Cyprus was among 15 countries that cooperated on 12 May in a coordinated operation to dismantle a dangerous criminal organisation involved in the sale of fake medicines and supplements across Europe and beyond, according to a Eurojust press release issued on Thursday.
The operation targeted a large-scale fake medicine network responsible for defrauding victims with false health claims and generating an estimated €240 million in illegal profits.
Cyprus involved in cross-border investigation
According to Eurojust, Cyprus participated through the Office of the Attorney General and the Cyprus Police, contributing to the wider European investigation supported by both Eurojust and Europol.
Authorities said the network had been active since 2019, operating through companies established across Europe to market unlicensed supplements under various names.
Fraudulent health claims and online deception
Investigators found that the group promoted over 400 supplements using websites and social media pages designed to appear legitimate.
The criminal network allegedly used fake doctors, celebrities and fabricated testimonials to mislead consumers across the EU and beyond.
The fake medicine network also operated call centres where individuals posed as medical experts, falsely claiming the products could treat serious or incurable diseases.
Victims misled into stopping treatment
Eurojust warned that victims were often persuaded to stop prescribed medical treatments after being convinced to use the fake products, causing serious harm.
When complaints about specific products increased, the group would rename and relaunch them under new branding.
Large-scale coordinated action
A coordinated action day on 12 May led to raids across 15 countries under Eurojust’s coordination.
Authorities searched 113 locations across Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Moldova, while 196 websites promoting the supplements were blocked in Romania alone.
A central warehouse was also uncovered in Bulgaria, where large quantities of supplements were seized for further analysis.
Ongoing investigations
Eurojust said the joint investigation team successfully identified most suspects and arrested key members in Poland, Romania and Moldova.
Investigations into the fake medicine network are continuing, with further evidence gathering and witness examinations expected in the coming period.
Also read: EU to improve access to critical medicines through member state cooperation
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