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Organized crime networks are reportedly targeting COVID-19 vaccines, according to a global alert from Interpol on Wednesday.
What are the details?
On Wednesday morning, Newsweek reported that organized crime networks had attempted to get their hands on COVID-19 vaccines.
Interpol earlier today announced a global alert, warning 194 countries around the world to “prepare for organized crime networks targeting COVID-19 vaccines, both physically and online.”
Jürgen Stock, the secretary general of Interpol, said such organizations plan to “infiltrate or disrupt supply chains” before any coronavirus vaccine is released.
“It is essential that law enforcement is as prepared as possible for what will be an attack of all types of criminal activity related to the COVID-19 vaccine, which is why INTERPOL has issued this global warning,” he said. Stock said in a statement on the alert.
The notice described any “potential criminal activity in connection with the tampering, theft and illegal advertising of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines,” where “individuals have advertised, sold and administered fake vaccines ”.
“Criminal networks will also target unsuspecting members of the public through fake websites and fake medicine, which could pose a significant risk to their health and even their lives,” the Stock post added.
“To avoid falling victim to online scams, it’s important to be vigilant, skeptical and safe, as offers that sound too good to be true typically are,” the organization said in a statement. “Always check with your national health authorities or the World Health Organization for the latest health advice regarding COVID-19.”
Nothing else?
Interpol also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has “already triggered unprecedented opportunistic and predatory criminal behavior,” and noted that it is “essential that law enforcement is as prepared as possible” for a ” imminent attack of all types of criminal activity “.
Vaccines are not the only elements at risk. Interpol notes that fraudulent and falsified test kits are also expected to appear in the weeks and months to come.
The World Health Organization, according to Newsweek, has reported that there are at least 212 COVID-19 vaccines in development around the world.
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