The SSU dismantled a large-scale scheme of faking international COVID-19 vaccination certificates in the border area of Ukraine. To counterfeit thousands of certificates monthly, the offenders set up a clandestine printing house in Zakarpattia region. They also forged PCR test results.

Counterfeits were ‘certified’ with fake seals, QR-codes and signatures of family doctors and sold to clients via an accomplice from a regional health care institution.

According to preliminary estimates, offenders’ total income reached hundreds of thousands of hryvnias.

The SSU established that the scam was organized by four locals, employees of a local firm and a driving school, where the group equipped the printing house.

The clients were offered forged COVID related documents, including vaccination certificates.

The searches led to the seizure of:

• counterfeit international vaccination certificates and PCR test results;
• fake seals;
• data storage devices, communication devices with evidence of illegal activity.

Four offenders have been notified of suspicion of forgery. The Court is to decide on the measure of restraint.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to identify and prosecute other individuals involved in the scheme.

The SSU carried out the operation together with the National Police investigators under the supervision of Zakarpattia Region Prosecutor’s Office.