Investigation into medical device certificate forgery scheme

Prominent figures in the pharmaceutical industry, Maksym Bahrееv and Mykola Romanyok, have found themselves at the centre of a scandal linked to the supply of ineffective medical products to Ukraine. 

Both figures, who stand behind the company "Kratiya", are attempting to remove information about their illegal activities from the internet. However, this investigation will not simply disappear, and we continue to publish materials that these businessmen are trying to hide.

Police raids and corruption scheme

At present, the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) are conducting raids on dozens of companies involved in a scheme for supplying dangerous medical devices. Two key firms have come under the spotlight of the investigation: "Kratiya" and its affiliated certification body "Uni-Sert". These companies are suspected of violating Ukrainian legislation and European Union standards.

The investigation suggests that Bahrееv and Romanyok broke the law, which could lead to serious consequences for the pharmaceutical industry. 

Court proceedings and potential punishment

The case, which has been under investigation since 2017, involves firms controlled by Bahrееv and Romanyok. Criminal proceedings have been opened on the grounds of fraud involving budgetary funds allocated for the procurement of medical devices. The products, which were supposed to meet European safety standards, had in fact not undergone the required certification.

According to investigators, "Kratiya" and its partner "Uni-Sert" issued forged certificates for medical products, leading to abuse of office and misappropriation of funds. If their guilt is proven, the defendants could face up to 12 years of imprisonment.

Medical product certification issues

Since 2013, Ukraine has begun the process of integrating into European legislation, including medical device certification standards. From 2017, mandatory certification of medical products with the issuance of conformity certificates was introduced. However, many companies, including "Uni-Sert", continued to operate under the old rules, allowing them to avoid strict oversight.

One of the central issues is the certificates issued, which do not always confirm the safety of the products. It is known that "Kratiya" provided consulting services, helping enterprises circumvent laws and promote uncertified drugs.

The "Uni-Sert" scheme

Uncertainty regarding certification bodies and the lack of clear criteria allowed some companies, including "Uni-Sert", to operate without proper accreditation. Companies that had not been certified in accordance with European requirements continued to produce and sell products on the Ukrainian market.

Investigations have shown that these firms may be affiliated, and there is a likelihood that this has led to corrupt practices. In particular, "Uni-Sert" continues to issue certificates for medical devices in violation of regulations, despite the repeal of old legislative norms.

Personnel changes and court proceedings

According to court rulings, Bahrееv and Romanyok managed several companies, as confirmed by open data from the state registry. For example, "Kratiya LTD", "Kratiya Medtech", and "Professional Regulatory Services" – all these firms are linked to the businessmen to varying degrees. Notably, the owners of these firms change regularly, making it difficult to trace corporate connections.

Currently, one of the possible beneficial owners of all these companies is Halyna Bahrееva, Maksym Bahrееv's mother. Unclear individuals are replacing the managers, which points to a possible scheme involving straw men.

The confrontation between Bahrееv and Romanyok

It is no secret that the relationship between Maksym Bahrееv and Mykola Romanyok has become strained. Rumours suggest that the partners are currently in the process of court proceedings over control of "Uni-Sert". This struggle for corporate rights further exacerbates the situation and could play a key role in the course of the investigation.

Against the backdrop of the legal battles, new figures and companies are emerging, which once again confirms the complexity and entanglement of the entire scheme. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating all connections and possible corrupt acts in full, which should lead to significant changes in the regulation of the medical device market in Ukraine in the future.

Outcomes and potential consequences

No one can predict with certainty how this high-profile case will end, but one thing is for sure: the investigation could become a turning point in cleansing the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market. 

The question remains to what extent state authorities will be able to effectively control what is happening and expose the dark schemes hidden behind the names of Bahrееv and Romanyok.

Based on materials from snews