The Growing Threat of Pharmaceutical Crime

Europol's recent report The Threat of Pharmaceutical Crime in the EU and Beyond warns of the increasing prevalence of international pharmaceutical crime. There is a rising number of cases in which falsified medicines have entered the global supply chain. The use of such products can lead to serious health issues. These falsifications are produced for financial gain and often fund organised crime.

According to Europol’s report, an increasingly wide range of medicines is being targeted by falsified operations. These include drugs for diabetes, cancer, and erectile dysfunction, as well as opioids and antihistamines.

Illegal laboratories have also been discovered in Europe. Falsified medicines are sold to consumers via the so-called dark web, social media platforms, and instant messaging apps. Criminals infiltrate legitimate businesses by using forged documents and stolen credentials. Additionally, genuine medicines are stolen and mixed with falsifications.

One factor behind the rise in falsified drugs is the dramatic increase in consumer demand — for example, in the case of Ozempic, which is also used for weight loss. Another example of high-demand impact involves performance-enhancing substances that circulate in fitness and bodybuilding communities. Many of these products may contain little or no active ingredients — or worse, toxic substances.

Authorities Act to Combat Falsifications

The actors behind pharmaceutical falsifications are rapidly innovating and expanding their operations. Fortunately, authorities are staying alert and enhancing cooperation. Supply chain security is being strengthened by improving oversight with new identification technologies. Private sector platforms are also being held accountable for removing criminal activity from their services. Europol has identified several social media platforms and online marketplaces as key hubs for illicit trade.

Finnish consumers can fight pharmaceutical crime by purchasing their medicines from legal pharmacies. Like other EU countries, Finland has a medicines verification system. Managed by Fimvo, this system covers the entire supply chain — from the pharmaceutical manufacturer to the pharmacy and the moment the medicine is dispensed — preventing falsified medicines from reaching consumers. By buying your medication from licensed pharmacies or licensed online pharmacies, you can be sure of the authenticity and safety of the product.

You can read Europol's full report here.