Issuance of fake certificates: FIA seeks Gerry’s Covid centre record from health ministry

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has formally requested the health ministry to provide the whole record related to a centre run and operated by Gerry’s International in Islamabad to issue coronavirus certificates to people travelling abroad.

The FIA is currently probing Gerry’s International on charges of issuing fraudulent and fake coronavirus certificates to people who intended to travel abroad during the pandemic.

The investigation was launched in October 2023, after the FIA received several complaints from passengers who were denied entry or deported from various countries due to the invalidity of their certificates.

The FIA has specifically sought records of permission granted to Gerry’s International for establishing a Covid vaccination centre for business purpose. The letter, dated December 14, underscored who authorized Gerry’s International to open the centre and under what conditions.

Gerry’s faces probe over issuance of fake Covid-19 certificates in Pakistan

Furthermore, the FIA has sought clarification on the guidelines provided by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) regarding the establishment of such centres. The letter also instructed drug inspectors to provide their records related to Gerry’s International and its activities.

The FIA earlier summoned the chairman and general manager of Gerry’s International as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Issuing fake coronavirus certificates is a serious offence that can endanger public health and safety, as well as damage the reputation and credibility of Pakistan in the international community.

The FIA has warned that anyone involved in this practice will face legal action and severe penalties.