Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 7367Forgery; use of false PCR test certificates · Co. Dublin · 11 Jul 2021

Man accused of forging PCR tests during Covid lockdown so he and friends could travel to European events

A 30-year-old man from Dublin, Jamie Corrigan, is accused of forging Covid-19 PCR test results during the lockdown so he and friends could travel around Europe. The alleged false certificate was presented at Terminal 1 of Dublin Airport on 11 July 2021, on arrival from Spain, and the Garda National Immigration Bureau investigation started in July 2021. He faces two charges of using false PCR test certification and was also charged with forgery; the judge at Dublin District Court refused jurisdiction and the case is to go to the Circuit Court. He has yet to enter a plea and was remanded on continuing bail to 24 November, when he is to be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 Oct
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Jamie Corrigan, a 30-year-old man, is accused of forging Covid-19 PCR test results during the lockdown so he and friends could travel around Europe.
  • The accused allegedly arrived at Dublin Airport from Spain and presented a false PCR test certificate purporting to show a negative result.
  • The detective alleged the accused made 22 fake PCR tests, which allowed him and eight friends or family to travel to sporting events, festivals and concerts.
Where
The alleged false certificate was presented at Terminal 1 of Dublin Airport.
When
The alleged offence date is 11 July 2021, and the investigation started in July 2021.
Investigation
The Garda National Immigration Bureau identified nine people, including the accused, who benefited from the alleged false tests.
Charges
  • The accused faces two charges of using false PCR test certification at Terminal 1 on 11 July 2021 under section 26 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
  • The accused was also charged with forgery, by allegedly making false PCR test certificates in other names at an unknown location.
In court
  • The case was reported on 13 October 2023 as the accused's first appearance at Dublin District Court.
  • The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal at District Court level, but the judge refused jurisdiction, citing serious travel restrictions at the time to protect public health.
  • The case will be sent to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.
  • The accused has yet to enter a plea.
  • The accused was remanded on continuing bail to appear on 24 November to be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.
Other details
  • It was not alleged that there was any financial advantage.
  • The accused worked for a company that provided equipment to the HSE and knew about the restrictions.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe accused is accused of forging Covid-19 test results during the lockdown so he and friends could travel around Europe. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe accused arrived at Dublin Airport from Spain and presented a false PCR test certificate. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe detective alleged the accused made 22 fake PCR tests. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe accused appeared at Dublin District Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe investigation started in July 2021. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe accused faces two charges of using false PCR test certification at Terminal 1 on 11 July 2021 under section 26 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe accused was also charged with forgery by allegedly making false PCR test certificates in other names at an unknown location. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal at District Court level. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge refused jurisdiction, citing serious travel restrictions at the time to protect public health. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case will be sent to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe accused has still to enter a plea. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe accused was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on 24 November to be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe GNIB identified nine people, including the accused, who benefited. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherIt was not alleged there was any financial advantage. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe accused worked for a company that provided equipment to the HSE and knew about the restrictions. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Oct2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Man ‘forged’ PCR tests during Covid lockdown so he and friends could go to festivals around Europe, court told

    First District Court appearance. The judge refused jurisdiction, the case goes to the Circuit Court, and the accused was remanded on bail to 24 November. The article also gives the investigation start date, the number of alleged fake tests and the number of people benefiting.

    accused, Jamie Corrigan, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)Jamie Corrigan