Suspected of fraudulent treatment for SMA, Nazariy Gusakov, has returned to Ukraine.

Law enforcement officials reported that Lviv resident Nazariy Gusakov, who has been diagnosed with SMA and is suspected of embezzling charitable donations, returned to Ukraine after treatment in Italy.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the man has already been served with a notice of change of suspicion. While the legal classification of the case remains unchanged, the number of victims has increased significantly during the investigation, from 34 to 96. The amount of damages has also increased, from 1.3 million hryvnias to over 2 million hryvnias.

The investigation established that the suspect organized a fundraiser on social media and Telegram channels, purportedly for expensive treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. However, according to the Lviv City Council, he had been receiving the necessary medication free of charge from the city budget since June 2024.

The platform PayPal and BuyMeACoffee were used to collect donations, as well as informational support from well-known media outlets and influencers.

Law enforcement officials believe that some of the funds raised may have been misused, including for gambling, cryptocurrency investments, and personal expenses.

During the search, the suspect’s mobile phone and storage media were seized, which are currently being examined.

A petition has already been filed with the court seeking a preventive measure—24-hour house arrest. If imposed, the man will be allowed to leave his home only to receive medical attention or during an air raid alarm.

Previously, Gusakov, who suffered from SMA and was suspected of fraud, left the country.