15 countries strike a criminal network of fake medicines, €240 million fraud against patients

A large international operation, supported by Eurojust and Europol, led to the dismantling of a criminal network that was defrauding patients across Europe with counterfeit supplements and medicines.

Authorities from 15 countries took part in the operation, while the group is suspected of generating around €240 million through illegal activities.

Investigations revealed that the criminal organization, active since 2019, operated in a structured and professional way, creating fictitious companies to sell over 400 unauthorized products.

Through hundreds of websites and fake social media profiles, they used the names of famous personalities and fake “doctors” to convince patients that the products could cure serious or incurable diseases.

Victims were contacted by call center operators posing as medical specialists, who persuaded them to buy the fraudulent products. According to investigators, many patients stopped treatments recommended by their doctors, putting their health at serious risk.

Romanian authorities launched the investigation after the first complaints and uncovered a wide international network using legitimate companies across Europe to hide criminal activity.

European authorities are warning citizens to purchase medicines only from registered and verified online pharmacies approved by relevant institutions.

“KORÇA BOOM”