The pandemic has "unfortunately offered new opportunities to fraudsters to take advantage of high demand". The EU anti-fraud office (Olaf) announces the opening of an investigation into the importation into Europe of fake pandemic coronavirus products, such as protective equipment or hygiene products , whose distribution explodes.
He stressed the ineffectiveness of these products and even, in certain cases, their danger to health, specifying that he worked with the customs services of the States of the Union to prevent these products from entering them.
Preventing fakes, a crucial issue
The range of products complained of ranges from disinfectants to tests, not to mention masks and medical equipment.
“We provide information in real time. Preventing these fake products from entering Europe is crucial for the protection of our health and the fight against the pandemic ”, underlines Olaf, which publishes photos of fake masks, especially for children.
Sold three times the normal price
These false masks have been offered online in several EU countries at prices between 5 and 10 euros, about three times the normal price. These products are most often sold on the Internet but also arrive in Europe by containers with false certificates or declared as other products, according to the Office, which does not give more details.
Read our file on the coronavirus
Olaf, which has teams of experts, does not itself have the power to impose sanctions. It transmits the results of its investigations to the national authorities, which can decide to open criminal proceedings.
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- Coronavirus
- Covid 19
- Smuggling
- Fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Society