SBU liquidates network for production of fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates

KYIV. Aug 31 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Employees of the Security Service of Ukraine liquidated the scheme for the production of international certificates of vaccination against COVID-19, organized by natives of Volyn, Lviv and Chernivtsi regions.

"According to the investigation, the cost of one fake international vaccination certificate was UAH 1,600. Every day, dealers produced up to 20 such ‘documents’. Mostly at home. And in one of the regions they even rented an office for this," the SBU press service said.

The attackers made counterfeits using the details of licensed doctors and medical institutions of Ukraine, which allowed their owners to cross the border of foreign countries without hindrance. "Customers" were found via the Internet, and ready-made fakes were sent by mail.

Computers, printers and mobile phones with evidence of illegal activity, files of forms of international vaccination certificates, duplicates of medical institutions’ seals, bank cards through which "calculations" were made, and other evidence were seized during the searches at residences of the scheme participants and in the rented office.

As part of the criminal proceedings initiated under Part 3 of Article. 358 (forgery, sale or use of documents, seals, stamps and forms) of the Criminal code of Ukraine, investigative actions for identification of all persons involved in the scheme are carried out.