[imagesource: iStock]

Where there’s money to be made, criminals will find a way to make it.

We’ve all played witness to the staggering sums of cash paid for COVID-19 vaccines, making them a hot commodity at the moment. Add into the mix the fear that comes with a global pandemic, as people wait anxiously for their turn to get the jab, and you have a winner if you’re looking to exploit circumstances for economic gain.

It was only a matter of time before fake vaccines entered the illicit market.

Following an alert from INTERPOL, South African authorities have seized some 400 ampoules of fake COVID-19 vaccines, or the equivalent of around 2 400 doses.

The fake vaccine was found in a warehouse in Germiston, Gauteng, where officers also uncovered a large quantity of fake 3M masks.

Three Chinese nationals and a Zambian national were arrested in connection with the crime.

Image: INTERPOL

The arrests came just weeks after INTERPOL issued an Orange Notice warning law enforcement worldwide to prepare for organised crime networks targeting COVID-19 vaccines, both physically and through online networks.

The alert also included images of real vaccines and a list of authorised shipping methods, designed to help authorities identify fake shipments.

“Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine related crime,” said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock

Image: INTERPOL

“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.

According to TIME, these shipments of ‘vaccines’ won’t affect the distribution of the real thing by reputable companies and national governments.

Image: INTERPOL

In other words, if you follow the proper procedures you won’t find yourself at the end of the wrong needle.

The concern is that these syndicates are targeting developing countries that haven’t been able to get sufficient supplies, by approaching people online with the offer to jump the queue for inoculation.

So, if you receive a weird email or other communication offering you the jab, delete it.

We’ve started rolling out the vaccines, but these things take time.

Sit tight.

[source:interpol&time]