A Maryland man is facing federal charges over allegedly selling more than 600 fake COVID-19 vaccine cards. The 23-year-old man, Amar Shabazz, reportedly purchased the cards through a foreign online marketplace and advertised them for sale on various social media platforms.
According to the charges filed against him, Shabazz wrote on one of his social media accounts saying: “Covid19 vaccination card who want one, $75 a pop.”
Over the following month, Shabazz kept on promoting the fake cards, commenting on several articles about vaccine requirements and restrictions at bars and restaurants, according to a criminal complaint. In addition, Shabazz allegedly sent messages to individuals, telling them he was sold out on multiple occasions.
Shabazz ordered at least two packs of the cards, one pack of 300 and another of 500, the messages indicate.
At that time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection had begun to seize fake COVID-19 vaccination cards discovered in mail and carrier facilities. One particular package addressed to “MAR SHA” and associated with Shabazz’s phone number was seized by officers.
Shabazz ordered a second batch of the cards from the same website and received them on August 31 at his home. He allegedly posted a picture of the cards on social media, promoting each of them for $70.
Authorities launched a subsequent investigation on Shabazz and his operation. Investigators were interviewing several individuals who bought the fake cards.
On Oct. 1, investigators searched Shabazz’s apartment and discovered that Shabazz had a list titled “Things I’m doing when I get out (updated).” The list included guides to illegally earning money, such as buying a burner phone “for scamming” and consulting a lawyer for tips on what “not to do.”
Shabazz had already deleted his account on the online marketplace website and had also deleted his email account. In September, Shabazz searched for “customs inspection packages vaccination cards” on YouTube and watched videos of FBI agents investigating fake vaccination cards.
Shabazz appeared in court on December 3 for his arraignment. If convicted in the vaccine cards case, Shabazz will face a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison for mail fraud and obstruction of justice. He had served jail time in the past for possession of child pornography
