The coronavirus benefits some. In China, where the epidemic is causing serious shortages, the black market for counterfeit masks has exploded, much to the chagrin of the authorities who are toughening the crackdown on sellers of items deemed dangerous.
While masks and disinfectants are becoming increasingly rare in China, illegal sellers offer counterfeit masks. Authorities have notably spotted false statements about the brand of masks sold, or a scam aimed at selling masks without delivering them, while claiming to have sent the products correctly thanks to falsified receipts.
Nearly 31 million confiscated counterfeit masks
Authorities have already cracked down on 688 cases involving the sale of masks and other "substandard" or counterfeit items, Du Duwewei, deputy minister of public security, said on Wednesday. In total, the police confiscated 31 million counterfeit masks and other falsified products, worth 174 million yuan (22.7 million euros), Du Hangwei added at a press conference.
At least 22,000 suspects have been arrested for crimes related to the epidemic, he said, adding that the authorities were also fighting against the surge in prices charged by some opportunistic sellers. Some exploit the urgent need for masks, disinfectant and protective glasses to spread false information online before carrying out fraud, said police in Chengdu (southwest). She called on the population to "stay rational" and to buy protective equipment only through authorized channels.
"The maximum sentence is life imprisonment"
Authorities in Sichuan (southwest) have also estimated that the sale of masks that do not meet national quality standards could constitute a crime. "The maximum sentence is life imprisonment," they warned, while pointing to other misdeeds, such as resale under the cloak of used masks.
To meet a still very strong demand, China has strengthened its support for companies capable of transforming their factories to manufacture masks and other sanitary articles. But the lack of workers, due to quarantine measures and traffic restrictions, complicates the situation. Du Hangwei also said that 49 police and auxiliary officers had "sacrificed" their lives in the fight against the epidemic, without giving details.
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