Police in China and South Africa have seized thousands of doses of counterfeit Covid-19 vaccine uncovering a criminal network, the global police agency Interpol revealed on Wednesday.
Interpol secretary-general Juergen Stock said, “Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine-related crime”.
In South Africa at a warehouse in Germiston near Johannesburg, police found 400 vials of counterfeit vaccines, equivalent to around 2,400 doses. They also arrested three Chinese and a Zambian national and recovered 3M fake masks from the scene.
In China, police successfully identified a network selling fake COVID-19 vaccines in an investigation supported by Interpol. They raided the manufacturing sites and arrested of 80 suspects. They have also seized more than 3,000 counterfeit vaccines.
Interpol said, in their continuing investigations, they are receiving lots of reports of fake vaccine distribution and scam attempts targeting public health organizations, such as nursing homes.
On their announcement of dismantling the fake vaccine network, Interpol stressed on the danger of buying untested Covid-19 vaccines online. According to them, no approved vaccines are currently available for online sale.
Last December Interpol warned that criminal networks would increase criminal activities due to the global demand for vaccines by stealing real doses or selling fake ones.
Earlier this year, Interpol issued an “Orange Notice”, warning police forces around the world to prepare for organized crime networks targeting COVID-19 vaccines, both physically and online.