Crime – Düsseldorf – police are investigating in 5000 cases because of false vaccination certificates – Panorama

Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) – The police in North Rhine-Westphalia have become aware of more than 5,000 suspected cases of fake vaccination cards since April last year. Between September and December 2021 there was an increase in the number of cases. The number of cases has been declining since January, according to the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) on request.

According to earlier information, the peak in counterfeiting offenses was registered in December with more than 1,400 cases. In March, around 260 police officers in the Rhineland searched 70 apartments and a company for fake vaccination cards. The investigations were mainly directed against a medical assistant, as the Cologne public prosecutor announced at the time. More than 50 fake vaccination cards were secured in various objects.

In addition, the investigators found utensils such as stamps for falsifying vaccination cards. In a company in Frechen, they also secured silver bars and coins worth more than 40,000 euros and around 60,000 euros in cash. The owner is suspected of forging vaccination cards and trading with them. An investigation group set up by the Cologne police had already started a search a few weeks earlier.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:220417-99-943733/2

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