A man in Belgium has reportedly been arrested after he was caught trying to obtain a ninth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine with a false identification on behalf of others who did not want to vaccinate themselves.
L’Avenir revealed that the unnamed man, from Charleroi, was detained at a vaccination center on Sunday after staff recognized his face. He previously went to the center to receive the vaccination eight times, using different ID cards for clients who allegedly wanted a “fully vaccinated” status without showing up themselves.
According to the newspaper, a legal complaint will soon be filed against the man and everyone who used his service to avoid vaccination.
Although vaccination in Belgium is not currently mandatory, fully vaccinated individuals can obtain a Covid Safe ticket, which allows the owner to travel and enter certain establishments, including bars, restaurants, fitness centers and large events.
Many vaccinators on behalf of others have been arrested since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions. And this month, a New Zealand man was investigated for allegedly receiving up to 10 doses in a day on behalf of paying clients who were reluctant to get vaccinated.
New Zealand Health Ministry official Astrid Kornev said the government was “extremely concerned” about people receiving more vaccine doses than recommended, and advised the public “to seek clinical advice as soon as practicable” if they did.