IBM and INTERPOL warn against Potential Illicit Criminal Activities surrounding the distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines

Earlier this month, INTERPOL issued an Orange Notice of potential criminal activity, including the falsification, theft, and illegal advertising of COVID-19 and flu vaccines. The Notice stressed the need for there to be seamless coordination between health regulators and law enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth distribution of the proper COVID-19 and flu vaccines as well as identify fake websites and individuals marketing fake vaccines. 

The Notice also gave practical examples of cases where fake vaccines have been sold, advertised, and administered by individuals. 

In a statement made by Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock; “As governments are preparing to roll out vaccines, criminal organizations are planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains.”

He further stated; “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.

“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, which is why INTERPOL has issued this global warning,”

So far INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Unit has revealed over 3,000 websites associated with online pharmacies suspected of selling illicit medicines and medical devices, 1,700 of which contained phishing and spamming malware cyber threats. 

They further stressed the need for members of the public to keep extra vigilance, particularly when searching for medical equipment and medicines. 

References

• https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/interpol-ibm-warn-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-network-under-threat/439108
• https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2020/INTERPOL-warns-of-organized-crime-threat-to-COVID-19-vaccines