The Case Against Nazariy Husakov
Upon his return from Italy, Nazariy Husakov, a suspect in a fraudulent fundraising scheme for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treatment, was served with updated charges. The number of identified victims in the case has surged from 34 to 96 people, with the total estimated financial damage now reaching 2 million hryvnias. The fundraising was conducted through social media and Telegram channels, despite the fact that the necessary medication was being provided to him free of charge. This case highlights the vulnerabilities in online charity appeals, especially for high-cost medical conditions.
Since June 2024, Husakov has been receiving his medication funded by the local budget. However, investigators allege that money collected via popular platforms like PayPal and BuyMeACoffee may have been diverted not for treatment, but for gambling, cryptocurrency investments, and personal expenses. During searches, authorities seized a mobile phone and flash drives from the suspect.
Law Enforcement Response
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko stated: 'The legal classification of the actions remains unchanged, but during the investigation, the number of victims increased from 34 to 96, and the amount of damages also rose from 1.3 million hryvnias to 2 million hryvnias.'
A motion for house arrest has already been submitted to the court for Nazariy Husakov. The Lviv City Council allocated 3.5 million hryvnias to purchase 14 vials of Risdiplam, and the company Roche Ukraine provided an additional 14 vials free of charge. This supply was intended to last from June 2024 until March 2025, yet the online fundraising for his treatment reportedly continued. Husakov claims that not all the money in the accounts was his and that he received a commission for transferring funds. The situation remains under close scrutiny by law enforcement and the public.
This incident underscores systemic issues regarding transparency in medical fundraising and the urgent need for stricter oversight of such campaigns. The sharp increase in victims and financial losses points to a serious situation demanding attention from both authorities and society at large. Given these circumstances, it is crucial to implement safeguards to prevent similar abuses and ensure that donations intended for healthcare are used for their designated purpose.