Features of investigating fraud in the procurement of medical equipment in the healthcare sector

The healthcare sector is significantly affected by corruption. According to the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation, the national project "Healthcare" leads among all national projects in terms of the share of corruption crimes (68.4%). Statistics from the Department of Internal Affairs of Russia for 2019–2024 report the annual prosecution of 286 to 375 individuals in the healthcare sector for fraud. The subject of the study is the forensically significant features of investigating fraud in state procurement of medical equipment. The article examines typical methods of committing such crimes. It analyzes the concealment measures used by participants in organized criminal groups. The tactics of conducting investigative actions are explored. Types of forensic examinations relevant to this category of cases are identified. The goal of the research is to identify the features of investigations and formulate practical recommendations for investigators and operational officers. It is based on general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization) and specific scientific methods (comparative legal, statistical, method of studying criminal case materials). The empirical base consists of sentences from the Abakan City Court of the Republic of Khakassia and statistics from the Department of Internal Affairs of Russia for 2019–2024. Typical methods of fraud have been systematized: forming a technical specification for a specific supplier, inflating the initial maximum contract price, and simulating competition through controlled organizations. Concealment measures identified include: informational isolation of participants, use of code designations, application of unregistered means of communication, keeping money with trusted individuals, and special rules for transferring funds. Recommendations for interrogation and search tactics have been formulated. The significance of forensic commodity examination for determining the extent of price inflation is demonstrated. The effectiveness of molecular and genetic examination for establishing individuals' involvement in the storage of embezzled funds is justified. The necessity of applying a "proactive" approach to detecting and investigating crimes is argued. The results can be used in the practical activities of investigative bodies and in the educational process of educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.