Early Warning Notification - Vaccine-related crime during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trafficking of pharmaceutical products takes place on a large scale and is highly lucrative for the organised crime groups involved.

The expectation of the development of a viable COVID-19 vaccine has generated global attention. While testing is ongoing, several EU Member States have announced that a vaccine will be available soon. Organised crime has reacted swiftly to adapt its methods and product offerings to the COVID-19 pandemic. The expected arrival of a genuine COVID-19 vaccine has already inspired criminal activities and will likely be exacerbated once vaccines become available.