Dubai testing centre workers gave out negative Covid results for cash, police say

Two people were arrested over the scam, which allowed drivers to enter Abu Dhabi untested

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Reporter: Patrick Ryan. News. Covid-19/Coronavirus. People go to be tested at the Mina Rashid Covid-19 screening centre in Dubai. Thursday, July 2nd, 2020. Dubai. Chris WShow more

Two workers at a coronavirus testing centre gave out fake negative results in exchange for cash.

They were accused of taking bribes from commuters travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Dubai Police arrested them after the fraud came to light.

Officials did not detail the ploy in full, but said it involved using images of earlier negative results to allow drivers to cross the border without being  tested.

Abu Dhabi requires anyone entering the emirate by road to produce a negative PCR nasal swab or DPI blood test for inspection by police.

The employees were referred to the Emergency and Crisis Prosecution at the Federal Public Prosecution, state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday.

The two men have been accused of abusing their authority to forge coronavirus test results in exchange for a financial reward.

“They used photos of old negative test samples that were saved in the database,” said Wam.

“The actions committed by the two defendants could lead to time in jail and a fine that ranges between Dh150,000 and Dh750,000,” said Wam, quoting the prosecution’s official spokesman.

“Legal action has been taken against them, and the UAE attorney general has ordered their arrest during investigations.”

Prosecutors warned that legal action will be taken against anybody tries to abuse his or her job or tamper with test results.

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