Quebec anti corruption police investigating false vaccine passports

MONTREAL — Quebec’s anti-corruption unit says it is investigating cases of alleged fraud related to the production and sale of false vaccine passports.

The unit, known as UPAC, is warning that people who produce, sell or use false proof of COVID-19 vaccination could face criminal charges including production and use of false documents, breach of trust and corruption, as well as offences under the Public Health Act.

UPAC said in a news release that it was looking at a number of different fraudulent strategies being used to produce the false
proof of vaccination but did not elaborate, saying it did not want to compromise the ongoing probe.

Public Safety Minister Genevieve Guilbault told Radio- Canada this morning that various police forces in the province have opened about 150 investigations into the fake documents.

She said UPAC is investigating cases involving fraud or attempted  fraud by government employees, while provincial and municipal police are looking into users and sellers outside government.

Guilbault said false passports will be disactivated, and that those found using them could face charges.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2022.

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc. 2022.