Greece will verify Covid-19 vaccine certificates for citizens who obtained them in Bulgaria or Romania, over fraud fears.
Phony documents
Greek media reported that a number of residents of north Greece had acquired phony Covid-19 vaccine documents from Bulgaria.
There have been growing complaints against family doctors in Bulgaria that they haven’t administered the jab although people are given certificates, Greek media reported.
Bulgaria and Romania have recently seen record highs of Covid-19 and deaths. Virus denial is widespread in both countries amid a distrust of authorities and some people have obtained counterfeit certificates_ and regretted it.
Greek public television station ERT reported there was a “vaccine certificate factory” that was supplying documents to Greeks.
Fraud
The station reported that Greeks could obtain a fake certificate for 300 euros with “a short visit to Sofia” without actually having a jab.
Bulgarians get jabs from family doctor in a one-on-one appointment which makes fraud easier. In open vaccine centers, there are always half a dozen people present which makes it harder.
Greek officials say they are cracking down on the practice and Greeks who have vaccine passes from Bulgaria or Romania will be examined.
Fraud will be punished with hefty fines and a criminal record.
In September, Greece introduced tough penalties for the issuing of fake vaccination certificates.
Fine
Forgers are liable to a fine of 5,000 euros for each vaccination, recovery, or test certificate issued under false pretenses.
Private health units which issued the fictitious documents could face fines of up to 50,000 euros.
Since Oct. 21, Greeks have had to show vaccine passes to go to cafes, concerts, museums and restaurants.
PCR test
Travelers need to show a certificate on entry proving vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test result to avoid a 7-day quarantine period.
A Passenger Locator Form must also be filled out at least 24 hours before arrival.
