A man residing in Maryland with a previous conviction of possessing child pornography has been arrested again and charged on Monday, Dec. 6, with selling fake vaccination cards on social media.
Twenty-three-year-old Amar Salim Shabazz, who was released in April 2021 after a conviction in child pornography possession, reportedly began his attempt to sell fraudulent vaccination cards online after viewing a video called “Scammers Work to Sell Fake Covid Vaccination Cards Online” in June, NBC Washington reported.
Shabazz then started to sell these bogus vaccination cards online, posting on July 10 a video of the certificates with the caption, “Covid19 vaccination card who want one. $75 a pop.” He allegedly promoted his business constantly, pointing out the need for vaccination cards for entry into establishments, according to the Bay Net.
He sold the vaccination cards for prices between $60 and $75, successfully selling over 600 counterfeit copies of the document. Later on, he ordered another 500 cards, while messaging his friend privately to say “Made 300 today. I’m sold out. Just bought 500 more cards. 60x500 is $30k. I’m gonna be rich.”
Some of his cards were seized on Aug. 19 by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which prompted authorities to investigate him. He then reportedly searched the phrase “customs inspection packages VACCINATION cards” when the cards did not come, according to the New York Daily News.
His basement was searched by authorities on Oct. 1, where they found multiple fake vaccination cards, receipts, as well as notes he wrote himself that detail some of his plans once he left prison. Shabazz reportedly attempted to cover up his tracks by deleting his email and account on the website he bought the cards from.
Among the things he was planning to do include buying two burner phones, buying a gun, and hiring the services of a lawyer who can give him tips on what to do and what not to do when getting money illegally.
Shabazz faces a possible 20-year sentence if convicted for the charges of mail fraud and for obstruction of justice.
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