Official TTPS Statement:

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) continues to crack down on the conspiracy to illegally issue false Covid-19 vaccination cards, with six persons being arrested in connection with such fraudulent activities.

Acting on information, officers of the Fraud Squad, Special Investigations Unit and the Northern Division, conducted two sting operations in the South Western and Northern Divisions, on Monday 7th February, 2022.

In the first exercise, Fraud Squad officers proceeded to the Fyzabad Health Centre, where they observed a nurse pretending to administer a vaccine to a person. The nurse thereafter issued a Covid-19 vaccination card to the person for a fee.

The suspect was arrested and further enquiries resulted in the arrest of several other persons, one of whom subsequently tested positive for Covid-19. Special arrangements have since been made by the TTPS Executive and medical personnel to ensure the safety and welfare of the officers and the Covid-19 positive suspect.

Officers then proceeded to the Northern Division, where a similar sting operation was conducted. A clerk attached to the North Central Regional Health Authority was observed receiving a sum of cash after they handed over a vaccination card to an individual. The suspects were arrested and the card and cash seized.

Investigations are ongoing into these matters.