Interpol warns of fake vax
The world’s top law enforcement agency is warning of “an onslaught” of fake or stolen coronavirus vaccines as organized crime syndicates plot to infiltrate supply chains.
This comes as security experts tell the Herald China and Russia are already seeking vaccine trade secrets and terrorists could lace the vaccines with poison to wreak havoc in a world hungry for a cure.
Interpol’s global bulletin comes as Britain authorized the use of Pfizer’s and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for use Wednesday — with the same green light being sought here in America for both the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines.
“It is essential that law enforcement is as prepared as possible for what will be an onslaught of all types of criminal activity linked to the COVID-19 vaccine, which is why Interpol has issued this global warning,” said Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock.
“Criminal networks will also be targeting unsuspecting members of the public via fake websites and false cures, which could pose a significant risk to their health, even their lives,” Stock added.
Fraud has already been a serious problem during the pandemic, including in Massachusetts where bogus “bot-based” unemployment claims are clogging up the system, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a week ago.
Interpol said people should be wary of internet ads, dubious sales pitches and “parallel production and distribution of unauthorized and falsified testing kits.” The agency is also adding warnings about medical equipment and online pharmacies that could be run by the mob.
“Be skeptical and be safe,” Interpol urges.
The agency labeled the alert “orange,” which represents “a serious and imminent threat to public safety.”
Former Boston police commissioner Ed Davis, now a security consultant, said he is already working on this threat with national vaccine distributors and manufacturers.
“There will be scams,” he said. “We fully expected this will be a problem. Everybody is aware of it. … This vaccine is like gold now.”
Daniel Linskey, also a onetime BPD chief, warned terrorists could prey on unsuspecting consumers. He added China and Russia could be trying to steal vaccine trade secrets.
“Terrorists could try to introduce a poison, or a drug like fentanyl, to compromise the product,” said Linskey, now a security expert. “The vaccine is just another vector to cause an attack.”
Anthony Amore, a Boston-based security expert, said the Interpol warning should be taken seriously.
“It’s really scary to think what could happen with a black market vaccine,” Amore said. “There are too many stories of tragedy from other products bought off the black market. People should take this seriously. Anytime something is highly valued and sought after, there will be a criminal element.”