A former Chicago pharmacist was convicted in federal court on Friday of this year after stealing and selling COVID-19 vaccination cards. His name is Tangtang Zhao with only 36 years of age. Zhao is now being charged and apprehended for stealing COVID-19 vaccination cards from the pharmacy where he worked in. As well as the selling of these cards in an online marketplace, according to the DOJ (Department of Justice). Zhao is being accused of selling these cards to hundreds of buyers across the country.
In the course of a three-week timeframe from March to April 2021, Zhao went on to post more than 650 COVID-19 vaccination cards online. Cards that Zhao advertised as “authentic” and “straight from the CDC.” The selling of these COVID-19 cards paid Zhao more than $5,600. The money he illegally earned by selling 630 cards to approximately 200 unique buyers.
Now, Zhao is being convicted on a dozen counts of theft for stealing government property as stated by the DOJ as well. Additionally, in court, eBay messages were sent from Zhao to online buyers related to the fake vaccination cards. Where showed as proved by the government of the crime committed. Zhao is now sentenced to be convicted on November 28 and faces the maximum sentence of 10 years.
What More is Known On The Case?
Till now it is also known, that former Chicago pharmacist Zhao is disappointed with the final verdict. As was stated by Zhao’s lawyer Gal Pissetzky in an ABC News interview. It is known by Pissetzky that the reason behind the intended appeal is because once the vaccination cards were delivered to providers like Walgreens the vaccination cards were no longer government property. As the government had “no supervision over the cards and did not control how the cards were handled.”
Reason Behind Buying COVID-19 Vaccination Cards
Selling and buying illegal COVID-19 vaccination cards has turned into an extremely serious issue committed by many people around the world. Numerous people bought the illegal COVID-19 vaccination cards for one main reason. Specifically, to avoid actually going through and getting the series of vaccinations.
It is well known by people that COVID-19 vaccination cards where and are still required in some places to be shown as proof that they are or are in the process of getting fully vaccinated. These cards were required, for example, to get into concerts, restaurants, workplaces, and sporting events.
However, thousands of people who were against getting vaccinated decided to turn to the fabrication of illegal vaccination cards and buy them. In order to allow themselves entry into places without going through the real process of getting the Covid-19 vaccines. And potentially putting the lives of millions of people in danger for their selfish decision.
Hundreds of statements have already been made regarding this issue. For instants, Jeffry Dinowitz a New York Democratic, sponsored the Assembly bill. Express in a statement, Dinowitz said, “I can’t think of too many things more despicable than people not wanting to get vaccinated but wanting proof that they were.” He also said, “They’re potentially putting people who can’t get the vaccine in harm’s way, like those who are immunocompromised or children under 12. That’s a horrible thing to do.”
Why Is It Illegal?
The selling and purchase of COVID-19 cards is a crime punished by justices for many reasons. For example, one of these reasons is that the selling of these cards endangers public safety. As well as the unauthorized use of an official government agency’s seal on such cards is a crime punishable by the law. The breach of this law can acquire people hefty fines and prison time a set of very serious sentences.
Written By: Nohemi Sanchez
Sources:
ABC News: Chicago pharmacist convicted of stealing, selling COVID-19 Vaccination cards: DOJ
Stateline: Yes, Some People Really Are Faking Their COVID Vaccine Cards
FBI Chicago: FBI-Chicago Warns Illinois Residents About COVID-19 Vaccination Card Fraud
Featured Image by New York Guard Capt. Mark Getman Courtesy of New York National Guard Flickr Page — Creative Commons License
Inset Image by New York Guard Capt. Mark Getman Courtesy of New York National Guard Flickr Page — Creative Commons License
