The operations were carried out in Rome, Milan and Bari, according to Il Messaggero newspaper. All 32 channels have been blocked, with minors being among the perpetrators.
The perpetrators offered fake vaccination certificates, promising doctors’ help in issuing the document.
Protesters demonstrate against the Green Pass plan (health pass), a digital or paper certificate that shows if someone has received at least the first dose of the vaccine, has tested negative or has recently recovered from COVID-19, that will be mandatory for indoor dining, cultural and sports events from next week, in Rome, Italy, July 28, 2021.
© REUTERS / GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE
In early July, Italy’s financial guard closed 10 illegal Telegram channels selling vaccines against COVID-19 and inoculation certificates. The government’s decision to introduce the use of certificates for visiting bars, restaurants and attending mass events since August 6 triggered a new spike in the sale of illegal certificates.