13 February 2024 , 15:50
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A scammer who peddled fake negative COVID-19 test certificates for people travelling abroad during the peak of the pandemic has been jailed.
Danyal Sajid, 25, swindled travellers in need of PCR tests to go abroad due to pandemic travel restrictions, selling his false documents on Snapchat straight from his home in Bradford, West Yorks. His dodgy business venture was blown open when a newspaper reporter, pretending to be a buyer, contacted him and was offered a phony document for £75 by email.
Not stopping there, Sajid, who was partying in Dubai at the time, then tried to sell another 11 forged certificates for £825 in Nov 2020. But no money was exchanged as the deal was not completed. Sajid was nabbed later in December 2020 and held his tongue, simply replying "no comment" to all enquiries. Glenn Parsons, Sajid's defender, said his client was just 21 when he crafted this scam.
Sajid saw the faked COVID certificates as a quick cash solution to his financial woes. Parsons said that Sajid felt "profound regret", had shamed his family and community, and also suffered mental turmoil over the incident.
Mr Parsons explained that Sajid had grown up since he was caught and had made efforts to change his life. He initially pleaded not guilty due to his 'panic', but later admitted to the charge of intentionally encouraging or assisting in a fraud offence.
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Brits travelling abroad should always double check if there are any COVID-19 rules in place (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)On Monday, he was sentenced to eight months in jail. Recorder Ian Mullarkey noted at the hearing positive character references, his age at the time of the crime, and his previous good character. However, he stated that Sajid's actions in offering so many certificates for sale could have jeopardised a system designed to ensure travellers' safety.
Brits travelling abroad should always double check if there are any COVID-19 rules in place for the country they are landing in. While those travelling to England are no longer required to complete a passenger locator form, take a COVID-19 test, or quarantine - other countries may have thier own rules that Brits need to follow before flying to or from that destination.
Travel advice for the country you are travelling to or from can be found on the Gov website, and will usually explain whether or not you'll need to take a test beforehand, as well as the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.