Thousands of fake doses of COVID-19 vaccines were seized by the Police in China and South Africa, Interpol said on Wednesday. Interpol warned that this is just the “tip of the iceberg” in vaccine-related crime.
Interpol revealed that around 2,400 doses of fake vaccines were found at a warehouse in South Africa. The police also recovered fake masks at the location and arrested three Chinese and a Zambian national.
Whereas in China, the police in collaboration with Interpol successfully identified a network selling counterfeit coronavirus vaccines.
Raids were carried out at the manufacturing premises, which led to the arrest of around 80 suspects and more than 3,000 fake vaccines were seized.
Also read: Ruthless Sehwag Stars In India Legends’ Win, Netizens Go Bonkers
Notably, Interpol had issued an “Orange Notice” earlier this year warning authorities across the globe to beware of organized crime networks targeting COVID-19 vaccines.
“Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine-related crime,” Interpol secretary-general Juergen Stock said.
Interpol also warned that no approved vaccines were available for sale online.
“Any vaccine being advertised on websites or the dark web will not be legitimate, will not have been tested, and may be dangerous.”