Less than 10 days after the start of travel in the European Union of passengers with a certificate of the absence of coronavirus, its counterfeits appeared on the black market. This vaccination certificate can be issued through chats in the Telegram messenger. The vaccines themselves can also be purchased there. On the dark web, the Darknet, one can contact those who provide such services and pay for them in cryptocurrency.
In Italy, the police have uncovered 10 such criminal schemes. The operation is led from Milan by Gianluca Berruti, head of cyber fraud in Milan:
“Through the Internet and through these channels, you can sell various things and documents all over the world. Fake passports and vaccines are available not only in the European Union, but also in other places, for example, in Switzerland, in the UK, in the USA. We found them also in New Zealand and distant countries. “
Prices range from 100 to 150 euros depending on the package. Sometimes it includes a certificate and doses for vaccination. To get all this, about 250 thousand users signed up, and a hundred tried to negotiate directly with sellers. Some buyers have placed orders from outside the EU ..
“It is not only the people who sell fake certificates that are very responsible, but also those who try to use them.”
The EU police service told Euronews that during a pandemic, criminals adapt well to new situations. For example, they quickly learned to fake negative COVID-19 test results.
Europol said it supports law enforcement agencies across the EU in the fight against such machinations. Together, they conduct cross-border operations against hackers, counterfeiters and bank data thieves.
European Union internal affairs agencies warn that due to the widespread availability of available technological tools, such as high-definition printers and computer programs, fraudsters can create high-quality forged documents. Border control is not always so well equipped.