MOSCOW, July 12 (RAPSI) – Charges have been brought against three medical workers from the Moscow Region, who had allegedly stolen high-priced drugs reserved for patients suffering from cancerous diseases, the Investigative Committee’s press service reports.

According to the statement, two defendants pleaded guilty to stealing and further sale of the medicine, while an alleged leader of the group pleaded admitted guilt in part.

Investigators claim that between the summer of 2017 and December 2018 the accused embezzled medical drugs worth over 2.5 million rubles (nearly $40,000) from a pharmacy depot with an aim to sell them at the black market.

The defendants were arrested and released under travel restrictions, removed from their posts. Their assets were seized, according to the Investigative Committee.