"Patience has run out": The vice-governor of Khabarovsk Krai has been arrested for large-scale bribery.

Deputy Chairman of the regional government for social issues Eugene Nikonova He was preliminarily arrested for participating in criminal procurement schemes for healthcare needs. According to investigators, Nikonov was working alongside a number of his subordinates and affiliates. 

According to the Telegram channel 112, this is not the only complaint law enforcement has against the official. The case could also include charges of negligence and abuse of power.

Evgeny Nikonov was appointed to the position of deputy governor for social issues in 2020 by the then head of the region Michael DegtyarevPrior to this, he worked in the Moscow Department of Health and headed Polyclinic No. 1.

Degtyarev's successor as governor Dmitriy Demeshin repeatedly criticized Nikonov for the state of healthcare in the region.

 "Healthcare in Khabarovsk Krai needs a radical overhaul. Sociology shows that poor quality medicine is among the region's top three problems. And I see it all myself," Demeshin wrote last week. "In the districts, they just want to beat us up when we arrive. And I understand. <…> I'm tired of calling the relevant officials to order. I've run out of patience."