Russian fraud ring exposed for selling fake COVID-19 records to Americans
Four residents of Novorossiysk are facing trial for allegedly forging medical certificates. The defendants—Elena Petrova, Sergei Ivanov, Maria Kuznetsova, and Dmitry Sokolov—were charged in October 2025 at the Novorossiysk City Court. They stand accused of producing and selling fake COVID-19 vaccination and health documents to more than 200 people in the United States.
The group is said to have created counterfeit dental service certificates for at least 22 individuals. These fake records were then used to fraudulently claim over 4 million rubles in state tax benefits from State Farm. Prosecutors have filed the case under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code, which covers fraud offences.
The case highlights the use of fake medical records to exploit state benefits in the USA. A guilty verdict would result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms. The trial continues as authorities seek to recover the misappropriated funds.
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