sovetsky District Court of Astrakhan sentenced a large-scale fraud case related to the supply of coronavirus tests. The ex-director of one of the Astrakhan companies engaged in the development and production of diagnostic products was found guilty of causing damage to the regional Ministry of Health in the amount of ₽35 million. The culprit was given a suspended sentence of imprisonment. The name of the convict, as well as the name of the company, were not disclosed in the court materials. Read more here

Nine people were detained in the Krasnoyarsk Territory after the death of people from droppers

In the Krasnoyarsk Territory in September 2024, nine people were detained suspected of providing illegal medical services, which led to the death of three people. These persons, according to the investigation, offered treatment for drug addiction and alcoholism at home, injecting patients with droppers with drugs and potent substances without conducting the necessary medical examinations. The criminal case was initiated under Part 3 of Article 238 of the Criminal Code of Russia.

According to TASS, the investigation is being conducted by the Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Krasnoyarsk Territory and Khakassia. The department reported that the detention of the suspects took place with the assistance of employees of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The criminal activities of the group were revealed as a result of the joint work of the UK and the drug control department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the region.

Nine people were detained in the Krasnoyarsk Territory in connection with deaths caused by droppers

According to the investigation, the organized group illegally provided medical services to drug and alcohol addicts in Krasnoyarsk and the Krasnoyarsk Territory. For a monetary reward, the group members detoxified patients at home, injecting them with drugs by drop. At the same time, established medical protocols were not observed, diagnostic measures were not carried out and patients' contraindications were not taken into account, which led to fatal consequences for three of them.

During the investigative actions at the place of residence of the detainees, searches were carried out. Investigators seized medical drugs, documents and other evidence supporting their illegal activities. As the Investigative Committee emphasizes, the lack of proper medical control and the misuse of potent substances created a serious threat to the life and health of patients, which caused the tragic outcome.^[2]

In the Kirov region, 12 employees of fake medical centers received real terms for the treatment of non-existent diseases

On September 5, 2024, it became known that the Pervomaisky District Court of the city of Kirov sentenced 12 members of an organized criminal group who were engaged in fraud under the guise of providing medical services. All defendants were found guilty under Part 4 of Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fraud) and sentenced to imprisonment for terms from 2 to 6 years with serving a sentence in a general regime correctional colony. These persons have been misleading citizens for more than a year, convincing them of the presence of non-existent diseases and forcing them to spend significant amounts on "treatment."

In the Kirov region, a verdict was passed in a criminal case against 12 members of an organized criminal group who stole funds from 175 citizens under the pretext of providing medical services

According to the prosecutor's office of the Kirov region, the group's criminal activities lasted from May 2017 to June 2018. The defendants, posing as employees of several medical centers in Kirov, invited citizens to free diagnostic procedures. During these "examinations," the victims were informed about allegedly identified serious diseases, including oncological ones, for the treatment of which significant financial resources were required. In a number of cases, victims were offered to issue loans to pay for treatment.

In addition, criminals imposed the purchase of expensive medical equipment, including ultrasound gel and massagers, under the guise of highly effective means that in fact had no medical value. As a result of fraudulent actions, the attackers seized the funds of 175 victims for a total of almost ₽14 million.

The court satisfied the claims of the victims for compensation for material damage. To ensure payments, the seizure of property belonging to members of the criminal group was preserved. Until the verdict comes into force, the convicts will remain in custody.^[3]

The deputy governor who oversaw the health care of the NAO was accused of embezzling budget funds during the supply of medical equipment

On July 31, 2024, the prosecutor's office filed new charges against the ex-deputy head of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO) Andrei Bloshchinsky, who oversaw the region's health care. We are talking about embezzlement of budget funds in the supply of medical equipment. Read more here

In Bashkiria, a criminal case was initiated on the supply of counterfeit devices for the restoration of motor skills for 14 million rubles

On June 18, 2024, it became known that a criminal case was initiated in Bashkiria on the fact of the supply of counterfeit medical devices for the restoration of motor skills in the amount of 14 million rubles. An audit conducted by the prosecutor's office and the republican Roszdravnadzor revealed violations in the supply of equipment purchased in 2020 and 2023. Read more here.

In Moscow, the head of a private clinic and the head physician were given real terms for organizing illegal migration

On June 26, 2024, it became known that To Moscow the Dolgoprudnensky District Court sentenced the general director and chief doctor of a private medical clinic, as well as their accomplice, finding them guilty of illegal legalization of foreign citizens. The case was investigated by the UT Investigation Department MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS Russia on. Central Federal District (CFD)

According to the investigation, a group of malefactors for a monetary reward of 10 to 40 thousand rubles prepared fake invitations for foreigners to undergo a medical examination for non-existent diseases. In fact, these citizens did not require medical assistance, and they did not intend to undergo treatment in this institution.

In Moscow, heads of a private medical clinic received real prison sentences for illegal organization of migration

Using forged documents, migrants entered Russia for the purpose of further residence and employment. According to the police, more than 150 foreigners illegally entered the country using the criminal services of the defendants.

Employees of the Department of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow, together with the FSB of Russia in Moscow and the Moscow Region, stopped the illegal activities of the group. The evidence gathered by the investigation allowed the court to convict.

By a court decision, the general director and chief doctor of the clinic was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a fine of 100 thousand rubles each. Their accomplice was sentenced to 1 year in prison and a fine of 100 thousand rubles.^[4]

2023

Record 2,332 criminal cases against doctors opened in Russia over the year

The Investigative Committee of Russia opened 2,332 criminal cases against medical workers in 2023, which amounted to 52% of the total number of patient complaints. The statistics, released on November 7, 2024, show an all-time high in harassment of medical staff.

According to Medvestnik, the number of patients' appeals to the investigating authorities reached 4431, exceeding the previous record in 2018, when 2229 cases were opened. 149 cases reached the court in 2023, in which 177 medical workers were brought to justice.

Artem Zuev, head of the Medica Proof expert and legal group, notes a trend towards tougher law enforcement practice, predicting a twofold increase in the number of convictions in the coming years.

The largest number of cases (71%) was initiated under the article on causing death by negligence. The number of prosecutions under the article on the provision of services that do not meet security requirements has increased significantly - up to 463 cases, which is 20% of the total number of cases.

About 4 thousand cases are annually in the proceedings of the investigating authorities, which affects 0.7% of doctors or every 150th medical worker in the country. At the same time, 80% of defendants in cases of the provision of unsafe services receive convictions.

In state medical institutions, 60% of all cases of criminal prosecution were recorded. The creation of specialized centers in the TFR to investigate medical crimes contributed to improving the quality of the evidence base.

The number of acquittals fell to eight in 2023, down from 19 in 2022. At the same time, the statute of limitations for cases of the provision of unsafe services is ten years, which significantly exceeds the two-year period for other medical articles.^[5]

In Russia, 1.7 thousand attacks were committed on health workers in a year

In Russia, in 2023, more than 1.7 thousand attacks were committed on medical workers, said in July 2024 the head of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection Badma Bashankaev at a press conference. At the same time, according to him, the number of those prosecuted for these attacks was minimal, and sanctions for violators were limited to a fine of 5 thousand rubles and verbal censure. These measures are insufficient to protect health professionals.

The number of those brought to justice for the attacks on health workers Badma Bashankaev called "homeopathically slipping doses." The deputy noted that the Criminal Code has an article on responsibility for attacking a person in the performance of professional duty, which provides for punishment of about 5-7 years, but it does not apply.

In Russia, in 2023, more than 1.7 thousand attacks were committed on medical workers

We are now pressing on this point, and we have an active correspondence with the Investigative Committee, with the prosecutor's office with a reasonable question: why it is not used, - said Badma Bashankaev.

The Ministry of Health began collecting its own statistics on attacks on doctors in 2023. In the first half of 2023, the department recorded 820 cases of violence against health workers. The statistics received, as stated by the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, will be used in the development of proposals for the introduction of additional means of protecting medical workers from attacks.

In July 2024, another attack on ambulance employees took place in the Tomsk region. Two men and a drunken woman attacked a paramedic and driver. The health worker was injured, and the attackers used a strangulation to the driver and made threats against him. On the fact of the attack, law enforcement agencies began an inspection.^[6]

The number of criminal cases against health workers in Russia increased by 25% to 2332

In 2023, 2,332 criminal cases were initiated against medical workers in Russia. This is about 25% more compared to 2022, when 1860 cases were initiated. Such data were published on May 23, 2024 by the O. E. Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MGUA).

Despite the increase in the number of criminal cases, the number of reports of medical errors to law enforcement agencies has decreased. In 2023, 4431 appeals were registered against 5747 in 2022. The leader in the number of patient complaints in 2023 was the Central Federal District (1 thousand complaints), followed by the Volga Federal District (740) and the Far Eastern Federal District (654).

In 2023, 2,332 criminal cases were initiated against health workers in Russia

It is noted that most often criminal cases against medical workers in the Russian Federation in 2023 were initiated under Art. 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (causing death by negligence) - 1697 cases. Another 463 cases were initiated under Art. 238 (provision of services that do not meet safety requirements). Under Art. 118 (causing grievous bodily harm by negligence) and Art. 293 (negligence) 24 and 124 cases were initiated, respectively. 1371 applicants received refusals to initiate a criminal case in 2023 against 2700 a year earlier. At the same time, 95 materials reached the court, while in 2022 174 cases were transferred to the court.

The leader in the frequency of criminal cases against medical workers in Russia is the direction of obstetrics and gynecology. Moreover, the number of criminal cases in this area is growing, despite the multiple, according to Rosstat, decrease in infant and maternal mortality rates. The most common cases against pediatricians, obstetricians and neonatologists are initiated under Art. 109 of the Criminal Code. Of the 3618 criminal cases submitted to the Center for Forensic Examination of the Ministry of Health in the period from 2012 to 2021, 718 concerned obstetricians-gynecologists (15.3%). Next come infectious disease doctors (371 cases) and surgeons (364).^[7]

The ex-head of the medical department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade was accused of embezzling 450 million rubles during the implementation of the state program

In December 2023, the Tagansky District Court of Moscow began consideration of the case against the ex-head of the Department for the Development of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Olga Kolotilova and the former deputy head of this department Olga Pokidysheva, as well as their alleged accomplices. They are accused of embezzling 450 million rubles. Read more here.

Remote Health Control Scam Thrives in US

On November 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) warned of a new cyber fraud scheme related to remote health monitoring. Attackers bill for medical services that are either not required by patients or not provided to them at all. Read more here.

Child psychiatrist in the United States received 40 years in prison for creating pornographic deepfakes

On November 8, 2023, the US Department of Justice announced that Charlotte (North Carolina) child psychiatrist David Tatum was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the production, possession and transfer of materials related to child sexual abuse. The criminal, in particular, is charged with creating pornographic deepfakes - images generated using artificial intelligence. Read more here.

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation recorded 820 cases of attack on health workers in six months

During the first half of 2023, 820 cases of violence against medical workers in Russia were recorded. The largest number of incidents were registered in the Omsk, Oryol, Novosibirsk and Chelyabinsk regions, as well as in Moscow. Such data at the end of October 2023 was published by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

To analyze the cases of attacks on doctors, the Ministry of Health at the end of 2022 formed a special working group "on reducing the risks of violence against medical workers in the performance of their official duties." Monitoring of attacks is carried out in accordance with the "classifier" developed by the department, which provides for three categories of incidents: physical violence, mental violence and other types of violent actions, such as insult, disrespect, shouting, snatching objects from hands, damage to property.

According to estimates, from January to June 2023, inclusive, 270 cases of physical violence against health workers were recorded in the Russian Federation, including 30 dangerous to life and health. Another 150 incidents are classified as mental violence, 400 as other types of violent actions.

The Ministry of Health notes that persons who harm medical workers often deprive patients of the opportunity to receive timely care. In particular, an attack on a doctor or paramedic of an ambulance can cost the life of a patient in critical condition. The agency emphasizes that the commission of crimes against doctors is already "covered by the current norms of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation," however, "protection measures are not fully implemented by both medical organizations and law enforcement agencies." The maximum punishment for obstructing the legal activities of a health worker is provided if this act entailed causing grievous bodily harm to the patient (up to three years in prison) or provoked his death - up to four years.^[8]

She poisoned with insulin and pushed the tubes into the body. British nurse found guilty of killing 7 babies

In mid-August 2023, a British jury found nurse Lucy Letby guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six more newborns. She is sentenced to life in prison without parole. Read more here.

How a top Johnson & Johnson executive stole hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of spinal products from a hospital

On June 26, 2023, the US Department of Justice announced the arrest of former sales representative and group leader DePuy Synthes (acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1998) Matthew Capobianco. According to investigators, the suspect robbed an unnamed hospital in Boston, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage . Read more here.

In the Rostov region, a representative of a pharmaceutical company was detained for selling potent substances

The police Rostov region detained a representative of a pharmaceutical company while trying to sell a potent substance. The press service MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS of the Russian Federation announced this in early May 2023. Read more here. here

The head of the economic department of the hospital in Norilsk was accused of embezzling 8.4 million rubles with the help of "dead souls"

In Norilsk, the court will consider a criminal case on embezzlement of budget funds. This was reported in January 2023 in the press service of the regional prosecutor's office. Read more here.

2022

In the Pskov region, the heads of the state pharmaceutical company received deadlines for the assignment of 13 million rubles

At the end of December 2022, the Pskov Regional Court recognized the verdict against five employees of the Velikiye Luki state enterprise "Pharmacy" for embezzlement and embezzlement of more than 13 million rubles. Read more here.

The head physician in the Leningrad region was sent to a pre-trial detention center

On November 24, 2022, it became known about the detention of the chief physician of the interdistrict hospital of the Vsevolozhsk district of the Leningrad region. He is accused of committing a crime under Part 4 of Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fraud committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy, using his official position, on an especially large scale), the press service of the Investigative Department of the ICR in the Leningrad Region reports. Read more here.

The leadership of the rehabilitation center in the Bryansk region was accused of entering false information into medical records with damage of 6.2 million rubles

The leadership of the rehabilitation center in the Bryansk region was accused of entering false information into medical records. We are talking about GBUZ "Yudinovskaya district hospital." This was announced on October 21, 2022 by the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation. Read more here.

In Russian medicine, most criminal cases are brought to obstetricians-gynecologists

The Russian Center for Forensic Medical Examination Ministry of Health Russia from 2012 to 2021 accepted 3618 criminal cases for consideration. About 15.3% of them concerned obstetricians-gynecologists (718 pcs.), infectious disease doctors and surgeons - 371 and 364 cases, respectively. Such data were released in October 2022.

Data were summarized across 15 medical specialties. Least often, charges were brought against plastic and cardiovascular surgeons (87 cases each) and neurologists (120 cases).

Most often, obstetricians-gynecologists were accused of causing death by negligence (Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), providing services that do not meet safety requirements (Article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), and much less often of causing grievous bodily harm by negligence (Article 118 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and negligence (Article 293 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Up to half of the analyzed materials of criminal cases (70 out of 136) in obstetrics and gynecology are associated with causing death by negligence. The situation is similar for neonatologists and pediatricians.

One of the reasons for the constant increase in the number of claims against obstetricians is the nursing of premature babies with extremely low body weight, the mortality rate among which is significantly higher than among all other categories of newborns, said Leonid Shmarov, deputy director for expert work of the Russian Center for Forensic Medical Examination (RCSME).

According to him, there are difficulties in organizing forensic medical examinations in medical cases. Among them: unwillingness and even refusals of clinical specialists to participate in the analysis of such cases, especially after the last high-profile medical cases; formal approach (short answers, absence of references to orders, national guidelines, etc.); difficulties in reaching a consensus among members of the commission on the presence of shortcomings in the provision of medical care and a causal relationship with the harm caused to health.^[9]

The head of the Bureau of Medical and Social Expertise of the Vladimir Region was accused of issuing fake certificates of disability

The former head of the main bureau of medical and social expertise in the Vladimir region will appear before the court on charges of issuing fake certificates of disability. The press service of the regional prosecutor's office announced this on September 12, 2022. Read more here.

Surgeon gets 7 years in prison for unnecessary X-rays

In early September 2022, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a seven-year prison sentence for a San Joaquin County orthopedic surgeon for repeated fraud under Medi-Cal and Medicare programs. Read more here.

Accountants of the Altai hospital accused of embezzling 30 million rubles

In September 2022, the prosecutor's office of the Altai Republic approved the indictment in a criminal case against three former accountants of the Ulagansk district hospital. They are suspected of committing crimes under Part 4 of Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fraud, maximum sanction - up to 10 years in prison) and Part 2 of Art. 187 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal circulation of funds for payments, up to 7 years in prison). Read more here.

In Crimea, health workers issued fake certificates of vaccination against COVID-19 3.5 thousand people

Employees of the FSB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs exposed in Crimea employees of medical institutions who sold fake certificates of vaccination against the coronavirus COVID-19. According to TASS, citing the press service of the FSB of Russia in the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, members of the group issued falsified documents to more than 3.5 thousand people. Read more here.

US authorities confiscated $500,000 cryptocurrency that hospitals paid to ransomware hackers

At the end of July 2022, the US Department of Justice confiscated $500,000 worth of cryptocurrency that hospitals paid to ransomware hackers as a ransom supported by the North Korean government. Read more here.

Ex-deputy head of the Astrakhan Ministry of Health sentenced to correctional labor for negligence

The Leninsky court in Astrakhan found the former deputy minister of health of the region guilty of negligence and sentenced her to one year and three months of correctional labor. The press service of the Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Astrakhan Region announced this on June 16, 2022, without naming the official. Read more here.

Police detained suppliers of faulty medical equipment for 24 million rubles in a hospital in Dagestan

Law enforcement officers revealed the theft of budget funds when supplying ventilators under a state contract to one of the medical institutions in Makhachkala, the press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the North Caucasus Federal District said in early June 2022. Read more here.

In Pyatigorsk, a case was opened against the head physician of the hospital about a bribe of 1.2 million rubles in the supply of medical equipment

At the end of May 2022, the Investigative Bodies of the RF IC in the Stavropol Territory opened a criminal case under. 6 Art. 290 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Taking a bribe on an especially large scale") against the chief physician and the head of the procurement department of the city hospital of Pyatigorsk, who are suspected of bribery. Read more here.

In Astrakhan, employees of companies supplying medical products were sentenced to prison terms

At the end of May 2022, the Leninsky District Court of Astrakhan issued a verdict in a criminal case against six employees of two medical device suppliers. They were found guilty of committing crimes under Part 3 of Art. 30, part 4 of Art. 159, part 4 of Art. 159, part 3 of Art. 30, part 4 of Art. 159 of the Criminal Code (fraud and attempted fraud). Read more here.

The ex-head of the Oryol Department of Health was given a term for obstructing the work of the dialysis center

At the end of May 2022, the Soviet District Court of Orel Ivan Zalogin was suspended for three years on charges of abuse of office. The regional prosecutor's office requested six years in prison for the former head of the Health Department of the Oryol Region. Part 2 of Art. 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, according to which the ex-official passes, assumes up to seven years in prison. Read more here.

Founder of American biotech company arrested on contract murder charges

On May 26, 2022, it became known about the arrest of Serhat Gyumryukcu, co-founder of the biotechnology company Enochian BioSciences. He is accused of conspiring to use interstate commerce funds in committing contract murder. Read more here.

Ex-deputy head of the Astrakhan Ministry of Health accused of purchasing unsuitable medical products worth 90 million rubles

At the end of April 2022, the prosecutor's office of the Astrakhan region approved the indictment in the criminal case of the former deputy minister of health of the region. She is accused of negligence (part 1.1 of article 293 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), due to which the regional budget suffered damage of tens of millions of rubles. Read more here.

In Komi, a criminal case was opened on the embezzlement of compulsory medical insurance funds for the payment of bonuses to the leadership of the infectious diseases hospital

In Komi, a criminal case was opened on the embezzlement of OMS Campus Management funds for the payment of bonuses to the leadership of the Vorkuta infectious diseases hospital. This was reported by the press service of the regional prosecutor's office. Read more here.

Ex-head physician of the hospital received a term for assigning 870 thousand rubles

On January 14, 2022, the Karasuk District Court of the Novosibirsk Region convicted Natalya Pogorelova, the former chief physician of the Karasuk Central District Hospital, in the case of embezzlement of budget money from a medical institution. She was sentenced to a suspended sentence, taking into account the position of the state prosecutor. Read more here.

The deputy head of the Department of Health of the Ivanovo Region was arrested on charges of a scam in the purchase of medical equipment

As it became known on January 20, 2022, the first deputy director of the Health Department of the Ivanovo Region, Alexei Buyankin, was detained on suspicion of fraud in the supply of medical equipment for staffing medical institutions in the Ivanovo Region. Read more here.

The head of Vyera was fined $64.6 million for 55.5 times the price of the drug for toxoplasmosis

In mid-January 2022, a US court suspended Martin Shkreli from pharmaceutical activities for life and ordered him to pay $64.6 million in connection with his decision to set a 55.5-fold price for the toxoplasmosis drug Daraprim and the fight to block competitors who produce generics. Read more here.

2021

Doctors in Russia are acquitted in criminal cases 38 times more often than others

Doctors in Russia are acquitted in criminal cases 38 times more often than others. This was reported on February 14, 2022 by Vedomosti with reference to the analysis of sentences against medical workers conducted by the lawyer Aktion Medicine (part of the Aktion group) Alexander Korshunov.

The study included 159 publicly available judicial acts that reached the cassation instance for 2020-2021. At the same time, the sentences published with a significant part of the seized data, as well as corruption crimes related to the participation of doctors in public procurement, were ignored.

It is reported that acquittals were passed at 11.5%, while, according to the Supreme Court, the average share of acquittals in Russia was 0.22% and 0.26% in 2020 and 2021. respectively.

According to statistics from Aktion Medicine, in most cases, therapists (31.4%), surgeons (19%), obstetricians-gynecologists (13%), pediatricians (8.5%) and anesthesiologists-resuscitators (6.5%) became involved in criminal cases. The chief doctors of hospitals tried to bring to justice in 3% of cases.

The head of the Amulex.ru quality control department, Nurida Ibragimova, associates a high proportion of acquittals in health care with the fact that investigators and interrogators see the actions of doctors as a criminal offense, relying on the conclusions of experts. But the latter are not always right, and the vision of the situation with the affected patients can be twofold, she noted.

In mid-February 2022, Nail Idrisov, dean of the law faculty of the St. Petersburg Institute of the All-Russian State University of Justice, cited data according to which 1,639 criminal cases were initiated against medical workers in 2020 (2,168 in 2019). Of these, 229 materials were sent to the court (in 2019 - 332). ^[10]

In the Orenburg region, a "medical center" was covered, under the guise of which people were kidnapped

In the Orenburg region, the forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with the help of the Russian Guard, detained employees of the fictitious rehabilitation center "There is a solution" who abducted people under the guise of providing assistance for those dependent on alcoholism and drug addiction. Enterprising "doctors" provided their services through the created site, on which the medical center was advertised. Read more here.

MDV estimated at ₽1,2 billion budget damage from fraud during the construction of an infectious diseases hospital in Ivanovo

In December 2021, the amount of damage from fraud at construction the infectious diseases hospital in - Ivanovo 1.2 billion became known. rubles This was TASS told by the head of the Main Directorate of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS Russia , Police Lieutenant General Andrei Kurnosenko. More. here

Arrest of health workers in Irkutsk in the case of fraud with the purchase of medical equipment

In the Irkutsk region, charges were brought against four local residents who are charged with fraud on an especially large scale (part 4 of article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) when purchasing medical equipment. The amount of damage amounted to 21 million rubles. The press service of the Investigative Committee of Russia announced this on December 8, 2021.

Two detainees are representatives of commercial companies, two are medical institutions. They were arrested for two months.

According to law enforcement agencies, in 2020, representatives of two commercial organizations specializing in the supply of medical equipment, acting together with employees of health institutions of the Irkutsk region responsible for public procurement, in violation of the established procedure, by deception, using their official position, purchased and supplied expensive medical equipment at an inflated price within the framework of the state program "Health Development" for 2019-2024. As a result of this fraud, federal and regional budgets suffered damage in the amount of at least 21 million rubles, the UK reported.

By December 2021, the ex-Minister of Health of the Irkutsk Region Natalia Ledyaeva is also under investigation in the case of fraud on an especially large scale. According to investigators, Natalia Ledyaeva, her son and a number of other persons stole about 25 million rubles from the budget of the Irkutsk region in the execution of a state contract for the supply of medical masks and respirators. Later, law enforcement officers established another episode of criminal activity related to the supply of personal protective equipment as part of state procurement. Natalia Ledyaeva will remain under house arrest until at least January 11, 2022.^[11]

Ex-governor of the Jewish Autonomous Okrug received a suspended sentence for fraud in public procurement of medical equipment

At the end of September 2021, the Birobidzhan District Court sentenced Alexander Vinnikov to four years in prison conditionally with the same probationary period. The former governor of the Jewish Autonomous Region (EAO) was found guilty of inciting abuse of office (part 4 of article 33, part 2 of article 285 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Read more here.

The head physician and anesthesiologist of the hospital in Tatarstan received sentences for the death of a 16-year-old patient during surgery

In December 2021, the Chistopol City Court of the Republic of Tatarstan sentenced the former chief physician of the Novosheshminsky Central District Hospital Rafis Vafin and anesthesiologist-resuscitator Maxim Konanerov to two years of suspended imprisonment for the death of a 16-year-old patient during surgery. Doctors were found guilty under Part 2 of Art. 293 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (negligence). Read more here.

The head of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of Orenburg was arrested on charges of major embezzlement

In early December 2021, the Leninsky District Court of Orenburg arrested the head of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Orenburg Region, Andrei Gromov, on charges of fraud and abuse of power. Read more here.

FAS revealed the largest cartel in the Russian Federation on the market of medical products

Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) revealed the largest Russia in the cartel in the medical device market. The regulator announced this on September 13, 2021. More. here

Kursk anesthesiologist received 12 years in prison for killing a nurse in a hospital

On October 24, 2021, Kursk anesthesiologist-resuscitator Andrei Suragin was sentenced by the Fatezhsky District Court to 12 years in a maximum security colony for the murder of nurse Irina Zhuk in a hospital. Read more here.

Ex-director of the St. Petersburg Research Institute of ENT got off with a fine for extortions from subordinates

On November 22, 2021, the Leninsky District Court St. Petersburg stopped criminal prosecution against the deputy director for clinical work of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "St. Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech," Ministry of Health Russia Oleg Konoplev who was accused of abuse of office. More. here

The head of Biom Park got off with a suspended sentence for the production of medical equipment without a license

In mid-November 2021, the Oktyabrsky District Court of Samara found guilty the general director of the Samara company Biom Park Igor Alekhin in the production of medical devices without a license (paragraph "b" of part 2 of article 235.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The entrepreneur was sentenced to a suspended sentence - 3 years - with the same probationary period. Read more here.

Ex-head of the Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics sentenced to 4 years in prison for embezzlement of ₽1,3 billion

In November 2021, the Central District Court of Novosibirsk convicted the former director of the Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics (NIITO) named after Ya. L. Tsivyan Mihail Sadovyi. He was sentenced to four years and two months in a general regime colony for participating in crimes related to a large waste of federal funds. Read more here.

Ex-deputy director of the clinic Meshalkin received 2.5 years in prison for embezzlement of ₽1,9 billion

On November 3, 2021, the Central District Court of Novosibirsk sentenced to 2.5 years in prison the former deputy director of the National Medical Research Center (NMIC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation named after Academician Meshalkin Yevgeny Nadezhalov. A well-known cardiac surgeon was found guilty under Part 4 of Art. 160 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (embezzlement using official position committed by an organized group on an especially large scale). In addition to imprisonment, he will have to pay a fine of 400 thousand rubles. Read more here.

Former head of the center Marina Drugova sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for embezzling ₽2 million from the budget

In October 2021, a verdict was passed on the former chief physician of the state budgetary institution of the health care Perm Territory. " Centre for Public Health and Medical Prevention Marina Drugova She was found guilty of committing six crimes under Part 3 of Article 160 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (misappropriation or embezzlement committed by a person using his official position on a large scale). More. here

The head of the Center for Legal Support and Rehabilitation received 12 years in prison for deceiving 40 people for 180 million rubles

On October 18, 2021, the Zamoskvoretsky court sentenced the former head of the Center for Legal Support and Rehabilitation Valery Perevoznikov to 12 years in a general regime colony for deceiving dozens of people with disabilities. Read more here.

The court fined the ex-head physician of the maternity hospital in Mari El after the abduction of a newborn

In October 2021, the former head physician of the perinatal center Nikolai Sushentsov in Yoshkar-Ola, from where the newborn child was previously kidnapped, was fined 80 thousand rubles. This was reported by the press service of the prosecutor's office of the republic. Read more here.

In Novosibirsk, a case was opened after the theft of 6 million rubles from patients of a psychiatric hospital

In Novosibirsk, the investigation of a criminal case on the embezzlement of several million rubles from hospital patients has been completed. This was announced on October 5, 2021 by the press service of the Investigative Department of the Regional Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation. Read more here.

Ex-head physician of the plastic surgery clinic received 6 years in prison for crippling operations

In September 2021, the Meshchansky Court of Moscow sentenced Lev Khitrin, an anesthesiologist at the Medlange plastic surgery clinic in Moscow, to six years in prison. He was found guilty of committing crimes under paragraphs "a," "c" of part 2 and part 3 of Art. 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (provision of services that do not meet safety requirements, resulting in negligence serious harm to health, as well as the death of a person). Read more here.

Doctors of the Children's City Clinical Hospital No. 5 named after N.F. Filatov forgot the needle in the baby's lung, he died

On September 15, 2021, the Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for St. Petersburg announced the initiation of a criminal case in connection with the death of a 1.5-month-old baby who died after being discharged from the Children's City Clinical Hospital No. 5 named after N.F. Filatov. Read more here.

Ex-head of the Ministry of Health of the Altai Territory got off with a suspended sentence for providing medicine to her friend

On August 17, 2021, the Zheleznodorozhny District Court of Barnaul Irina Dolgova in the case of abuse of office (two episodes of part 2 of article 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). She was assigned three years of suspended imprisonment with deprivation of the right to hold positions related to the implementation of organizational, administrative and administrative functions in state bodies for three years. Read more here.

A nurse in Germany replaced the COVID-19 vaccine with salt water, which was injected by 9 thousand people

In early August 2021, it became known that a few months earlier - in April - a nurse from Germany replaced the COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine with saline, and now almost 9,000 people need re-vaccination. Read more here.

Hospital staff arrested for selling beds for seriously ill coronavirus for $21 thousand

At the end of July 2021, the Peruvian police announced that they had liquidated a criminal group that charged $21,000 per bed from seriously ill patients with COVID-19 in a state hospital. This further aggravated the situation with medical care in Peru, which was seriously affected by the pandemic. In mid- 2021, Peru tops the list of countries with the most deaths from coronavirus per 1000,000 people. Read more here.

The chief children's psychiatrist of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in Siberia left the pre-trial detention center on recognizance not to leave

On July 23, 2021, it became known that the chief freelance child psychiatrist of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the Siberian Federal District, the head physician of the Novosibirsk Children's Clinical Neuropsychiatric Dispensary, Valentina Makasheva, left the pre-trial detention center on her own recognizance. At the end of May, she was arrested for two months in the case of embezzlement of 3.3 million rubles. A criminal case was opened against her under Part 4 of Art. 160 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (embezzlement on an especially large scale). Read more here.

The reproductologist of the clinic in Moscow was detained in the case of child trafficking

On July 21, 2021, it became known about the detention of the reproductive doctor and obstetrician-gynecologist of the IVF Center clinic in Moscow, Alena Druzhinina. He is a suspect in a criminal case on the trafficking of children born to surrogate mothers. Read more here.

Hospital in St. Petersburg will pay 2 million rubles for the death of a child from appendicitis

In early June 2021, the Vasileostrovsky District Court of St. Petersburg issued a verdict in the case of the death of a one and a half year old child from acute appendicitis due to untimely treatment. Read more here.

Two doctors of the perinatal center in Volzhsky sentenced to 2 years in prison for the death of a woman in labor

On May 31, 2021, the Volga City Court of the Volgograd Region sentenced two doctors of the Regional Clinical Perinatal Center No. 1 named after L.I. Ushakova in Volzhsky Natalia Andreeva and Elena Popova to two years in a general regime colony for the death of patient Elena Machkalyan four years earlier. Read more here.

The court ordered the Irkutsk perinatal center to pay 1 million rubles to a woman in labor for poor diagnosis of a fetus with a defect

The Irkutsk City Perinatal Center will have to pay a local resident compensation in the amount of 1 million rubles in a claim for improper provision of medical services. The prosecutor's office of the Irkutsk region announced this at the end of May 2021. Read more here.

The former head of department of Minpromtorg which is responsible for the pharmaceutical industry is detained

On May 20, 2021, it became known about the detention of Olga Pokidysheva, deputy head of the pharmaceutical industry development department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Olga Kolotilova, the former head of this department. They are suspected of major fraud. Read more here.

The head of the oncology department in Moscow received a suspended sentence for the resale of drugs for the treatment of cancer

In May 2021, the Lublin District Court of Moscow found the doctors of the oncological dispensary No. 5 of Moscow guilty of reselling drugs for the treatment of cancer. They got off with suspended sentences, although prosecutors asked for real ones. Read more here.

Former head of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan accused of embezzlement of funds during the introduction of an IT system

In early May 2021, the specialized interdistrict investigative court of Nur-Sultan extended the house arrest of the former minister health care Kazakhstan Yelzhan Birtanova until June 14, 2021. More. here

The director of the Phoenix medical center, who forbade calling an ambulance to the famous actor Dmitry Maryanov before his death, was sentenced to 3 years probation

At the end of April 2021, the Lobnensky City Court sentenced the head of the Phoenix rehabilitation center Oksana Mosunov to a 3-year suspended sentence in a criminal case on the provision of services that do not meet the requirements of the safety of life and health of consumers, which inadvertently resulted in the death of actor Dmitry Maryanov. Read more here.

A criminal case was opened against Ivanovo officials on abuse of authority during the construction of an infectious diseases hospital for 2.6 billion rubles

On April 28, 2021, the Investigation Department Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Ivanovo Region announced the initiation of a criminal case on the abuse of official powers at the construction covid hospital in Ivanovo. More. here

Ex-hospital employee received a suspended sentence for stealing money from cards through patients' smartphones

A doctor in the Amur region got off with a suspended sentence for stealing money from cards through patients' smartphones. The corresponding verdict at the end of April 2021 is the Raichikhinsky City Court. Read more here.

A woman in labor in the Sverdlovsk region sued 300 thousand rubles from the hospital for electric shock from medical equipment

On April 21, 2021, the Sverdlovsk Regional Court announced that it had recovered 300 thousand rubles of moral compensation from the Krasnoturyinsky City Hospital in favor of the mother of a newborn child, who was electrocuted in the city maternity hospital. Read more here.

Detention of the head of the Department of Health of the Oryol Region for abuse of office

On April 20, 2021 ICR , the Oryol Region Administration announced the arrest. The head and Ivan Zalogin regional health department one of his subordinates are suspected of obstructing entrepreneurial activity (part 1 of article 169 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, up to three hundred and sixty hours of compulsory work) and exceeding official powers (part 1 of article 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, up to four years in prison). More. here

Woman's death during plastic surgery due to anaesthetic poisoning

As it became known on April 7, 2021, a criminal case was opened in the Moscow region after the death of a woman during plastic surgery. She died due to anesthesia. Read more here.

FAS convicted the Ministry of Health of Bashkiria of collusion in the procurement of ventilators

On April 6, 2021, the Department of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) in the Republic of Bashkortostan announced the participation of the regional Ministry of Health in a conspiracy in the procurement of artificial lung ventilation devices (IVL). Read more here.

Initiation of a case due to the supply of unregistered X-ray scanners worth 28 million rubles

In early April 2021, the prosecutor's office of the Tomsk region announced the initiation of a criminal case due to the supply of unregistered X-ray scanners in the amount of 28 million rubles. Read more here.

Ex-head physician of the pathological bureau in Volgograd sentenced to 9 years in prison for organ substitution

On April 1, 2021, the Dzerzhinsky court of Volgograd sentenced Vadim Kolchenko to 9 years in a strict regime colony and paid a fine of 2.5 million rubles. The former chief physician of the Volgograd regional pathological bureau was found guilty of receiving a bribe on a large scale, forgery and attempted fraud on a large scale. Read more here.

In the Amur region opened a case of fraud in the supply of medical software

In the Amur region, a criminal case was opened on fraud in the supply of medical software. This was reported in the prosecutor's office of the region at the end of March 2021. Read more here.

The chief nephrologist of St. Petersburg confessed to the murder of his missing wife

As it became known on April 1, 2021, the chief nephrologist of St. Petersburg, Alexander Zemchenkov, confessed to the murder of his missing wife. Read more here.

Ex-Minister of Health of Dagestan sentenced to prison for embezzlement of salaries to doctors

In February 2021, the Sovetsky District Court of Makhachkala found Tanka Ibragimov guilty of embezzlement and embezzlement, but released the former Minister of Health of Dagestan from serving his sentence due to the fact that the defendant had served time during detention and house arrest. Read more here.

Former head of the Novosibirsk Research Institute of Tuberculosis Vladimir Krasnov was suspected of embezzling 80 million rubles

In early February 2021, it became known that a criminal case was opened in Novosibirsk on embezzlement during public procurement of the Research Institute of Tuberculosis of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The case is being investigated under Part 4 of Art. 160 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (assignment on an especially large scale) and Art. 174.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (money laundering). Read more here.

Ex-head of the Center for Nuclear Medicine FMBA Oleg Kozin put on the wanted list on suspicion of embezzlement of state funds

As it became known in early February 2021, the Investigative Committee of Russia put on the federal wanted list Oleg Kozin, the former acting director of the Federal Center for the Design and Development of Nuclear Medicine Facilities (FTPiROY, created under the FMBA), as part of a criminal case on fraud on an especially large scale (part 4 of article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Read more here.

2020

AIDS center pharmacist sentenced to 3.5 years probation for embezzlement of drugs for 1 million rubles

On December 23, 2020, the Kirovsky District Court of Ufa found the former head of the pharmacy of the Republican Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases Rauza Shaimardanova guilty of misappropriation of antiviral drugs (part 3 of article 160 of the Criminal Code) and forgery of documents (part 2 of article 327 of the Criminal Code). Read more here.

Former head of the Ministry of Health of the Irkutsk region Natalya Ledyaeva is accused of stealing 25 million rubles in the supply of masks and respirators

On November 30, 2020, the Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Irkutsk Region announced the initiation of a criminal case against the former Minister of Health of the Irkutsk Region Natalia Ledyaeva, suspected of committing a crime under Part 4 of Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fraud committed on an especially large scale). Read more here.

Doctor secretly impregnated hundreds of women

At the end of November 2020, a new NVO documentary was released about the famous American doctor Quincy Fortier, who dealt with infertility problems. He is alleged to have used his own sperm to fertilise unsuspecting female patients. Quincy Fortier was officially the father of 24 children, but his son is confident that he can have "hundreds" of brothers and sisters scattered throughout the country. Read more here.

Siemens Healthineers top manager goes on trial after handing secrets to rival

At the end of November 2020, Siemens Healthineers sued one of its former top managers because it stole trade secrets related to the development of heart catheters. The company claims that its former vice president Anthony Medigo violated a confidentiality agreement when he moved to NuVera Medical, a competitor to Siemens Healthineers. Read more here.

Arrest of the co-founders of "Good Doctor" in the case of embezzlement of funds from the MHIF

On October 19, 2020, the Central District Court of Barnaul ruled to arrest the founders of the Good Doctor clinic network in Barnaul on charges of embezzlement of funds from the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (MHIF). The director of the network, Alexander Trofimov, his deputy, Alexei Kashirin, and the chief physician, Sergei Bogdanov, were detained. Read more here. Read more here.

Ex-head of Sanovas sentenced to 11 years in prison for money laundering

In mid-November 2020, the former president and CEO of Sanovas, a gynecological surgery tool company, was sentenced to more than 11 years (135 months) in prison for wire fraud and money laundering. Read more here.

The head of the Vladimir medical center was arrested for embezzlement of 80 million rubles of state funds during the purchase of servers

On November 11, 2020, the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Vladimir Region announced the initiation of a criminal case against the ex-director of the GBUZ HE "Medical Information and Analytical Center" Ivan Smetanin. He is accused of embezzling 80 million rubles allocated as part of the implementation of the national project "Healthcare." Read more here.

A criminal case was opened in the Oryol region due to the theft of 230 million rubles during the construction of a medical center

The Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Oryol Region in October 2020 opened a criminal case due to the theft of 230 million rubles during the construction of a new building of the multidisciplinary medical center of the regional clinical hospital. Read more here.

Medical institutions in Irkutsk purchased defective masks worth 40 million rubles

On October 13, 2020, the Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee for the Irkutsk Region announced the initiation of a criminal case on the supply of defective medical masks to medical institutions in the region. Read more here.

Prisoners in the Kostroma region repackaged expired medical products, which were supplied to state institutions

In early October 2020, the Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Kostroma Region announced the completion of the investigation of a criminal case against two residents of Kostroma, who are accused of illegal production and sale of falsified medical devices.

According to the investigation, a married couple who worked at an enterprise for the production of medical devices purchased expired bandages from entrepreneurs, which were made in the period 1950-1990. They were given a power of attorney by one of the Kostroma businessmen who did not know what the husband and wife would do.

According to investigators, the wife was friends with an employee of the Federal Penitentiary Service and, on behalf of the entrepreneur, entered into an agreement with colony No. 7 so that the prisoners would repack the old bandages in a new package. It is known that no one in the colony suspected of a criminal business.

Investigators believe that when old bandages turned into new bandages, they were sold around the country at low prices. Moreover, the wife found clients - she had a client base of the enterprise where she worked as a marketer.

It is noted that the falsified goods were sold in bulk to resellers who entered the public procurement site. It was established that the attackers managed to sell these products in the amount of more than 4 million rubles.

The crime was revealed and solved during the joint work of investigators of the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia in the Kostroma region and employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Kostroma region with the participation of employees of the internal security department of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Kostroma region. When conducting investigative actions in the case, including searches, force support was provided by employees of the regional department of the Russian Guard.

The investigation collected a sufficient evidence base, in connection with which the criminal case with the approved indictment was sent to the court for consideration on the merits.^[12]

In Tatarstan, a cartel was opened during the supply of medical equipment

At the end of August 2020, an end was put in the case of the cartel in the market for the supply of medical products and consumables, maintenance of medical equipment in Tatarstan. The Eleventh Arbitration Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Arbitration Court Republic of Tatarstan on the claim of LLC "" against the Renir regional Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (). OFAS More. here

The ex-mayor of Penza was given 6 years in prison for stealing tens of millions from Rostec during the construction of a perinatal center

On August 26, 2020, the Leninsky District Court of Penza sentenced former mayor of the city Alexander Pashkov. He was found guilty of embezzlement of money during the construction of the regional perinatal center. Read more here.

A court in Moscow sentenced fraudsters who sold fake coronavirus tests to suspended sentences

On August 17, the Savelovsky Court of Moscow sentenced fraudsters who sold fake tests for the coronavirus COVID-19 to suspended sentences. Maxim Lavrov, Elvira Kopylova and Ekaterina Lysenkova were found guilty of attempted major fraud, Interfax reports citing the verdict. Read more here.

FAS discovered a cartel in the medical equipment repair market for 260 million rubles

On August 17, 2020, the Novosibirsk Department of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) announced the identification of a large cartel in the market for repair and maintenance services for medical equipment. The regulator recognized Sibmer LLC and Radiation Technology LLC as violators of antimonopoly legislation (companies conspired and supported prices at tenders, acting in the interests of each other) with participation in 89 tenders totaling 260 million rubles. Read more here.

Arrest of the general director of Smart Delta Systems in the case of embezzlement in public procurement in the Tula region

In August 2020, the Basmanny Court of Moscow arrested Alexei Chernousov. The owner and CEO of Smart Delta Systems, a company engaged in the development of medical IT systems, is suspected of complicity in embezzlement in the implementation of the informatization program in the regional health care system (part 5 of article 33 and part 4 of article 160 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Accounts and cars of Smart Delta Systems, SDS Plus and SDS Consulting, owned by Chernousov, have been arrested. Read more here.

Sverdlovsk blood transfusion station fined 2.4 million rubles for cartel conspiracy

On August 13, 2020, it became known about the imposition of a fine on the Regional Blood Transfusion Station located in Yekaterinburg for a cartel conspiracy with Alfa Pharm. Read more here.

In Novosibirsk, revealed cartel during 300 auctions for the supply of medical devices

In early August 2020, a cartel was opened in Novosibirsk during more than 300 auctions for the supply of medical devices. The local department of the antimonopoly service recognized Unilab LLC, Adamant LLC, Adamant TD LLC, Europe LLC, Bashmedsoyuz LLC, Style LLC and Simelab LLC as participants in the conspiracy.

Violations were revealed during tenders for the purchase of medical products in the Kamchatka Territory, the Republic of Buryatia, the Sakhalin Region, the Tyumen Region and other regions. The companies mentioned acted in each other's interests, creating the appearance of competition, which led to a minimum decrease in the initial trading price.

Among other things, the companies participated in tenders for the supply of reagents for the Novosibirsk Regional Clinical Hospital, consumables for the laboratory at the Central Design Bureau of Akademgorodok and various products for the Toguchinsky Central Regional Hospital.

The firms also participated in the procurement of test systems for the Smolensk Center, AIDS reagents for the Korsakov Central District Hospital of Sakhalin, syphilis diagnostic kits in Khakassia and other equipment in various regions of Russia.

The total illegal income of the cartel is estimated at more than 280 million rubles. The case materials were sent by the OFAS to law enforcement agencies to decide on the initiation of a criminal case.

According to Andrei Tenishev, head of the FAS Russia Cartel Control Department, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has spurred a number of companies to sell in violation of the law - price increases in collusion. The trend to reduce collusion, which we recorded in 2019, has come to naught. The number of cases in the pharmaceutical sector in the first half of 2020 increased, he said.

Earlier, Tenishev said, according to the FAS Russia, the supply of drugs, medical devices and equipment is one of the most cartelized in the Russian economy. In this regard, the FAS actively interacts with law enforcement agencies on the identification and suppression of the activities of cartels.^[13]

The head physician of Rostov dentistry was sent to prison for theft of state property

On July 31, 2020, the Rostov Pervomaisky District Court sentenced Oleg Rudensky, chief physician of the Dental Clinic in Rostov-on-Don, who was accused of embezzling state property. Read more here.

Arrest of the Deputy Minister of Health of the Rostov Region in the case of fraud with public procurement

At the end of July 2020, the Leninsky District Court arrested the Deputy Minister of Health of the Rostovskaya Region Stanislav Besedovsky in a criminal case of fraud with public procurement. He was sent to a pre-trial detention center until September 26, before the official was under recognizance not to leave. Read more here.

Arrest of top managers of Kostroma Medical Equipment for the sale of expired ventilators

On July 23, 2020, the Oktyabrsky Court of Vladimir sent under arrest top managers of the Kostroma Medical Equipment company, which supplied enterprises with ventilators that expired 15 years ago. Accused Andrei Gerasimov and Oksana Ryzhova will spend at least two months in jail. Read more here.

Sentenced to an employee of a medical center who deceived 8 thousand patients for 100 million rubles

On July 13, 2020, the first verdict was passed in Khabarovsk in the case of the Ideal pseudo-medical centers, where non-existent diseases were treated. Read more here.

Resuscitator in St. Petersburg sat down for 10 years for raping patients under anesthesia

On July 9, 2020, the Leninsky District Court of St. Petersburg found 60-year-old Armen Hovhannisyan guilty of raping patients at the Yuvent Consulting and Diagnostic Center (CDC), in which he worked as a non-physiologist-resuscitator. According to the investigation, the victims of the doctor's crimes were under the influence of general anesthesia. Read more here.

The court fined 240 million rubles of cartel participants for the supply of medical products in Khakassia

At the end of June 2020, pharmaceutical companies accused of cartel conspiracy in the supply of drugs to Khakassia were fined 240 million rubles. This decision was made by the Arbitration Court of the Moscow District, agreeing with the conclusions of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS). Read more here.

The head physician of the hospital of the Chelyabinsk region received a suspended sentence for the death of a child due to a defective ventilator

On June 30, 2020, the Zlatoust City Court of the Chelyabinsk Region sentenced three doctors of the city hospital No. 2 in Zlatoust, in which a 2-year-old girl died in 2017 due to connection to a defective ventilator. Read more here.

Swindlers detained in Moscow, who withdrew 1 billion rubles from the Russian Federation for the supply of medical equipment

On June 29, 2020, it became known that employees of the Federal Customs Service (FCS) of Russia stopped the activities of a criminal group in Moscow, which withdrew up to 1 billion rubles from the country for the supply of medical equipment. The group members overestimated the cost of equipment when importing, the press service of the department reports.

Since 2016, attackers have been operating on the market of imported medical and cosmetological equipment, which is imported without paying customs duties. Forging foreign trade contracts, members of the criminal group imported ultrasound devices, consoles for life support systems, surgical laser systems through fictitious companies and at inflated prices, the FCS said.

In some cases, the same goods were repeatedly exported abroad at a reduced cost and imported back - with an overvaluation. Members of the criminal group also practiced the import of Chinese medical equipment under the guise of similar European-made goods.

In total, during the period of illegal activity, the attackers used about 50 one-day firms in Russia and abroad and, according to the investigation, brought from 500 million rubles to 1 billion rubles to non-residents, the department said.

One of the episodes of the group's criminal activity was the import under a fake contract in the spring of 2019 into the Moscow region from Latvia of a new carbon dioxide surgical laser system with a cost of about 350 thousand rubles with a declared value of more than 13 million rubles. The goods were subsequently sold with a mark-up. Thus, during this episode, the attackers brought more than 9 million rubles from Russia to Germany.

The operatives also discovered and seized media, one-day company seals and large amounts of cash in rubles, dollars and euros - only about 50 million rubles in equivalent.^[14]

250 million rubles were stolen from the compulsory medical insurance fund in Kuzbass

On June 19, 2020, it became known about the detention of two heads of a network of private medical centers in Kemerovo and Novokuznetsk, who are suspected of embezzling more than 250 million rubles from the territorial compulsory health insurance fund (compulsory medical insurance) by reimbursing the costs of actually not provided services. Read more here.

A criminal case was opened against the employees of the Smolensk Department of Health after the procurement of 17 medical complexes for 95 million rubles

In mid-June 2020, the Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Smolensk Region announced the initiation of another criminal case against employees of the regional Health Department. They are suspected of "unfair and negligent attitude towards the service" when concluding a contract for the supply of 17 mobile medical complexes in the amount of over 95 million rubles. Read more here.

She performed plastic surgery at home without a diploma disfigured 10 patients

On June 15, 2020, it became known about the death of false surgeon Alena Verdi, who was suspected of conducting illegal plastic surgery. Read more here.

Director of Nizhny Novgorod dentistry went to prison for the death of a 23-year-old patient

On June 10, 2020, the director of the Aibolit Nizhny Novgorod dental clinic, Vladimir Prokhorov, was sentenced to 3.5 years in a general regime correctional colony for the death of a 23-year-old patient. The court found the doctor guilty of providing services that do not meet safety requirements (clause "c" part 2 of article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Read more here.

Hospital in Vladimir purchased 50 ventilators overdue for 15 years

On April 22, 2020, it became known that the City Hospital No. 6 of Vladimir purchased 50 PHASE-5 NR artificial lung ventilation devices expired for 15 years for its infectious diseases department, intended for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. This was reported in the regional prosecutor's office based on the results of the audit. Read more here.

Practice Fusion received kickbacks for setting up software to recommend painkillers

In early March 2020, Practice Fusion, an electronic medical record (EMR) provider, agreed to pay a $145 million fine. Practice Fusion has received kickbacks from a major opioid drugmaker for setting up software with pain medication recommendations, leading to several overdoses. Read more here.

American medical institutions lost $157 million due to ransomware viruses

In mid-February 2020, it became known that American medical institutions in five years lost $157 million due to more than 170 ransomware attacks.

These are the findings of Comparitech researchers, who believe that even these figures only superficially reflect the true costs. The fact is that not all reports indicate the type of cyber attacks, so it is not yet possible to assess the real spread of ransomware viruses. The researchers note that medical institutions do not want to disseminate information about the paid ransom so as not to become a victim of ransomware again. However, concealment of such important information in the long term can adversely affect, since researchers and cybersecurity experts cannot assess the real threat.

Since 2016 health care USA , 172 cyber attacks ransomware viruses have been committed at the organization, affecting 1,446 hospitals, clinics and medical institutions, as well as 6,649,713 patients. These data do not take into account many minor violations affecting less than 500 people, since such cases are rarely disclosed to the public. The main costs are for simple expensive equipment and are estimated at $240.8 million.

Another rarely disclosed indicator is the amount requested by hackers. They usually require from $1,600 to $14 million, and it is believed that since 2016, hackers have earned at least $640,000 of the $16.48 million requested. The ransom was paid in 16 of the 172 attacks. However, it should be borne in mind that only publicly available data is provided here, and most organizations do not want to disclose such information. Comparitech says 21 medical organizations admitted paying the ransom, but only seven of them disclosed the amount.^[15]

Thousands of embryos found in garage of owner of abortion clinics

In mid-February 2020, Indiana carried out a mass burial of more than 2,400 remains of embryos found in 2019 in the garage of an Illinois doctor who performed abortions. Read more here.

2019

The heads of suppliers of medical devices were punished for creating a cartel in working with hospitals in Karelia

At the end of December 2019, the Moscow District Court of St. Petersburg sentenced the heads of medical device suppliers Nikamed LLC, Medlon LLC and Medlon-DV LLC Lida Radchenko, Anastasia Bragina and Olga Pobedennaya, who were accused of creating a cartel in working with hospitals in Karelia. Read more here.

US authorities cover Medtronic and don't report CoreValve deaths

At the end of December 2019, Kaiser Health News published the results of an investigation that showed  that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a closed database of deaths associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement devices (TAVR) Coretalve Medtronic and Sapien Edwards Lifesciences. Read more here.

Obstetrician-gynecologist Jomo Maturin goes to prison for filming on camera hidden in glasses

In December 2019, a 49-year-old obstetrician-gynaecologist Jomo Maturin who worked at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill Britain was detained for 14 months. The man secretly filmed his sexual encounters with patients and staff on a camera hidden in glasses. After one of his victims went to the police, he was charged. More. here

Health Minister detained in medical waste disposal case

On November 28, 2019, it became known about the detention of the Minister of Health of the Rostov Region Tatyana Bykovskaya. She is charged with Article 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, abuse of power, TASS reports the Russian Information Agency, citing sources in law enforcement agencies in the region. Read more here.

A fraudster was detained in Moscow, who promised a contract for the supply of equipment worth 2 billion rubles to medical institutions

In November 2019, it became known about the detention in Moscow of a fraudster who promised entrepreneurs the supply of medical equipment without tenders. Read more here.

US authorities hide patients' deaths

In mid-November 2019, it became known that the US authorities cover manufacturers of medical equipment, allowing them to hide real data on patient deaths.

The StarTribune article says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a summary report on four deaths related to the left atrial ear occluder manufactured by Boston Scientific.

However, this report contains virtually no data on the adverse events that led to the death of patients, nor on the study in which they were identified. Instead, links are given to a spreadsheet that regulators have refused to open.

By the time the material is published, the regulator still allows the provision of data on deaths in this form, although in June 2019 it was forbidden for manufacturers to submit "alternative summary reports on adverse events." Medtech companies have exploited this loophole in legislation to hide more than 1.1 million adverse events from the public.

The StarTribune found out that the FDA is using another, closed summary of adverse events, although it understands that such exceptions allow you to hide important facts.

In addition, it turned out that if an external legal entity conducts market surveillance, the medical manufacturer is generally not obliged to provide all the details necessary to compile a complete adverse event report, including the name of the patient or person who reported the event. However, if the manufacturer has received this information, he must submit it to the regulator.

Boston Scientific, in turn, claims to take patient safety and any potential complications seriously and to provide complete reports on unwanted events according to established criteria. All adverse events, including deaths related to Boston Scientific's left atrial ear occluder, are tracked in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry, the company spokesman added. Monitoring of such events is included in the plan approved by the regulatory authorities for analyzing the supervision of registration of cardioimplants. The national registry was created and monitored by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), so all data is available to ACC physicians who can use or publish it in any form without the consent of Boston Scientific.

We are only given access to a specific subset of data in the registry, and we only learn about complaints by exporting data from the registry database quarterly, a spokesman for Boston Scientific said. - The data that the manufacturer receives is limited and not identified, and we do not have the opportunity to obtain additional information. If the complaint meets the reporting criteria established by the regulatory authorities, we provide all information received to the relevant authorities. All other device-related events but not recorded in the National Register are investigated and submitted to regulatory authorities on a case-by-case basis in accordance with established regulations

A spokesman added that Boston Scientific follows a "rigorous internal monitoring and audit system that ensures our devices are regularly evaluated. In addition, the company conducts post-marketing studies and monitors results obtained in real clinical conditions. "

However, the public adverse event database contains information on more than 40 occluder-related deaths that was not included in the summary report.^[16]

Radiologist to pay $11.5m for undiagnosed illness that led to cardiac arrest

In early June 2019, it became known that the parents of a girl from Framingham, Massachusetts, who filed a lawsuit against a radiologist at Newton Wellesley Hospital, were awarded compensation in the amount of $11.5 million. The radiologist was unable to identify myocarditis in time, which caused cardiac arrest and irreversible brain damage. Read more here.

Cardiologist will pay $5.8 million for unnecessary installation of stents to patients

In early June 2019, American cardiologist Dr. Joseph Galichia pledged to pay $5.8 million as a fine for conducting unnecessary stenting procedures. In addition, the court imposed a three-year ban on the participation of this cardiologist in any federal health programs. Read more here.

A group of false doctors who deceived patients for 1 billion rubles was arrested in Russia

On May 21, 2019, it became known about the detention in Russia of a group of false doctors who deceived patients for 1 billion rubles. Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs stopped the activities of a large-scale network of fictitious medical clinics, the press service of the department said.

False doctors tricked pensioners into paying for expensive treatment. Moreover, they did not provide any help, and the diagnoses were made fake. More than 11 thousand people became victims of fraud.

Employees of call centers controlled by the organizer, entering into confidence in citizens, urged to undergo an examination. And then the workers of these institutions, who do not have special medical education, misled the elderly about the presence of diseases in them, which require urgent and expensive treatment. To pay for fictitious medical services, the victims were persuaded to issue loans for amounts of up to 500 thousand rubles, - said the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Irina Volk.

She added that police officers with the participation of the Russian Guard in Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Chuvash Republic, Vladimir, Kaluga, Ryazan and Yaroslavl regions conducted over 50 searches in residential premises and offices. Law enforcement officers seized money, equipment and mobile phones, accounting documents.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs also established that a previously convicted foreigner was in charge of the network. In a criminal case of fraud, 25 people were detained. Measures to identify all those involved in illegal activities continue by May 21, 2019.

Earlier, employees of the Department of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Ulyanovsk Region revealed a similar scheme. Then the law enforcement agencies suspected employees of four private clinics of fraud. According to investigators, they made non-existent diagnoses to patients and forced them to take loans for treatment.^[17]

How hospitals stage shenanigans with da Vinci robotic surgeons

In mid-April 2019, Taiwan's national health insurance authority accused several hospitals of fraud - they overestimated in reports the number of operations carried out using robotic surgical platforms da Vinci production. Intuitive Surgical More. here

The husband sued 0.5 million rubles in a clinic in Moscow for IVF using the sperm of his wife's lover

In April 2019, it became known about the court decision, according to which the court ordered one of the Moscow clinics to pay about half a million rubles for dishonest IVF. The medical center used the sperm of the wife's lover instead of the biomaterial of the spouse. Read more here.

IVF doctor impregnated 49 patients with his sperm without their knowledge

In mid-April 2019, it became known that the Dutch reproductive doctor Jan Karbaat, who died in 2017 at the age of 89, used his sperm for IVF to fertilize at least 49 women without their consent. Read more here.

Government reveals $1.2 billion telehealth scam scheme

In early April 2019, the US government revealed one of the largest fraudulent schemes in the healthcare sector: charges of embezzlement of $1.2 billion were brought against 24 employees providing telemedicine services.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Brace Yourself, was successfully completed thanks to close cooperation and coordination between the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Tax Office's criminal investigations division. Charges were brought against the CEOs and others in charge of five telemedicine companies, the owners of dozens of durable medical device companies and three licensed medical professionals. The Health Services Assurance Center (CMS) has also initiated "adverse administrative actions" against 130 medical device providers that have applied for more than $1.7 billion in telemedicine services.

These defendants - from company executives to doctors - were allegedly involved in a wide-ranging fraud involving the use of telemedicine technology. The fraudulent scheme involved medical device companies paying illegal kickbacks and bribes to doctors in exchange for assigning various telemedicine funds to patients who do not need them through preferential provision by the insurance company Medicare.

The scam is believed to have been conducted on the basis of a telemarketing network in which hundreds of thousands of elderly and/or disabled patients from the US, Philippines and across Latin America were lured into a criminal scheme by call centers. At the same time, treatment was prescribed on the basis of a short telephone conversation with patients whom the bribed doctors never met or examined.

The illegally obtained income was laundered through international shell firms.^[18]

2018

24.5% of doctors in Russia received instructions from their superiors to impose paid services

On December 10, 2018, the results of a study conducted by the All-Russian Popular Front (ONF) on the availability of medical services in Russia were published. About 4 thousand health workers were interviewed, including 3.5 thousand doctors from 85 regions.

Almost a quarter (24.5%) of respondents admitted that in 2018 they faced informal orders from the management of state clinics to offer paid medical services to patients. In some regions, the share of health workers whom the authorities force to impose medical care on patients for money is even higher - for example, the Lipetsk region is about 50%, in Murmansk and Vologda - about 40%, RBC reports.

This is a very common phenomenon associated with a lack of funding, "Andrei Konoval, co-chairman of the Action health workers union, told the publication.

According to him, the reason for the problem was the need for administrators to comply with presidential decrees on the growth of staff salaries.

19.8% of respondents are aware of cases of imposing paid services. 57.6% of respondents believe that the share of paid medical services in public hospitals and clinics in 2018 increased. The opposite opinion is shared by 7.2%, the rest do not think that their number has changed.

According to the ONF, the volume of paid assistance in state clinics is growing due to a shortage of personnel and low compulsory medical insurance tariffs. 63.5% of health workers agreed with the latest statement.

45.8% of doctors surveyed concluded that the level of quality of care in commercial clinics is higher than in state ones. 37.5% of doctors are sure that the quality of care in commercial and public hospitals is the same.

According to Rosstat, in  2016 the market for paid medical services in public and private clinics amounted to 572 billion rubles.^[19] 

US radiologist gets 10 years in prison for prescribing unnecessary MRI procedures

On June 19, 2018, a radiologist from Beverly Hills (California, USA) was sentenced to 10 years in prison for 39 cases of fraud. Ronald Grusd illegally received money from the California Imaging Network Medical Group and Willows Consulting for MRT and ultrasound imaging services that were unreasonably prescribed to patients by doctors of these companies. The cost of all fraudulent services, according to the trial, amounted to more than $22 million. Read more here.

Corruption

• Corruption (fraud, bribes): Russia and the world

Notes