Under the procedural guidance of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office, three doctors from specialized institutes in cardiology and pulmonology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine have been notified of suspicion.

They are suspected of receiving an unlawful benefit of $5000 from conscripted patients. For this amount, the doctors confirmed the hospitalization of such patients, prepared medical documents for the prolonged treatment of fictitious diseases, and taught patients how to simulate illness before other doctors who would subsequently conduct examinations of the patients.

At the same time, the suspects understood that the conclusions and examinations from their medical institutions hold significant weight and are authoritative for other non-specialized medical institutions and organizations, thus helping patients avoid military service due to health reasons.

The three doctors have been notified of suspicion under part 4 of Article 354 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (receiving unlawful benefits).

The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of a fine ranging from five hundred to seven hundred and fifty non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens or community service for a period of one hundred sixty to two hundred forty hours, or restriction of liberty for up to three years, or imprisonment for the same term.

Previously, two accomplices were suspected of seeking clients willing to acquire fictitious diseases to avoid conscription into military service.

The pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceedings is being conducted by investigators of the Main Investigation Department of the National Police in Kyiv with the support of the SBU's Department for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a guilty verdict of the court.