In Sumy region, the SSU Sumy Office dismantled a scheme of selling fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates. The perpetrators broke into a database of the National Health Service of Ukraine, which enabled them to enter false vaccination information into the Diia app.

According to findings, family doctors of a local healthcare facility organized the scam. Their accomplice, a local resident, searched for clients via a mobile app. Having received an advance payment, the individual gave the data to doctors for issuing false certificates. The medical personnel entered false vaccination data in the national healthcare database.

The investigation established that people were actually not vaccinated, however doctors interfered with e-gov service app to enter false data for them.

The offenders made up to 200 counterfeits every month, charging about UAH 3,000 per certificate.

The law enforcement seized computer equipment used for criminal activity and fake vaccination documents during the searches of offenders’ offices and homes.

The investigation into unauthorized interference in computer networks and sale of forged documents is ongoing to identify all individuals involved and revoke fake certificates issued earlier.  

The SSU Office in Sumy region carried out the operation jointly with the National Police under the supervision of Sumy Region Prosecutor’s Office.