The ELAS made 20 arrests in the framework of the European operation “SHIELD IV” to combat the trafficking of counterfeit drugs and doping substances

The Economic Police Directorate, under the coordination of Europol, led together with the French (French Gendarmerie/OCLAESP), Spanish (Guardia Civil) and Italian authorities (Italian Carabinieri Corps/NAS Carabinieri), an operational action called SHIELD IV, to combat the trafficking of counterfeit medicines and doping substances.

According to the announcement, the action was implemented between April and October 2023, with the participation of law enforcement authorities from 30 countries on three continents, the assistance of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), INTERPOL, EUROJUST, FRONTEX, the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and private entities.

A total of 1,284 persons were charged in the operation, of which 296 were arrested, while the value of the illegal pharmaceuticals etc. seized exceeds €64 million.

In Greece, the Economic Police Directorate handled 9 cases. After months of thorough investigations, which included 6 criminal networks with national and transnational activities, 20 persons were arrested and 276 more were included in the criminal cases.

During the investigations carried out, among other things, the following were found and seized:

* more than 60,000 pieces of illegal pharmaceutical and medical devices

* more than 100,000 euros

* a pistol with a magazine and

* 2 cars.

The total proceeds from the criminal activity of those involved exceeded 8.5 million euros.

See Also:

Economist: Russia has set up a propaganda network targeting Europe and the US

More information on the operation has been posted on the Europol website at the following hyperlink:

https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/fake-medicines-worth-eur-64-million-eu-markets

The Hellenic Police reminds that citizens can contact, anonymously or anonymously, at the telephone number 11012 or at the Greek State’s portal (gov.gr) “Complaint for financial crimes”, to provide information or to report illegal and persistent actions or activities against the economy, public property, as well as social and insurance welfare and rights.