Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates Issued for Money

The investigative process at the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia has revealed evidence that K. T., in his capacity as the director of the "Burasdan Primary Health Care Center," committed official forgery, under the inducement of R. G., A. J., L. M., M. A., and S. Z., by providing fake certificates confirming vaccination against the coronavirus to over ten individuals, without them actually being vaccinated.

Specifically, it has been established that A. J., unwilling to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, approached R. G., the head of the medical center's clinic, asking him to provide fake vaccination certificates for himself and the family members he presented in exchange for money, due to their close relationship. R. G. accepted the offer and received 330,000 AMD from A. J.

Subsequently, R. G., taking advantage of his family ties with the director K. T., approached him for assistance. K. T., motivated by personal reasons to not refuse R. G., granted his request and provided fake certificates to A. J. and his presented individuals. Following K. T.'s request, the false vaccination data for the aforementioned persons were entered into Armenia's electronic health information system "Armed" by another employee of the center.

In a similar manner, R. G. made arrangements with L. M. and M. A., receiving 40,000 and 50,000 AMD from them, respectively. R. G. then again approached director K. T., who provided fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates to L. M., his son, and M. A.

K. T. has been charged under Article 314, part 1 of the former Criminal Code of Armenia for the aforementioned criminal acts. The investigation has been completed, and the materials have been submitted with an accusatory conclusion to the supervising prosecutor for approval and referral to court. Charges have also been brought against R. G., L. M., M. A., A. J., S. Z., and two other individuals, for whom the investigation is ongoing.

Note: A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia by a legally binding court verdict.