Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- With the active spread of coronavirus infection, criminal networks are trying to profit from the sale of counterfeit medical products.

Interpol’s special operation “Opson”, which took place in 77 countries, seized more than 12,000 tonnes of counterfeit goods worth US$40 million, food and medical supplies, 17,000 fake coronavirus testing kits were seized.

The International Police Cooperation Agency (France) reports that as part of the operation, 19 criminal organizations were liquidated and 407 people were arrested.

Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock, summing up the results of Operation Opson, noted that "at a time when efforts are being made to contain COVID-19 around the world, the fact that criminal networks are distributing potentially dangerous products demonstrates their determination to make a profit."

Interpol emphasizes that there are more cases when other goods are hidden under the disguise of humanitarian cargo or medical supplies. For example, in South Africa, seafood has been found under the label of medical supplies delivered from Asia.

Overall, experts warn that the behavior of criminals will change based on the pandemic situation. After the COVID-19 vaccine emerges, they estimate, offenders are likely to switch from illegal sales of protective equipment to vaccine smuggling.

To counter such crimes, experts recommend strengthening the regulatory framework and using a coordinated global approach to criminalize the production and smuggling of counterfeit medical products, including medicines and vaccines for COVID-19.