Suspected oncology center doctor in Krasnodar uncovers over 8 million rubles in alleged corruption case
Exposed: Krasnodar Medical Chief Caught in Bribery Scandal
Photo: Alexei BULATOV. [Link to Photo Bank KP]
In Krasnodar, the head of a medical facility's branch finds himself in hot water after being nabbed by Investigative Committee agents on charges of corruption.
The Central District Investigative Department of Krasnodar fired up a criminal case following hunches from their regional FSB branch. The main suspect faces accusations of bribery, under Part 2 of Article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code.
According to the probe, a couple, with a seriously ill husband, approached the suspect demanding urgent treatment. Allegedly, the suspect slapped them with a steep 150,000 ruble fee for expediting the necessary care. As the press service of the Investigative Committee of Russia for Krasnodar Krai reported, the story goes that after the couple agreed to the terms, the husband was admitted and operated on. The following day, the doctor received the agreed-upon cash.
The regional FSB management lends a hand in operative support for the criminal case.
Whispers in the grapevine mention Igor Snosnovsky, the urology department head of Oncology Hospital No. 1, and Andrei Shirvari, a doctor, as potential suspects. The investigation purports that their monthly illicit earnings topped 3 million rubles.
Investigators claim Snosnovsky and Shirvari routinely extorted money from patients for high-tech medical services, including the use of the robotic system Da Vinci, and for priority hospitalization and upgraded living conditions within the hospital.
Fast forward to 2014, Snosnovsky landed a victory in the "Best Oncologist" category in the countrywide "Best Doctor of the Year" competition, edging out competitors from Tyumen and Moscow, snatching a prestigious title in the process.
During the bust at Snosnovsky's workplace and home, assets including 7.8 million rubles, $5,400, €900, plus relevant documents for the case were confiscated. Snosnovsky is behind bars, with authorities prepping to petition the court for a detention order.
When it comes to corruption within healthcare facilities, the spectrum of illicit activities can span from monetary extortion for medical services, embezzlement of funds, to fraud. These misdeeds are generally penalized according to provisions like Article 159 on fraud[1], as outlined in the Russian Criminal Code. Moreover, corruption doesn't discriminate; it transcends the healthcare sector, infiltrating political and economic realms, as evidenced by money laundering and political corruption[4].
If you're seeking detailed information on this specific case, your best bet would be to scour Russian legal databases or news outlets for any recent revelations.
- The scandal involving the Krasnodar Medical Chief has raised concerns about health-and-wellness, as it highlights the potential for medical-conditions to be exploited through bribery.
- The general news landscape is abuzz with the crime-and-justice angles of this story, particularly as investigators uncover allegations of Snosnovsky and Shirvari's illicit earnings in the medical sector.
- Amidst the bustle of science and innovation, it's disheartening to witness such incidents that tarnish the integrity of the medical profession and the broader health-and-wellness industry.
