Chicago Pharmacist Arrested for Selling COVID-19 Vaccination Cards Online

According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release dated August 17, 2021, a licensed Chicago pharmacist was arrested for allegedly selling dozens of authentic Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination cards on eBay.

Between March and April of 2021, Tangtang Zhao, 34, allegedly sold 125 COVID-19 vaccination cards for $10 each to eleven buyers. Zhao worked at a pharmacy which distributed and administered COVID-19 vaccines at its physical locations nationwide. Zhao was able to acquire authentic vaccination cards and distribute them online through his position as a licensed pharmacist.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said of the crime, “We take seriously, and will vigorously investigate, any criminal offense that contributes to the distrust around vaccines and vaccination status. The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the American people from these offenses during this national emergency.”

The indictment charges Zhao with 12 counts of theft of government property. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 10 years in prison per count. The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) – Chicago Region explained, “Stealing and selling COVID-19 vaccination cards is inexcusable and will not be tolerated. Fraudsters who engage in such unlawful conduct undermine efforts to address the pandemic and profit at the public’s expense. The health and safety of the public is our top priority, and we encourage people to obtain vaccination cards from their administering medical providers.”