December 06, 2020

As the world is preparing for the launch of coronavirus vaccines that are expected to bring the pandemic to an end, some challenges that organized crime networks may try to sell fake COVID-19 vaccines or disrupt supply chains came out.
Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, has warned law enforcement agencies across the globe that organized criminal networks could try to advertise and sell fake COVID-19 vaccines physically and on the internet.
The INTERPOL Orange Notice dated 2 December outlines potential criminal activity in relation to the falsification, theft and illegal advertising of COVID-19 and flu vaccines, with the pandemic having already triggered unprecedented opportunistic and predatory criminal behaviour.
Myanmar is one of the 194 member countries of the world’s largest police organization, and it is crucial to learn to ensure global vaccine distribution.
As the saying goes “The world is a dangerous place. Not because of the people who are evil; but because of the people who don’t do anything about it”, not only law enforcement organizations but also all of the public across the world need to cooperate on fights against fake coronavirus vaccines and the criminals.
The police organization called for close coordination between health regulators and law enforcement agencies as vaccines come closer to approval and distribution so as to ensure the safety of the supply chain and identify illicit websites selling fakes.
“As governments are preparing to roll out vaccines, criminal organizations are planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains.” Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary-General said.
He added that it is essential that law enforcement is as prepared as possible for what will be an onslaught of all types of criminal activity linked to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Interpol also advised its members of the public to take special care when going online to search for medical equipment or medicines, saying that people could face danger not just from potentially life-threatening products, but also from cyber-threats.
An analysis by the INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Unit showed that of 3,000 websites associated with online pharmacies suspected of selling illicit medicines and medical devices, around 1,700 contained cyber threats, especially phishing and spamming malware.
“It is important to be vigilant, sceptical and safe, as offers which appear too good to be true usually are”, the agency advised people to always check with their respective national health authorities or the World Health Organization for the latest health advice in relation to COVID-19.
Beware of organized crime threats to coronavirus vaccines. Meanwhile, don’t forget to always check with local health authorities or WHO for latest COVID-19 health advice.