Criminal networks are exploiting online platforms—including social media, e-commerce sites, and the dark web—to distribute substandard or fake medications, as well as products that are no longer legally available. Europol warned on Monday that these illicit sales not only deceive consumers but also pose serious health risks and undermine the economy.
To combat this growing threat, police, judicial authorities, customs, and anti-doping agencies from 30 countries joined forces between April and November in Operation SHIELD, an international crackdown led by Europol. The latest edition of the operation was coordinated by law enforcement agencies from France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
While Luxembourg Customs was not involved, the operation resulted in:
Europol stressed that counterfeit medicines pose a direct threat to public health and safety.
