Criminals selling Covid-negative test certificates are brutal as more and more countries require travelers to provide proof of these results, European law enforcement agency Europol warned Monday.
Several cases of counterfeit documents have already been sold, the group says in an “Early Warning Notice” issued to European police forces.
This includes “a spy ring grip at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris selling for negative test results for passengers,” which cost between $ 180 and $ 360 for false certificates. , said Europol
In the United Kingdom, Europol information found, “Fraudsters were caught selling counterfeit COVID-19 test documents for $ 135, putting a false laboratory name on the false certificates.”
Criminals are also using online platforms to sell fake certificates, Europol warns, including in Spain where “the Spanish National Police were caught cheating for sell false negative PCR certificates, ”for $ 50 each.
In the Netherlands, “scammers were found selling false negative test statements for $ 60-72 through messaging apps.”
A real “fit-to-fly” PCR certificate in the UK costs more than $ 273, a CNN study has found.
In its warning, Europol said:
“As long as travel restrictions remain in place as a result of the COVID-19 situation, the production and sale of false test certificates is very likely to occur.”
“With the wide range of technological tools available, in the form of high-quality printers and various software, fraudsters are able to produce high-quality fake, created or misleading documents,” he said. the group.
The group issued a statement to “raise awareness of the illegal production and sale of false negative COVID-19 test certificates,” and called on law enforcement agencies to “disclose any relevant information. section on criminal activity related to false COVID-19 test documents. “