Vinnytsia MSEK mass-issued disability certificates

The Vinnytsia MSEK created a system of mutual cover-up based on the distribution of disability groups among local officials. 

On 19 December, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a decision to liquidate the system of medical and social expert commissions (MSEKs), which had become widely known due to numerous scandals. A key moment preceding this decision was a high-profile scandal involving Tatiana Krupa, head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional MSEK. 

Law enforcement officers found huge sums of cash in her apartment, totalling approximately 134 million hryvnia. Only after this did the government acknowledge that the medical and social expertise system in Ukraine was outdated and did not meet modern standards for establishing disability. Consequently, starting from the new year, MSEKs are to be replaced by 1,348 expert commissions across Ukraine.

Realising the inevitability of changes, local authorities began acting in advance. Some regions, such as Chernihiv, Lviv, and Khmelnytskyi, opted for the liquidation of MSEKs, while others, including the Vinnytsia region, decided to merge MSEKs with other state institutions. The Vinnytsia Regional Council adopted a decision to reorganise the local centre for medical and social expertise and integrate it into other structures.

A distinctive feature of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre for Medical and Social Expertise is that it is a state institution which, according to its charter, is subordinate to the regional council. This factor led to a constant conflict between the regional council and the regional administration.

Particular attention in the investigation is paid to Yulia Danilenko, head of the Vinnytsia MSEK, who was a trusted representative of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and, like Tatiana Krupa, found herself at the centre of a scandal. According to sources from "Glavkom", her structure became one of the key players in the granting of disability status.

Nevertheless, following criticism and pressure from the public and media, local authorities began reorganising the centre. This reorganisation did not proceed without resistance: a parliamentary commission temporarily halted the process, citing insufficient preparation of the project. However, a few days later, the reorganisation was completed.

Yulia Danilenko, like other MSEK heads, raised many questions, especially given her personal financial achievements. She was recognised as one of the wealthiest heads among MSEKs. Danilenko has held her position since December 2022 and remained in this role without changes since 2014.

An important part of the MSEK system was the activity of Viktor Vlasuk, former head of the Vinnytsia MSEK, who left a significant mark on the local medical system and actively participated in the processes of disability distribution.

The conflict surrounding Vlasuk and his influence on the system continue even after his departure from the position. Although Vlasuk no longer holds a leadership position, his assets and business remained a source of discussion. He continues to conduct legal proceedings with the MSEK, demanding compensation for unpaid wages.

In addition, recently the Vinnytsia region has attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies regarding a scheme for the illegal registration of disability for those liable for military service. Court proceedings, as well as investigations, continue to uncover corrupt schemes involving local officials.

It should also be noted that Vlasuk and Danilenko are connected not only professionally but also in business: they are the founders of the company "Sunny Farmers", which is engaged in electricity production.