The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has issued a global alert to law enforcement agencies warning them to prepare for organized crime networks targeting COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
Interpol has issued a global alert for law enforcement across its 194 member countries warning them to prepare for organized crime networks targeting COVID-19 vaccines, both physically and online.
“As governments are preparing to roll out vaccines, criminal organizations are planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains,” said Jurgen Stock, Secretary-General, Interpol.
He further said, “Criminal networks will also be targeting unsuspecting members of the public via fake websites and false cures, which could pose a significant risk to their health, even their lives.”
The International Criminal Police Organization is therefore calling for coordination between law enforcement and health regulatory bodies to ensure the safety of individuals and wellbeing of communities are protected.
The Interpol also advised the public to take special care when going online to search for medical equipment or medicines.
“In addition to the dangers of ordering potentially life-threatening products, an analysis by the INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Unit revealed 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,” said the official statement by the Interpol.
By Christabel Airo
