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However, the state criminal investigation offices assume a considerable number of unreported cases (symbol image)
Photo: Mareen Fischinger / imago images / Westend61
Apparently at least 3100 investigations into forged vaccination passports are already in progress in Germany.
This is what the "Wirtschaftswoche" reports to the 16 state criminal investigation offices, citing its own survey.
According to this, around 900 preliminary investigations are being carried out in Bavaria alone.
In Cologne, the public prosecutor reported on 70 preliminary investigations this year.
However, the state criminal investigation offices assumed a considerable number of unreported cases.
350 euros for a fake
According to the report, the Federal Criminal Police Office observed "on various messenger channels" an increased demand for fake vaccination books.
In Saxony-Anhalt, for example, evidence of this type of forgery has tripled since May.
In Bavaria, according to "Wirtschaftswoche", a pharmacy employee sold 500 fake QR codes for the digital Corona vaccination card under a pseudonym on the Darknet in October alone - at a price of 350 euros each.
The German Pharmacists' Association itself assumes nationwide "a four-digit number of investigative procedures" based on falsified yellow vaccination books that were presented in pharmacies.
Up to two years imprisonment
Citizens with manipulated passports have so far had little to fear if they were caught.
Only those who officially used forged health documents with authorities or insurance companies, but not in pharmacies or restaurants, made themselves a criminal offense.
The legislature has now closed this loophole.
From now on, forgery, issuing and the use of incorrect health documents can be punished with a prison sentence of up to two years, in the case of commercial or gang-related deception up to five years.
The pharmacists' association expects this to have "a deterrent effect".
kim / AFP