Bail was granted to three persons who were caught during a sting operation cracking down on the conspiracy to illegally issue false COVID-19 immunization cards at the Fyzabad Health Facility, after they appeared before a Justice of the Peace, on Thursday.
A release from the Police Service reports that registered nurse NIKITA MEDINA, 39, of Siparia, along with administrative clerks RICHARD RODRIGUEZ, 30, of Palo Seco and KEVON MOSES, 39, of Claxton Bay, were charged with conspiracy to misbehave in public office, following advice received from Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard SC, on Wednesday 9th February 2022.
The accused appeared before JP Young, yesterday, Thursday 10th February 2022.
MEDINA, RODRIGUEZ and MOSES, were each granted bail in the sum of $100,000. They are expected to appear at the Siparia Magistrates’ Court on 4th March 2022.
The Police Service reports that information obtained led officers to conduct a sting operation in the South-Western Division, on Monday 7th February 2022.
During the exercise, Fraud Squad officers proceeded to the Fyzabad Health Centre, where they observed a nurse allegedly pretending to administer a vaccine to a person. Police say the nurse thereafter allegedly issued a COVID-19 immunization card to the person for a fee.
The suspect was arrested, and further enquiries resulted in the arrest of several other persons, one of whom subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Special arrangements were made by the TTPS Executive and medical personnel to ensure the safety and welfare of the officers and the COVID-19 positive suspect.
The accused were charged by Cpl (Ag.) Solozano.
The sting operation was spearheaded by Snr. Supt. (Ag.) Arlet Groome, Snr. Supt. (Ag.) Francis and ASP (Ag.) Pierre and coordinated by Insps. Samuel and Thomas, along with officers of the Fraud Squad and Special Investigations Unit.
