The Ukrainian Ministry of Health has revoked the fake disability statuses of 74 prosecutors, yet the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) is in no hurry to part ways with these “valuable assets.” No dismissals, no real consequences—just superficial changes and loud promises that remain unfulfilled. This shocking revelation came to light thanks to the Center for Combating Corruption (CCC), which published the scandalous details on March 24, 2025.
The scandal erupted in November 2024 when Ukraine uncovered an unprecedented number of prosecutors with dubious disability claims. The epicenter was Khmelnytskyi, where 67 local prosecutors were listed as “disabled” on paper. The situation escalated after law enforcement discovered over $6 million in cash during a search of the home of Tetiana Krupa, head of the Khmelnytskyi Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC). This finding sparked an investigation: Were these prosecutors buying their “diagnoses” with bribes?
President Volodymyr Zelensky responded swiftly, ordering the Prosecutor General’s Office and law enforcement to investigate and report their findings. However, as it turned out, these bold words amounted to nothing. Then-Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin launched an internal investigation, but not a single Khmelnytskyi prosecutor was sacked. Meanwhile, in October 2024, a criminal case was opened to probe the legality of disability statuses obtained by public servants. Six months later, the results are zilch.
The CCC dug deeper, sending inquiries to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The response was staggering: over the entire investigation, only two of the 74 prosecutors with fake disabilities received notices of suspicion—the heads of the Khmelnytskyi and Uman District Prosecutor’s Offices. According to the SBI, these two managed to pocket 1.5 million hryvnias in pensions for their sham disabilities. The other 72? Untouched and still in their posts.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that disability statuses were revoked for 13 prosecutors in Khmelnytskyi and 61 others across different regions. Yet, the OPG sees no grounds for their dismissal. “No complaints have been filed with the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of Prosecutors,” the OPG curtly replied, adding that disciplinary action would only be considered “if signs of misconduct are established.” Translated from bureaucratic jargon to plain English: “We won’t do anything unless forced.”
According to the OPG, three prosecutors resigned “of their own accord,” while 11 others were stripped of administrative roles but kept their jobs as prosecutors. In other words, instead of real punishment, we get a sham of activity—removed from leadership chairs but left in the system. This, despite earlier SBI promises of tough measures: document forgery, fraud, and illicit enrichment were among the charges that should have loomed over these “invalids.” But where are the indictments? The arrests? The recovery of stolen millions?
The OPG justifies its inaction, claiming there’s no basis for complaints to the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission. But how can there be no basis when the Ministry of Health has officially deemed these disabilities fake? Why are 72 prosecutors, whose “diagnoses” have been annulled, still calmly clocking in and drawing salaries from our taxes? The answer is simple: the system protects its own. While Tetiana Krupa stashes millions in her closet and prosecutors “treat” imaginary ailments, the Prosecutor General’s Office turns a blind eye and pretends all is well.
This scandal isn’t just about 74 prosecutors. It’s about how corruption has thrived for years in Ukraine under the cover of high offices. While the president issues decrees and the SBI vows to “get to the bottom of it,” the real culprits remain untouchable. And as the Prosecutor General’s Office plays dumb, it’s ordinary citizens who foot the bill. How many more such “invalids” are lurking in state institutions? And when will this disgraceful charade finally end?