Gardai have arrested a celebrity on suspicion of using a fake PCR test, it has emerged,
We can reveal that the Irishman — who has an international audience — was arrested and questioned by detectives from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) probing an alleged PCR test scam.
Sources say the singer was arrested on suspicion of using a fake PCR test cert to go in and out of Ireland on flights — without having to undergo legitimate testing for Covid-19.
“It’s bizarre,” a source said last night.
“But he was arrested on suspicion of using a fake PCR test to get in and out of the country without the bother of having to do a real test.”
Gardai confirmed last night a man was arrested on Thursday as part of a GNIB investigation.
The spokesman said: “Gardai carrying out investigations into the productions of a false instrument in May 2021 arrested a man yesterday.
“He has since been released without charge with a file being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
Gardai did not identify the man who was arrested, but several reliable sources have confirmed he is a major celebrity in the music business.
It’s understood the singer presented himself to officers at a Dublin station on Thursday as part of the probe, and was then arrested.
Gardai had the power to detain him for 24 hours, but it is understood he was only held for a number of hours.
He was later released without charge, but a file on the probe will now be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will make a decision on whether he or anyone else should be charged.
We made repeated phone calls and sent several messages to the celebrity last night, but he did not reply.
Sources have revealed the investigation started after another man was detained at Dublin Airport allegedly in possession of a fake PCR test.
That man was then arrested and his laptop was seized.
When specialists examined it, they allegedly found several email exchanges between him and the famous pop star.
This led officers to suspect the celebrity himself had access to a fake PCR test.
A negative PCR test result is required for travel to and from Ireland for unvaccinated travellers.
But some people have used fake test results to illegally bypass border checks.
