Fake vaccination certs: Johor cops nab syndicate members who charged up to RM650 per cert

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat showing how the syndicate members managed to issue Covid-19 vaccine certificates from a private clinic in Johor Baru.— THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: The police have busted a syndicate offering fake Covid-19 digital certificates at up to RM650 each, with the arrest of eight people including three employees of a private clinic here.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the syndicate, which has been operating for about a month, has also issued such digital certificates to at least 30 people by charging up to RM650 each.

"All those who purchased these certificates are anti-vaxxers who refused the immunisation," he said during a press conference here.

Comm Kamarul revealed that the first arrest was made on Jan 17 when police carried out a series of raids in the city.

Police have also seized an array of items including a laptop used to register the people in the MySejahtera system and several mobile phones containing the digital certificates.

All the suspects aged from 24 to 42 have been remanded.

Asked if any doctors or medical personnel were involved, Comm Kamarul said investigations are ongoing.

He urged those who have purchased the digital certificates to come forward and assist in investigation by contacting investigating officer Insp Ahmad Sufian Abdullah via 012-562 6734.

More to come