Irina Sidorenko, a former employee of the “Siberian Health Center” clinic, has sparked debate among Novosibirsk residents following her sentencing to a penal colony for fraud. The case involves accusations of deceiving clients, and online reactions have been divided.

Some residents have expressed strong condemnation of Sidorenko’s actions, arguing that she was fully aware of her involvement in fraudulent activities. Commentators dismissed the “single mother” defense, asserting that her return to the job indicated a clear understanding of the clinic’s practices. One anonymous comment emphasized that employees inevitably become familiar with the inner workings of an organization, making ignorance an unlikely excuse.

Conversely, other readers have defended Sidorenko, with some sharing their own experiences of being targeted by similar deceptive practices. One reader recounted a near-victimization experience involving a free procedure in exchange for contacts, followed by a hard sell for overpriced and unproven treatments. These defenders suggest that the clinic exploits the lack of knowledge among clients and staff.

Another perspective places some blame on the victims themselves, arguing that individuals willingly enter these centers. The anonymous commenter implied people should seek treatment in their local clinics instead.