Police Bust Factories In China And South Africa That Were Making Fake Covid-19 Vaccines

Police in China and South Africa have busted a fake coronavirus vaccine scheme that was producing thousands of vials.

Three Chinese nationals and a Zambian were arrested at a warehouse in Gauteng, while 80 were taken into custody at a separate factory in China.

Authorities found at least 5,400 doses of the counterfeit Covid-19 vaccine in both locations and dozens of fake 3M masks in the South African warehouse.

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said in a statement: "Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine related crime.

"Following our warning that criminals would target the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, both on and offline, INTERPOL continues to provide its full support to national authorities working to protect the health and safety of their citizens.

"These arrests, underline the unique role of INTERPOL in bringing together key players from both the public and private sectors to protect public safety."

The International Criminal Police Organization hasn't ruled out making more arrests as it continues to investigate more locations brewing fake vaccines.

They are currently following up reports of places like nursing homes being targeted by producers of these fake vaccines.

INTERPOL said people should never buy a Covid-19 vaccine (or any type of vaccine) online and avoid sellers on the dark web.

The body warned people a vaccine found there 'will not be legitimate, will not have been tested and may be dangerous'.

"Anyone who buys these drugs is putting themselves at risk and giving their money to organized criminals," it added.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Public Security 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.

"We will further strengthen the constructive cooperation with INTERPOL and law enforcement agencies of other countries to effectively prevent such crimes."

Featured Image Credit: INTERPOL

Topics: News

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie