Global police organisation Interpol said the recent seizures of thousands of fake COVID-19 vaccines in China and South Africa are just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ in vaccine-related crime.
Interpol said 2400 doses of the fake vaccine were found at a warehouse outside Johannesburg, leading to the arrest of three Chinese nationals, and one Zambian national.
Police in China raided the manufacturing premises of a network selling counterfeit vaccines, leading to the arrest of 80 suspects and the seizure of more than 3000 fake vaccines.
Interpol secretary-general Juergen Stock warned that any vaccine being advertised online is not legitimate and may pose health risks.
Interpol issued an 'Orange Alert' earlier this year to warn police forces to prepare for organised crime targeting COVID-19 vaccines.