It is a standard requirement for international travel to take a COVID-19 test. It can be hard to verify the authenticity of these tests since a lot of people fake them. It is interesting to see how different parts of the world deal with this.
A man is facing a one year jail sentence for faking a test.
Over 800 people have been caught with fake coronavirus tests at the airport in recent months, according to a story in the Brussels Times. 80% of people caught have paid the fine, which is 750. Roughly 160 people are being taken to court by the public prosecutor.
16 people have been charged so far.
11 people were sentenced to six months in prison and a 1,600 fine for forgery, because they didn't show up to court.
The person who didn't show up was sentenced to one year in prison for presenting a fake test result, because he was exposed to the coronaviruses.
The person who showed up but maintained her innocence was sentenced to six months in prison.
The three people who showed up were given a choice of 60 hours of community service or a one year prison sentence.
Travelers with fake tests are being punished.
The court had to make a decision.
The court issued a statement as part of the judgement.
There are few examples of such selfish behavior in textbooks. The defendants put their own freedom to travel above the public interest and endanger society. The opinion of the court is that severe punishment is the only appropriate social response for citizens who are not concerned with the welfare of their fellow citizens.
The court said that international air travel is a great way to spread the virus. That stance seems questionable, but we don't need to get into it.
The court thinks severe punishment is the only option.
The bottom line.
Belgium seems to be one of the strictest countries in Europe when it comes to going after people who present fake coronaviruses test results for travel. The standard punishment for faking test results is a 750 fine.
Those who didn't pay are facing a fine and jail sentence. A man who presented a fake test to get a coronaviruses is facing a year-long jail sentence.
This is a good reminder to not fake your coronaviruses test results, not that a reminder should really be needed.
