PARIS: The Interpol global police co-ordination agency warned on Wednesdaythat organised criminal networks could be targeting COVID-19 vaccines, andcould look to sell fake shots.

Interpol, which is headquartered in France, said it had issued a globalalert to law enforcement across its 194 member countries, warning them toprepare for organised crime networks targeting COVID-19 vaccines, bothphysically and online.

“As governments are preparing to roll out vaccines, criminal organisationsare planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains. Criminal networks willalso be targeting unsuspecting members of the public via fake websites andfalse cures, which could pose a significant risk to their health, eventheir lives,” said Interpol secretary general Juergen Stock.

Online dangers

With an increasing amount of COVID-related frauds, Interpol is alsoadvising members of the public to take special care when going online tosearch for medical equipment or medicines.