Sizova Elena Petrovna

Sizova Elena Petrovna

Biography

2024: Detention on fraud charges

In September 2024, it became known about the detention of Elena Sizova, chief physician of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Republic of Tatarstan, on charges of large-scale fraud. The investigation suspects Sizova of involvement in illegal schemes related to the distribution of tenders for multimillion-dollar contracts. The case caused a wide public outcry in the republic.

Sizova's detention took place as part of an investigation that began after the arrest of 55-year-old businessman Gleb Polyakov in June 2024. Polyakov, one of the key contractors of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology, testified in which he spoke about the long-term scheme of fraud during tenders for the supply of equipment and reagents for the center. In particular, one of the controversial transactions was a contract for the supply of reagents at a price inflated by 8 times, which led to damage in the amount of ₽1,6 million.

According to the investigation, Sizova, using her official position, contributed to Polyakov's victory in competitions, the conditions of which were specially adapted to his interests. For this, the entrepreneur paid rewards known as "kickbacks." In total, we are talking about contracts worth more than ₽65 million, which the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology concluded with Polyakov's firms.

After two months in jail, Polyakov began to actively cooperate with the investigation and testified against Sizova, which led to her detention and charges. According to the investigation, the fraudulent actions of the head of the center may be associated with even more suspicious contracts, and the case may expand.

The Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Republic of Tatarstan, headed by Elena Sizova, is a key division of Rospotrebnadzor in the republic. The center is responsible for a wide range of tasks, from water and air quality control to supervision of businesses and public places. The center played a particularly significant role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, organizing mass testing and monitoring compliance with quarantine measures. In the past 12 months, the center has become a customer of government contracts totaling ₽319 million, making it a major player in the public procurement system.^[1]

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