SMA patient accused of embezzling donations returns to Ukraine
Nazariy Husakov, a man from Lviv suffering from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who is accused of embezzling donations raised for his treatment, has returned to Ukraine from Italy, the Office of the Prosecutor General reported.
Prosecutors have pressed updated charges against him. While the legal qualification of the charges remains unchanged — fraud and money laundering — the number of alleged victims has grown from 34 to 96, and the total damages have increased from 1.3 million hryvnias to 2 million hryvnias ($29,662-45,633).
Prosecutors have asked a court to impose round-the-clock house arrest as a preventive measure, allowing Husakov to leave his residence only for medical treatment or to reach an air-raid shelter during alerts.
Details of the case
The case is being investigated as fraud (Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime (Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Investigators allege that Husakov organized fundraising campaigns on social media and Telegram channels, claiming he urgently needed an expensive SMA drug.
However, according to the Lviv City Council, he had been receiving the medication free of charge from the local budget since June 2024.
Funds were collected through PayPal and BuyMeACoffee, with support from well-known media figures and influencers.
Prosecutors believe the money was used for gambling, cryptocurrency investments and personal expenses rather than the stated purpose.
During searches, authorities seized his phone and flash drives, which are still being examined.
What does Husakov himself say?
Husakov has stated that he openly collected money “to live as long as possible,” meaning the funds were intended not only for medicine but also for everyday assistance.
He acknowledged that he should have opened separate accounts and kept receipts but said he lacked the necessary experience.