Luton Duo Busted for Crafting Counterfeit Covid Passes!

Investigators scrutinizing the fabrication and online distribution of counterfeit Covid-19 vaccination documentation throughout the pandemic have charged two individuals.

Waqas Hanif, aged 26, and Touqir Nasir, 29, hailing from Luton, Bedfordshire, are confronting charges under the Computer Misuse Act and Fraud Act, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).

An investigation conducted jointly by the NCA and NHS England was undertaken concerning the fabrication of nearly 2,000 counterfeit records at a healthcare centre in Luton from June to October 2021, alongside the confiscation of £145,000 in cash from a safety deposit box in the locale, the NCA reported.

The records enabled unvaccinated individuals to travel while others adhered to restrictions, the NCA added.

Both individuals are scheduled to appear before Luton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Throughout the pandemic, it was claimed that unvaccinated persons paid for authentic vaccine passport records, which were secured from online marketplaces illegally, the agency indicated.

Mr. Hanif, residing on Sherwood Road, Luton, was apprehended by NCA agents in January 2022.

Mr. Nasir, located on Runley Road, Luton, participated in a voluntary interview in March 2022, stated the NCA.

Both are charged with conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to computers with the intention to commit further offenses.

They are also accused of being involved in the acquisition, retention, and usage or control of criminal property, as well as conspiring to engage in fraud through false representation.

Mr. Hanif has additionally been charged with acquiring, using, and possessing criminal property.