Fake Covid-19 vaccines seized in Germiston
The investigation was supported and facilitated by Interpol’s Illicit Goods and Global Health (IGGH) Programme.
South African authorities seized hundreds of fake Covid-19 vaccines in Germiston following a global alert issued by Interpol warning vaccines would be a prime target for criminal networks.
About 400 ampoules, equivalent to around 2 400 doses, containing the fake vaccine were found at a warehouse in Germiston on March 3 when officers also recovered a large quantity of fake 3M masks and arrested three Chinese nationals and a Zambian national.
In China, police successfully identified a network selling counterfeit Covid-19 vaccines, raided the manufacturing premises, resulting in the arrest of 80 suspects and seized more than 3 0000 fake vaccines on the scene.
The investigation was supported and facilitated by Interpol’s Illicit Goods and Global Health (IGGH) Programme.
Arrests follow global alert
The arrests came just weeks after Interpol issued an Orange Notice warning law enforcement to prepare for organised crime networks targeting Covid-19 vaccines, both physically and online.
The arrests came just weeks after Interpol issued an Orange Notice warning law enforcement to prepare for organised crime networks targeting Covid-19 vaccines, both physically and online.
The alert also included details and images of genuine vaccines and authorised shipping methods provided by pharmaceutical companies to assist in the identification of fake vials.
Tip of the iceberg
“Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine related crime,” said Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock
“Following our warning that criminals would target the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, both on and offline, Interpol continues to provide its full support to national authorities working to protect the health and safety of their citizens.
“Since Covid-19 reached the shores of South Africa, the government has adopted an integrated multi-disciplinary law enforcement approach. This, together with our association with counterparts from all Interpol member countries, is proving to be very effective as we have seen in the arrests for foreign nationals attempting to peddle fake vaccines to unsuspecting people within South Africa,” said Brigadier Vish Naidoo, the SAPS spokesperson.
