2500 Victims of Vaccine Fraud in India... Saline Solution Administered

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A group involved in COVID-19 vaccination fraud in India has been arrested. It is estimated that there are about 2,500 victims of fraudulent vaccinations, including saline injections.

According to CNN on the 6th, the Mumbai police authorities in Maharashtra state, western India, stated, "More than 2,500 people were victims of fraudulent vaccinations at at least 12 fake vaccine centers," adding, "The group injected saline and earned a total of $28,000 (approximately 32 million KRW)." They also said, "14 people, including doctors, were arrested on charges of fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy, and the number of arrests is expected to increase as the investigation expands," advising the public to avoid falling victim to such scams.

Since April, as COVID-19 cases surged due to the spread of the Delta variant, vaccine demand in India has skyrocketed, leading to an increase in vaccine fraud incidents across the country. The Mumbai vaccination fraud group arrested this time is known to have concentrated their fraudulent activities from late May to early June.

They charged $10 to $17 per vaccination but were caught after victims reported to the police, suspecting fraud because no symptoms appeared after vaccination and the vaccination certificates were poorly made. The West Bengal police are also investigating suspicions that hundreds, including local lawmakers, received fake vaccines.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.