Cyprus participated in a large-scale international operation targeting a criminal network accused of selling fake medicines and fraudulent health supplements across Europe and beyond, according to a statement issued by Eurojust. The coordinated operation involved authorities from 15 countries and resulted in arrests, searches, seizures of products and the collection of extensive evidence linked to the group’s activities.
Cyprus Participated Through Police and Attorney General’s Office
Cyprus took part in the operation through the Office of the Attorney General and the Cyprus Police. According to Eurojust, the criminal organisation falsely claimed to sell legitimate pharmaceutical products capable of treating serious and incurable diseases. Authorities estimate that the network generated approximately €240 million through illegal transactions.
Eurojust and Europol supported the investigation from the outset, coordinating cooperation between participating countries.
Hundreds of Fake Products and Websites
Investigators said the group established companies from 2019 onwards to market unauthorised supplements, eventually selling more than 400 products under different brand names. A network of online sellers reportedly created hundreds of websites and social media pages, often using the names and images of celebrities and fake doctors to mislead consumers across the European Union and other countries.
According to Eurojust, members of the organisation were trained to create fake social media profiles designed to appear legitimate while avoiding detection by online platforms.
Victims Misled Into Stopping Real Treatment
Telephone operators linked to the scheme allegedly posed as doctors or medical specialists and claimed the products could cure serious illnesses. Eurojust said the operation caused serious harm to victims, with investigators discovering that some individuals stopped following prescribed medical treatment after being persuaded to use the fake products instead. Authorities also found that when complaints increased about a specific product, the organisation simply rebranded and relaunched it under a different name.
Raids Across Multiple Countries
The investigation began after complaints from victims led Romanian authorities to uncover what Eurojust described as a large international criminal network operating throughout Europe. A coordinated action day took place on 12 May under Eurojust’s supervision.
Authorities searched 113 locations across:
- Bulgaria
- Greece
- Hungary
- Poland
- Romania
- Moldova
Evidence was also requested from companies in eight additional countries. So far, investigators have interviewed 23 witnesses, while Romanian authorities blocked 196 websites promoting and selling the products. In Bulgaria, investigators identified the group’s central warehouse containing large quantities of supplements that will undergo further analysis.
Arrests and Continuing Investigation
The joint investigation team identified most of the suspected members of the criminal organisation. Several key suspects were arrested in Poland, Romania and Moldova. Eurojust said investigations are continuing, with additional witnesses and suspects expected to be examined in the coming months.
