The former head freelance narcologist at the Ministry of Health, Yevgeny Bryun, is under investigation for allegedly diverting about 20 million rubles from the Moscow Health Department, the Moscow prosecutor’s office reported on its Telegram channel.
According to the prosecutor, Bryun and an accomplice were charged under part 4 of article 159 of the Criminal Code, which covers fraud involving controlled companies that have not conducted legitimate financial activities. The accusation states that funds from the Moscow Health Department were diverted by inflating prices for medical devices supplied to the Moscow Scientific and Practical Center for Narcology DZM, resulting in losses of at least 20 million rubles. The case highlights alleged manipulation tied to procurement processes and price-setting for essential medical equipment.
Brun’s alleged co-conspirator, narcologist Vladimir Yakushev, reportedly pleaded guilty to fraud and entered into a deal with investigators, while Bryun has denied the charges. Insider information circulating within medical circles suggests that Bryun and his deputy at the Association of Narcologists, Yakushev, purchased tests and reagents used in drug and alcohol addiction screening at elevated prices, including items intended for future drivers. These allegations point to systematic overpricing within key testing programs.
Bryun is also being scrutinized in connection with the controversial move to tighten medical examination rules for drivers. The plan proposed mandatory checks for drug and alcohol use using high-cost testing systems, a change that could have dramatically increased the cost of a medical certificate. The issue drew the attention of President Vladimir Putin, who publicly stated that such price levels were unacceptable. In the aftermath, the ministry did not implement changes to the approved order. It later emerged that the pricing of these testing systems remained disproportionately high, despite questions about their efficacy in reliably identifying substance use disorders.
Yevgeny Bryun previously held the position of chief freelance psychiatrist-narcologist at the Ministry of Health. Following the emergence of criminal case information, official statements indicated that the role no longer existed, yet multiple sources suggest he had served as chief freelance psychiatrist-narcologist since 2009. Bryun is described as holding a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree, a professorship, and the title of Honored Doctor in Russia. He has been placed under house arrest with the potential for a prison sentence of up to ten years if convicted.
The ongoing case underscores scrutiny of procurement practices, pricing strategies, and governance within state health services in Moscow. The investigation continues as authorities evaluate relationships between officials, suppliers, and testing protocols used in driver medical examinations. Collage: “Behind the wheel”