The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently reported the conviction of a Chicago pharmacist for theft and sale of COVID-19 vaccination cards. The pharmacist, Tangtang Zhao, was found guilty of stealing 125 blank vaccination cards from his workplace and selling them online for $10 each.
The COVID-19 vaccination card is a document that serves as proof of vaccination against the virus. It contains information such as the name of the vaccine recipient, the type of vaccine received, and the date of vaccination. The card is important because it allows individuals to access certain privileges, such as travel and entry to certain events.
Zhao’s actions are not only illegal but also pose a significant threat to public health. By selling blank vaccination cards, he enabled individuals to falsely claim that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. This could potentially lead to the spread of the virus and undermine efforts to control the pandemic.
The DOJ’s investigation into Zhao’s activities began in March 2021 when an undercover agent purchased 10 blank vaccination cards from him. The agent then arranged to purchase an additional 15 cards from Zhao, which were later found to be stolen from his workplace.
Zhao was subsequently arrested and charged with theft of government property and trafficking in counterfeit goods. He pleaded guilty to both charges in August 2021 and was sentenced to three years of probation and 300 hours of community service.
The case highlights the importance of protecting COVID-19 vaccination cards and ensuring their authenticity. It also underscores the need for individuals to get vaccinated against the virus to protect themselves and others.
In addition to theft and sale of vaccination cards, there have been other instances of fraud related to COVID-19 vaccines. These include fake vaccine websites, scams offering early access to vaccines for a fee, and counterfeit vaccines.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, individuals should only get vaccinated at authorized locations and should not provide personal or financial information to anyone claiming to offer early access to vaccines. They should also report any suspicious activity related to COVID-19 vaccines to the authorities.
In conclusion, the conviction of Tangtang Zhao for theft and sale of COVID-19 vaccination cards is a reminder of the importance of protecting these documents and ensuring their authenticity. It also highlights the need for individuals to get vaccinated against the virus and to be vigilant against fraud related to COVID-19 vaccines.
