Â鶹´«Ã½

Skip to main content

CBSA has intercepted hundreds of fake COVID-19 tests, vaccine documents

Share
Ottawa -

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it has intercepted hundreds of suspected falsified or fraudulent COVID-19 test results and proof of vaccination credentials since they were required for travel.

Between Jan. 7 and Oct. 31, the CBSA logged 374 suspected fake test results – 160 at airports, and 187 at land borders – and 92 suspected fake vaccine documents between July 5 and the same date.

“All of these individuals were referred to [the Public Health Agency of Canada] for further assessment and possible enforcement,†a CBSA statement to CTVNews.ca reads.

The agency noted that a further breakdown of figures, including information related to the specific ports of entry or the possible origin of fraudulent documents, is not available.

Presenting false information and documentation to Government of Canada officials, such as border officials, can result in financial penalties up to $75,000 and, or six months in prison.

“Foreign nationals who provide false information may also be denied entry and/or banned from returning to Canada,†the statement reads.

Issuing fines falls under the jurisdiction of PHAC as outlined in the Quarantine Act.

According to a , between April 14, 2020 and Nov. 25 2021, 2,097 fines have been issued to travellers who have failed to provide a valid pre-entry test.

The assessment and verification of testing requirements and vaccine credentials is done through the ArriveCAN app, automated technology checks, and by border services officers who perform more in-depth examinations when necessary.

“The CBSA deploys a variety of techniques and is continuously updating intelligence networks, however, the agency does not disclose details of specific targeting, enforcement, intelligence and investigative techniques as it may render them ineffective. What we can tell you is that any document that is suspect is referred for further investigations by PHAC,†the statement reads.

Mandatory pre-arrival testing for air travel began on Jan. 7, and on Feb. 15 for cross-border land travel. Mandatory proof of vaccination credentials began on July 5 for Canadians, Aug. 9 for U.S. citizens and Sept. 7 for other foreign nationals.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

The City of Calgary ended water restrictions for the city at a Sunday morning update.

A Nova Scotian YouTuber has launched a mini-truck bookmobile.

Local Spotlight

Cole Haas is more than just an avid fan of the F.W. Johnson Wildcats football team. He's a fixture on the sidelines, a source of encouragement, and a beloved member of the team.

Getting a photograph of a rainbow? Common. Getting a photo of a lightning strike? Rare. Getting a photo of both at the same time? Extremely rare, but it happened to a Manitoba photographer this week.

An anonymous business owner paid off the mortgage for a New Brunswick not-for-profit.

They say a dog is a man’s best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.

A growing group of brides and wedding photographers from across the province say they have been taken for tens of thousands of dollars by a Barrie, Ont. wedding photographer.

Paleontologists from the Royal B.C. Museum have uncovered "a trove of extraordinary fossils" high in the mountains of northern B.C., the museum announced Thursday.

The search for a missing ancient 28-year-old chocolate donkey ended with a tragic discovery Wednesday.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is celebrating an important milestone in the organization's history: 50 years since the first women joined the force.

It's been a whirlwind of joyful events for a northern Ontario couple who just welcomed a baby into their family and won the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot last month.

Stay Connected