Thunder Bay Police investigating fake vaccination certificates

The Thunder Bay Police Service says there have been multiple incidents of local residents obtaining fraudulent proof of vaccination certificates.

Ontario regulations require proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, bars, sports facilities, cinemas, and many other locations. People can show their vaccine receipt or a vaccine passport issued by the province.

Thunder Bay Police say in one case, a local social media account advertised fraudulent certificates for sale. In another case, police say a local resident made claims on social media about creating and using a fraudulent certificate.

The incidents are being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Branch.

"In addition to violating the Re-opening Ontario Act, creating and using forged proof of vaccination certificates could lead to various criminal charges," police said in a news release.

Police say they are working closely with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to enforce the Re-opening Ontario Act.