Police in China and South Africa have seized thousands of fake doses of Covid-19 vaccine.

South African police seized the fake vaccine in Germiston, Gauteng.

 

South African  police seized 400 ampoules, providing 2,400 doses, of a fake vaccine in Germiston, Gauteng, along with a big supply of fake 3M brand masks. They arrested a Zambian national and three Chinese suspects. 

That raid led to a second on a manufacturing premises in China, where police seized 3,000 fake vaccines and arrested 80 suspects.

The Chinese authorities believe they have dismantled an organised crime group making the fake drugs and distributing them abroad .

Police found 400 ampoules, which provide 2,400 doses, in South Africa. 

 

 

A Ministry of Public Security spokesman said: "The Chinese government attaches great importance to vaccine security.

"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."

Interpol, the international police organisation, said it was aware of fake vaccine scams aimed at nursing homes and warned that no approved vaccines were currently available for sale online.

Interpol said that in addition to the arrests in South Africa and China it was also receiving additional reports of fake vaccine distribution and scam attempts targeting health bodies such as nursing homes.

It warned that no approved vaccines were available for sale online.

In the US, Homeland Security agents recently seized 10 million fake 3M brand masks after counterfeits were sold to hospitals, other medical centres and government agencies in five states.

Since the pandemic began, US agents have seized $33 million worth of fake COVID-19 products and arrested 200 suspects.