Bashkiria doctor freed after short jail term for bribe

A neurologist in Bashkiria has been released after a short jail term for taking bribes. In November 2025, the medic was sentenced to 5 years in a penal colony over 49,000 rubles (about $490 at current rates), but the case was not just about that. Details were reported by the United Press Service of the Courts.

As found by UFA1.RU, the doctor is Taifur Ayupov. In 2014, he graduated from the Bashkir State Medical University (BashSMU) with a degree in General Medicine, and in 2020 he completed retraining in neurology. Since 2015, he has worked at the Burzyansky District Hospital and was a participant in the Zemsky Doctor program (to attract doctors to rural areas).

According to the courts, from October 2023 to March 2025, the 38-year-old doctor forged 10 sick leave notes for 49,000 rubles (about $490). The notes were received by six people who did not actually undergo a medical examination. In court, the neurologist confessed to everything. Despite this, he was given 5 years of general regime, fined 120,000 rubles (about $1,200) and the 49,000 rubles received as a bribe were confiscated. He was banned from medical practice for three years after release.

The Supreme Court of Bashkiria mitigated the sentence: the medic«s actions were qualified as »petty bribery,« so he was released, with the fine increased to 300,000 rubles (about $3,000). Taking into account the time served, the fine was reduced to 150,000 rubles (about $1,500).

Ayupov was allowed to work as a doctor, but was banned from holding a managerial position and issuing sick leave notes for a whole year.

Recall that earlier the Investigative Committee closed the case against cosmetologist Lia Miftakhova — she was charged under the article on providing unsafe services. However, further progress was hindered by amendments to the law.

In December 2025, the head doctor of the Krasnousolskaya Hospital was detained — he was accused of extorting money from subordinates.