Authorities in Spain have uncovered a widespread scheme involving the creation and sale of fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates. The investigation has led to convictions and highlighted the lengths to which some individuals went to circumvent public health measures.
Recent legal proceedings in A Coruña, Spain, resulted in a six-month prison sentence for the head of two clinics in Milladoiro (Ames) and Vilagarcía (Pontevedra) after he admitted to issuing 511 fraudulent PCR certificates for COVID-19 without proper authorization. Three additional individuals received three-month sentences as collaborators in the scheme. The defendants agreed to the terms with the prosecutor, who reduced the penalties considering the financial damage caused and the defendants’ status as accomplices rather than primary perpetrators.
The case originated from concerns that the clinics lacked the necessary authorization, infrastructure, and capacity to perform antigen and PCR tests for coronavirus. Initially, the clinics had contracts with external laboratories, but these were terminated due to non-payment. Subsequently, between October, November, and December 2021, the clinics issued the false certificates and accompanying laboratory analysis requests, knowingly falsifying the information for financial gain.
The clinics, operating under the brand name Suevia, presented a façade of legitimacy through advertising and informational posters, misleading clients into believing they were receiving valid COVID-19 test results. The prosecution emphasized that the certificates were intended to deceive authorities and enable individuals to bypass travel restrictions or access to certain venues.
The court took into account the defendants’ agreement to compensate for the damages caused, with a payment of €3,350 made before the trial began. This, along with the reduced charges, led to a suspended sentence, meaning the defendants will not serve time in prison if they do not re-offend within a two-year period.
This case is not isolated. Investigations across Spain have revealed a broader network involved in the production and sale of fake COVID-19 certificates. In January 2022, reports indicated that anti-vaxxers were being scammed in Spain, paying up to €1,000 for bogus COVID-19 passports and PCR test results that never materialized. A larger scandal, reported in late 2022, involved over 2,200 individuals identified as clients of a criminal network selling fake vaccination certificates.
Notably, the client list included prominent figures from various sectors, including José María Fernández Sousa-Faro, the president of pharmaceutical giant PharmaMar. Sousa-Faro reportedly used the service to falsely register having received a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, enabling him to avoid travel restrictions. Relatives of Sousa-Faro are also alleged to have utilized the service. He is expected to appear in court soon.
Other individuals identified as clients include actors Verónica Echegui and Álex García, artist Omar Montes, Australian tennis player Álex de Miñaur, businessman Trinitario Casanova, soccer player Bruno Gonzalez Cabrera, former beach volleyball Olympian Fabio Díez Steinaker, doctor Camilo Esquivel, former boxer José Luis Zapater, and musicians Jarfaiter, Anier, and Kidd Keo.
The prevalence of these schemes underscores a broader pattern of health sector corruption observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A November 2023 report highlighted accusations of inflated medicine prices, counterfeit medications, and misappropriation of funds globally. The forgery of documents, including test results and vaccination certificates, became a significant issue, endangering public health and undermining trust in public health systems.
Similar instances of fraudulent COVID-19 documentation have been reported internationally. In Italy, a case involved doctors and clinic staff accused of issuing fake negative test results to celebrities and politicians. In Germany, individuals created fake immunity certificates to bypass restrictions. These incidents demonstrate a global trend of individuals attempting to circumvent public health measures through fraudulent means.
The Spanish cases highlight the legal consequences of forging COVID-19 related documents. Charges typically include forgery of documents, fraud, and endangering public health. Courts have emphasized the intent to deceive for financial gain or convenience as a key factor in determining criminal liability. The Spanish courts have applied existing forgery laws to pandemic-related documents, recognizing the potential risk to public health even in the absence of direct physical harm.
The ongoing investigations and prosecutions serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of public health systems and the potential consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities that undermine public safety. The cases also underscore the need for robust verification processes and increased vigilance to prevent the spread of false information and protect against future outbreaks.
