In Kyiv, the SSU exposed two large-scale schemes of COVID-related fraud. The groups counterfeited PCR tests results and COVID certificates.

Importantly, the fraudsters offered not only negative but also ‘positive’ PCR test results to get an illegal sick leave.

The first corruption scheme was uncovered by the SSU Cyber Security Department. They established that a medical institution in Kyiv was accepting applications for PCR tests via an anonymous telegram bot. Electronic versions of results were posted on a fake website of this facility.

The web resource was used to simulate the counterfeit’s authenticity: the generated QR-code on each bogus certificate contained a link to its electronic version on the site.

It was established that the tests were generated automatically by the software developed by the offender.

The scheme was organized in May this year by a resident of Kyiv and has provided counterfeit documents to over 9,000 people, including civil servants, employees of utility companies and medical workers.

The search of the residence of the individual behind the scheme led to the seizure of:

• computers and mobile devices used for administrating;
• over 9,000 electronic forged COVID-related documents;
• records related to software development.

Within the criminal proceedings, the target of the operation is going to be notified of suspicion. His web-resources and telegram-bot have been blocked. The investigation is underway.

The law enforcement are identifying all ‘clients’ of the illegal service to bring them to justice for use of knowingly forged COVID-related documents.

The SSU carried out the operation under the supervision of Kyiv Sviatoshynskyi District Prosecutor’s Office.

The second scheme, exposed in Kyiv region, was counterfeiting COVID vaccination certificates with subsequent entry of false information in the eHealth register and the Diia app.

The dealers charged UAH 4,000 (USD 150) for each pseudo-vaccination. The investigation established that employees of a medical institution in Kyiv received orders through an intermediary who used a telegram channel to look for clients.

According to estimates, the group managed to issue fake certificates to over 100 individuals.

The items law enforcement seized during searches include bank cards, records on pseudo-vaccinations, and faked doctors’ seals.

The investigators are preparing notice of suspicion.

The SSU conducted the operation with the participation of the National Police investigators under the supervision of Kyiv Darnytsia District Prosecutor’s Office.