03-04-2021, 06:52 PM
Thousands of fake Covid-19 vaccines seized in South Africa and China (photos)
Thousands of fake COVID-19 vaccine doses have been seized in South Africa and China as Interpol warned the raids were 'only the tip of the iceberg.'
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The international police body said roughly 2,400 doses of fake coronavirus vaccines in 400 ampoules were seized with a 'large quantity' of face masks at a warehouse in Germiston, South Africa.Â
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Chinese police seized more than 3,000 fake vaccines after a raid on a manufacturing plant. Â
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Authorities also confirmed the arrest of 80 suspects at the scene following the raid.Â
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Interpol claimed it had received more reports of criminal vaccine distribution networks targeting nursing homes and other health bodies.
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Pictures from the South Africa raids showed boxes stacked up in a largely empty warehouse, and a box full of fake COVID-19 vaccine ampoules.
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'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 Juergen Stock.
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He added: '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.'
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South African national police said 'foreign nationals' trying to sell fake vaccines in the country were among those arrested at the warehouse.
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A Chinese Ministry of Public Security spokesperson said: 'Chinese police are conducting a targeted campaign to prevent and crack down on crimes related to vaccines, proactively investigating and combating crimes related to vaccines in accordance with law.'
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Interpol earlier this year issued an 'Orange Notice' warning authorities worldwide to prepare for organised crime networks targeting Covid-19 vaccines, both physically and online.
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The agency also warned that no approved vaccines are currently available for sale online, and said those buying fake doses from criminal networks were putting themselves at risk.
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'Any vaccine being advertised on websites or the dark web will not be legitimate, will not have been tested, and maybe dangerous,' it said.
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Thousands of fake COVID-19 vaccine doses have been seized in South Africa and China as Interpol warned the raids were 'only the tip of the iceberg.'
Â
The international police body said roughly 2,400 doses of fake coronavirus vaccines in 400 ampoules were seized with a 'large quantity' of face masks at a warehouse in Germiston, South Africa.Â
Â
Â
Chinese police seized more than 3,000 fake vaccines after a raid on a manufacturing plant. Â
Â
Authorities also confirmed the arrest of 80 suspects at the scene following the raid.Â
Â
Interpol claimed it had received more reports of criminal vaccine distribution networks targeting nursing homes and other health bodies.
Â
Pictures from the South Africa raids showed boxes stacked up in a largely empty warehouse, and a box full of fake COVID-19 vaccine ampoules.
Â
Â
'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 Juergen Stock.
Â
He added: '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.'
Â
Â
South African national police said 'foreign nationals' trying to sell fake vaccines in the country were among those arrested at the warehouse.
Â
A Chinese Ministry of Public Security spokesperson said: 'Chinese police are conducting a targeted campaign to prevent and crack down on crimes related to vaccines, proactively investigating and combating crimes related to vaccines in accordance with law.'
Â
Interpol earlier this year issued an 'Orange Notice' warning authorities worldwide to prepare for organised crime networks targeting Covid-19 vaccines, both physically and online.
Â
The agency also warned that no approved vaccines are currently available for sale online, and said those buying fake doses from criminal networks were putting themselves at risk.
Â
'Any vaccine being advertised on websites or the dark web will not be legitimate, will not have been tested, and maybe dangerous,' it said.
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