Healthcare workers perform a PCR test at a Covid-19 diagnostic center at El Alto International Airport, Bolivia, on January 28, 2021.
AIZAR RALDES | AFP | Getty Images
Illicit sales of false Covid-19 test results are becoming more widespread as criminals try to take advantage of travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic, according to Europol.
The EU law enforcement agency reported on Monday an increase in cases of fraudulent certification of Covid-19 tests that were sold to travelers. An increasing number of countries in the European Union and beyond are forcing travelers to take a negative coronavirus test to be allowed to enter when traveling from a high-risk area.
In its latest early warning notice, which Europol issues to warn EU Member States of new or growing forms of criminal activity, the agency said the latest case of this crime has been detected at the airport. Luton in the UK, where a man was arrested trying to sell the results of a fake coronavirus test. Elsewhere in the UK, fraudsters were caught selling fake Covid-19 test documents for £ 100 ($ 137).
There have also been previous reports of similar activity in other European countries.
A counterfeit ring at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport, for example, was “dismantled” after it was found selling negative test results to passengers, Europol said. The amount charged for false test documents ranged from 150-300 euros (181-363 USD).
Another fraudster was detained in Spain for selling negative negative test certificates on the internet for 40 euros, and in the Netherlands, scammers were found to be selling negative test results for 50-60 euros through messaging applications. .
“As long as travel restrictions remain in place due to the Covid-19 situation, it is very likely that the production and sales of false test certificates will prevail,” Europol added.
“Given the widely available technological means in the form of high-quality printers and various software, fraudsters are able to produce counterfeit, forged or forged high-quality documents.”
The results of the false tests are just one example of a range of fraudulent activities that occurred during the pandemic. Fake coronavirus testing kits have been sold, and online scams have increased during the health crisis, with criminals exploiting millions of people now working from home.
Other criminals have sought to take advantage of government programs to support people during the pandemic, such as payment schemes. In September last year, the UK tax office said it believed up to £ 3.5 billion in payments could have been fraudulently claimed or paid in error as part of the job retention scheme in the UK. UK.