Health

Fake negative Covid-19 test certificates sold across Europe

As long as travel restrictions remain in place due to the pandemic, it is very likely that criminals will seize the opportunity of producing and selling fake COVID-19 test certificates, warns a Europol Early Warning Notification. Several cases have already emerged of fraudulent COVID-19 test certificates being sold to travellers:

  • A forgery ring selling negative test results to passengers was dismantled at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France;
  • In the UK, fraudsters were caught selling bogus COVID-19 documents for GBP 100;
  • In December 2020, a fraudster was apprehended by the Spanish National Police for selling fake test results for EUR 40.

Fake negative Covid-19 test certificates

Given the widespread technological means available, in the form of high-quality printers and different software, fraudsters are able to produce high-quality c
counterfeit, forged or fake documents. Member States are encouraged to share any relevant information on criminal activities related to fake COVID-19 test documentation with Europol.

European Alarm over the increased threat of variants and fake test certificates

EU agrees on a common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests

EU Health Security Committee agreed on a common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, a selection of rapid antigen tests for which Member States will mutually recognise their results, and a common standardised set of data to be included in COVID-19 test result certificates. These three deliverables, agreed by Member States and as called for by the Council Recommendation of 21 January on a common framework for the use of rapid antigen tests, will be continuously reviewed and updated.

Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, said: “Rapid antigen tests are crucial to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and should be part of our overall response to the pandemic. If negative COVID-19 tests are to be required or recommended for any activity, it is essential that they are mutually recognised, and result in certificates recognised across the EU. This is essential, particularly in the context of travel. Our citizens need clarity and predictability.” The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is currently in the process of updating its COVID-19 in vitro diagnostic medical devices database, with the aim of integrating all the information on rapid antigen tests that was collected and agreed on by the Health Security Committee.

Re-Open EUAirlines choose Health passport to reopen travel and life

Vaccine certificates could Re-Open EU and save summer tourism

“As long as travel restrictions remain in place due to the pandemic, it is very likely that criminals will seize the opportunity of producing and selling fake Covid-19 test certificates,” Europol said.

EU debates tourism industry and tries to save summer season 2021

The EU’s police agency warned travellers to watch for organised crime gangs selling fake Covid-negative certificates at airports, sometimes for as much as 300 euros each. The warning from Europol comes after police busted several suspects selling forged certificates declaring people Covid-19 negative at airports in Britain and France, online and through mobile messaging chat groups in Spain and the Netherlands.

eudebates Fake negative Covid-19 test certificates

EUdebates Team

SHARE your ideas online and JOIN us for a better Europe. eudebates! Your opinion counts! eudebates.tv The unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens.

Recent EU debates

Watch State of the Union live: Ursula von der Leyen gives 2022 address #SOTEU

President Ursula von der Leyen debates priorities ahead of hard winter at the State of the European Union #SOTEU at…

2 years ago

EU steps up solidarity with refugees fleeing Ukraine

More than two million refugees have now been forced to flee their homes in Ukraine to find safety in neighbouring…

3 years ago

REPowerEU to get rid of the dependencies of Russian fossil fuel

The European Commission proposed an outline of a plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030, starting with gas, in…

3 years ago

EU sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine

In response to Russian President Putin’s unprecedented and unprovoked military attack against Ukraine, the EU is responding by adopting a…

3 years ago

Finland: NATO membership ‘will change’ after Russian invasion

Finish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will change the debate around NATO membership within her country.…

3 years ago

EU responds to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with massive sanctions

EU leaders held a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General sending the message that the world can see that unity…

3 years ago

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.