Doctor accused of issuing fake vaccine docs

Police are investigating allegations against a doctor in Larnaca, following a complaint in connection with a hospitalized patient whose vaccination record has been brought into question by his relatives.

According to police, a 53-year-old Larnaca-based doctor was arrested Friday on multiple charges in connection with an investigation into allegations of fake vaccination certificates.

The complaint was filed by a private citizen after a 41-year-old male, who was hospitalized with a COVID-19 infection at Famagusta General, was in need of mechanical ventilation according to medics.

Local media said the individual accused the doctor of providing a fake vaccination certificate, with reports saying investigators were trying to establish whether vaccines had been given in the first place and if a greater number of patients could be involved.

Police confirmed to Knews on Saturday morning that an initial complaint about one infected person with alleged fake documents later evolved into a probe involving documents of at least two other hospitalized patients who were seen by the same doctor.

The identity of the complainant was not disclosed by police but local media reported a relative of the patient had come forward.

An official press release said they were investigating offenses committed between April 26 and August 6, while it was not immediately clear whether the suspect worked in the public or private sector.

Police said the doctor was jailed overnight and was expected to appear Saturday morning before a district court judge for his remand hearing.

Multiple charges include conspiracy to commit felony, document forgery, circulating a fake document, registration under false pretenses, reckless endangerment that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury, and violations of General Healthcare System Law.

Hospital officials have not commented on the case or the vaccination status of the patients in question.