The COVID-19 pandemic unfolded hundreds of situations that we had not previously experienced. But it also showed the worst of many people who, with their behavior and attitudes, proved to take advantage of a calamity to satisfy their interests illegally.
However, and fortunately, scams do not always go well. Proof of this is that the police managed to detain a group of 7 people who were selling negative tests to COVID-19 at an airport in France. Criminals carried over 200 counterfeit certificates on their smartphones.
Gang had over 200 counterfeit certificates on smartphones
The pandemic has also helped to reveal the darker side of many people who care little about what is going on. In this regard, a group was arrested on Thursday, November 5, for selling negative tests to COVID-19 at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, in France.
The gang consisted of seven elements, including six men and a woman, and had more than 200 fake certificates on their smartphones. These certificates contained information that the person had given a negative result to COVID-19.
According to the information, the objective of the group of criminals was to sell these certificates to passengers departing from the French airport. This is because travelers need proof that they are negative for the disease in order to travel.
Passengers wearing a mask due to COVID-19 at Charles-Gaulle Airport
-
Counterfeit COVID-19 certificates could cost up to 300 euros
The group was detained after the certificate of a passenger traveling to Ethiopia was found to be false.
Each of the certificates was sold for values that could reach 300 euros. And they contained real names of medical laboratories in Paris that apply tests to SARS-CoV-2.
According to the news agency AFP, the seven people ran an unlicensed luggage packing business. However, they saw their revenue drop due to the smaller number of people currently traveling.
The group is now accused of forgery and complicity in fraud, a crime that could lead to a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of 375,000 euros.
-
