The Interpol global police co-ordination agency warned that organised criminal networks could be targeting Covid-19 vaccines, and could look to sell fake shots.
Interpol, which is headquartered in France, said it had issued a global alert to law enforcement across its 194 member countries, warning them to prepare for organised crime networks targeting Covid-19 vaccines, both physically and online.
As governments are preparing to roll out vaccines, criminal organisations are planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains. Criminal networks will also be targeting unsuspecting members of the public via fake websites and false cures, which could pose a significant risk to their health, even their lives, said Interpol secretary general Juergen Stock.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday instructed the government to begin large-scale vaccinations against the coronavirus next week. Medical workers and teachers, who are two high-risk groups, will be among the first to get shots, Putin said at an online meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and other senior officials, Xinhua news agency reported. According to the President, the number of produced vaccine doses will reach two million in the coming days. Crucial days ahead and careful steps are needed.