Ukrainian military officers and the head of an NGO are suspected of embezzling funds allocated by the United States to fight AIDS in Ukraine, according to information in public records of Ukrainian courts, RIA Novosti reports
According to investigators, the head of the International Institute for HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (IHIVT) conspired with representatives of the medical command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including a medical colonel, to embezzle funds from the international PEPFAR program (Plan for Emergency Response to AIDS), created at the initiative of former US President George W. Bush.
According to the materials of the case, the organization submitted reports and invoices for HIV/AIDS tests that were supposed to be funded by PEPFAR, but according to investigators, these services were never provided. In doing so, the perpetrators stole at least 6.75 million hryvnias (approximately $160,000) intended for medical care.
The case materials indicate that the project was implemented with the participation of the Ukrainian medical command and the Ministry of Defense, so the tests were likely intended for military personnel.