Advertisement

Quebec issues 10 tickets tied to fake COVID-19 vaccine passports

Click to play video: 'Quebec premier on new COVID-19 booster campaign ahead of fall'
Quebec premier on new COVID-19 booster campaign ahead of fall
As the start of the school year looms, Quebec Premier François Legault announces the province is launching a new campaign for adults to get a COVID-19 booster – Aug 16, 2022

Quebec’s anti-corruption squad says 10 tickets have been issued in connection with fake COVID-19 vaccine passports in the province.

The Commissaire à la lutte contre la corruption (UPAC) launched a wide-scale probe last January into the into cases of alleged fraud related to the production and sale of false passports.

At the time, Quebecers were required to show proof of vaccination was required to access to certain businesses — such as gyms, bars and restaurants — as part of pandemic-related health measures.

UPAC had warned that people who produce, sell or use false vaccination documents could face criminal charges, including breach of trust and corruption, and charges under the Public Health Act. Fines could go as high as $6,000.

Story continues below advertisement

The office confirmed Thursday that 10 tickets were doled out over the last few weeks in connection with the investigation.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

It’s possible that more fines will be handed out soon, too. UPAC confirmed it has submitted more than 200 cases to the province’s Crown prosecutors’ office since the probe began.

The anti-corruption squad also said there is about 30 criminal investigations opened into the production and falsification of COVID-19 vaccine proofs in Quebec at the moment.

The province’s proof-of-vaccination system came to an end in mid-March, after the government began slowly phasing out the measure. Quebec’s health minister has said that it could be reinstated if necessary.

with files from Global News’ Annabelle Olivier and The Canadian Press

Click to play video: 'COVID-19 update'
COVID-19 update

Sponsored content

AdChoices