Mykola Kuzma and nuclear cyclotrons: it became known who controls medical procurement in wartime conditions

Journalists verified the information that tenders are turning into corruption conspiracies where faulty equipment is purchased.

The topic of nuclear facilities and cyclotrons in Ukraine amidst the war raises many questions and emotions. Is it safe to invest billions of hryvnias in such projects when the country is fighting for its existence? Is this truly the best time, when hospitals are barely managing the flow of wounded? But the worst part is that the huge funds allocated for the purchase of equipment remain unused for years. Talks about how tenders turn into corruption conspiracies where faulty equipment is purchased frighten even the most optimistic citizens.

This is written by "Bagnet".

Cyclotrons are high-tech equipment that is supposed to treat cancer patients. However, instead of providing help, they become symbols of bureaucracy, corruption, and irresponsibility. The state allocates billions for the purchase of these devices. But, as often happens, officials forget about the key aspects — safety, infrastructure, and personnel training.

Questions arise: can a war-torn country ensure the safety of such objects? Are they protected from shelling and power outages? And what will happen if, due to human negligence or an enemy attack, such installations become a source of radiation threat?

The emotional shock is compounded by stories of tenders amidst the war, where the winners are known corrupt individuals, and the equipment remains faulty or unconnected. Journalist Oleh Dayneko, host of the project "Anti-Mafiya", investigates one such individual, Mykola Kuzma.

Threats and challenges of building nuclear facilities during the war

Amidst the war, Ukraine faces critical questions regarding the feasibility of investing in building new nuclear facilities, particularly medical facilities that use cyclotron installations for cancer treatment. These projects require significant financial investments, such as 1 billion hryvnias for the purchase of cyclotrons, but there are several risks.

Firstly, high corruption vulnerability in the procurement process. The document mentioned by the host provides examples of corruption schemes in medical procurement, particularly in the interests of companies associated with Mykola Kuzma, who uses pricing inflation schemes for equipment. For example, past projects that were not implemented are noted, where the purchased equipment was never put into operation due to improper configuration or incomplete room construction.

Who is Mykola Kuzma?

Mykola Kuzma is a figure who plays a significant role in the field of medical procurement in Ukraine, particularly in projects related to nuclear cyclotron installations. However, his activities are accompanied by serious corruption suspicions, raising many questions about the transparency and feasibility of such procurement, especially during the war.

Kuzma and his companies often participate in state tenders, particularly for the supply of medical equipment. This includes procurements related to cyclotron installations used for cancer treatment. However, these tenders are accompanied by scandals since the purchased equipment is often not connected or doesn’t work due to infrastructure problems or because it was purchased in non-working condition.

These are the addresses of individuals involved in the process of agreeing on the tender for creating a nuclear medicine center.

One of the most notorious cases is the suspicion of price inflation for cyclotron installations and corruption schemes during tender processes. Companies linked to Kuzma are suspected of manipulating state procurements, resulting in significant budget losses. Furthermore, there is a serious security threat due to inadequate preparation of facilities for cyclotron placement, which could lead to radiation leaks or other catastrophic consequences.

Mykola Kuzma: The man who controls medical procurement and tender manipulation risks

Ukraine faces dangerous consequences of corruption in medical procurement, with Mykola Kuzma as the main figure in this story. He controls billion investments in cyclotron installations for cancer treatment. However, frequent scandals around his companies indicate inflated prices and non-working equipment. Such manipulations expose the state to losses and even danger.

In response to a lawyer’s request dated 22.07.2024, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported an investigation concerning several companies associated with Mykola Kuzma. Among them are LLC "Protech Solutions Ukraine", LLC "Kind Interstukh Kyiv", LLC "Universal. Medical Equipment", LLC "Innovatek Med", and LLC "Health Design". All these companies participate in state procurements and, according to preliminary data, show signs of a criminal conspiracy.

The investigation found that these firms are controlled by one person, allowing them to manipulate prices and deliberately inflate them, embezzling state funds. Particularly noteworthy is the involvement of international companies such as "ProtechSolutions Switzerland AG" in schemes involving the appropriation of state resources.

As part of criminal proceedings under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine regarding embezzlement and misappropriation of property, suspicions have already been raised against the heads of these companies. The pre-trial investigation continues, aiming to clarify the details of this conspiracy and hold the guilty parties accountable.

This situation underscores the importance of transparency in state procurements and combating corruption, as abuses of office affect not only budget funds but also the quality of medical services for citizens.

However, despite all these accusations, Kuzma remains an active market participant, and his connections with influential individuals allow him to avoid responsibility. This case is a vivid example of how corruption can impede the development of important medical initiatives and threaten people’s lives.

Flaws and equipment problems

The cyclotrons mentioned in the journalist’s investigation require specialized facilities, enhanced protection, and qualified personnel. However, under wartime conditions, such conditions become problematic. Besides financial costs, operating cyclotrons requires stable infrastructure: uninterrupted power supply, cooling systems, and radiation protection. Yet the question arises: is it safe to operate such facilities in cities like Lviv, Kyiv, or Kryvyi Rih, where there is a constant threat of shelling?

Corruption schemes and international experiences

The names of individuals associated with corruption scandals in the medical procurement sector, particularly Mykola Kuzma and his controlled companies, have surfaced. The journalist cites an example of international experience when improper installation of cyclotrons in Kazakhstan led to a radiation leak. This proves that without proper technical control, similar projects pose real threats to the population and the country’s reputation.

Thus, reasonable conclusions suggest that investing billions in such projects during wartime appears risky. A thorough analysis of feasibility and transparency in procurement processes and project implementation controls is needed. Without the appropriate infrastructure and safety guarantees, the operation of nuclear facilities can have serious consequences for society.

It is worth noting that despite all the issues concerning the matter and difficulties the tender has been announced, and the project’s implementation promises unexpected consequences.

In these challenging times, the country must focus resources on helping the population, supporting the army, and restoring the economy. However, the reality seems quite different — billions of hryvnias are spent on dubious projects, and the medical system remains on the verge of survival. Every Ukrainian deserves honesty and responsibility from those who govern the country, especially regarding the life and health of citizens.

Medical cyclotrons in Ukraine have become a symbol of bureaucracy and corruption, where all procurements are controlled by one person — Mykola Kuzma. Funds are allocated for projects that often remain non-working or unconnected, leading to significant budget losses. Scandals surrounding such tenders indicate the need for strict control. The recent example of a scandal with Siemens in the US, where the company was fined for participating in corruption schemes, should serve as a warning to suppliers in Ukraine to prevent a similar situation.