Terrebonne man pocketed $150,000 from helping people get fake COVID-19 vaccine passports
A former worker at a COVID-19 vaccination centre pleaded guilty after he made $150,000 from helping hundreds of Quebecers obtain fake vaccination passports during the height of the pandemic.
Adams Diwa, 24, pleaded guilty to fraud, falsifying documents and breach of trust for infractions committed between September and November 2021.
The CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’île-de-Montréal hired Diwa in March 2021 to enter proof of vaccination data into the Quebec vaccination registry, according to the statement of facts filed in Quebec Superior Court.
The Terrebonne man then asked accomplices to get hundreds of peoples' names who wanted proof of vaccination.
"Between Sept. 5 and Nov. 7, 2021, while the accused was working at the Olympic Stadium vaccination site, he registered nearly 1,250 false vaccines in the vaccination registry at the benefit of 630 users," the court document reads.
Once entered, the users could download their vaccine passports.
The document says Diwa used his own user code for most of the registrations, except those entered for his family (nine people) and himself.
The majority of the money he made was found in his personal bank account, and police seized just over $30,000 when they raided his home.
The vaccine passport program remained in place in Quebec for six and a half months from Sept. 1, 2021, to March 14, 2022.
The federal program remained in place for travel until June 20, 2022.
Diwa is slated to return to court in August.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.