The European Union Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) reported this Friday 20.03.2020) of the opening of a file to investigate the Fraudulent entry of masks, disinfectant gels and coronavirus tests in the European market, taking advantage of the drastic increase in demand for these products due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The items reach the online sales market where they are sold at prices that triple their real value or even fake decorated masks for children's use are offered.
OLAF thus warns of the import of counterfeits that do not offer the promised protection or that can even harm the health of those who use them and explains that it is working on Coordination with customs services in Member States to prevent the entry of dangerous products.
According to the information that OLAF has been handling since the start of the health crisis, the agency indicates that most of the fraudulent items arrive via online sales from European households, although containers have also been detected in some ports.
Following surveillance and information exchange with EU countries and third-party partners, OLAF decided on Thursday to open a file concerning the import of counterfeit products used to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, such as masks, medical devices, disinfectants and test kits.
EU Anti-Fraud Office investigates import of fraudulent masks and coronavirus tests
The risk they pose is not only that they are "inefficient" in the fight against the virus, but also that they do not comply with the usual standards of the European Union, which means they put the health of users at risk and can cause "serious infections."
Source: EP
OLAF launches inquiry into fake # COVID19 related products following spike in imports of counterfeit products, ie facemasks, medical devices, disinfectants, sanitisers, test kits.
Working hard to #FightFraud to protect all of us in this time of crisis https://t.co/MtwKJqAFMC ?? pic.twitter.com/IYGN52z5Op— OLAF Press Office (@OLAFPress) March 20, 2020
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