According to federal officials, a Chicago pharmacist stole Covid-19 vaccination cards and sold them on eBay for $10.
In March and April of this year, Tangtang Zhao, 34, reportedly stole over 125 official vaccination cards from the CDC, and he allegedly sold 11 of them before being caught.
Zhao was charged with 12 counts of government property theft.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said in a statement, “We take this seriously, and we will vigorously investigate, any criminal offense that contributes to the distrust around vaccines and vaccination status,” he added, “The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the American people from these offenses during this national emergency.”
In recent months, the black market has been booming with Covid-19 vaccination cards; however, officials have said it is illegal to use if you are not vaccinated. A vaccine card is provided to recipients receiving the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge.
In court documents, it was noted that Zhao worked as a licensed pharmacist at a pharmacy known as Company 1. The pharmacy he worked for is known for issuing vaccines and vaccination cards all over the country.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. said, “Knowingly selling COVID vaccination cards to unvaccinated individuals puts millions of Americans at risk of serious injury or death.”
Zhao could expect to receive a potential maximum prison sentence of 10 years for each count of government property theft.
