The threat of pharmaceutical crime in the EU and beyond

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  • The threat of pharmaceutical crime in the EU and beyond

The illicit market of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and health products is global and growing. Criminal actors and networks operating in the EU are involved in the import, export and the production of illicit products. Criminal actors are running clandestine laboratories in the EU for the production of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. 

This report outlines the threat of pharmaceutical crime in the EU and beyond, as assessed by Europol. It aims to raise awareness of the ways criminal networks exploit consumers and industry in generating illegal revenue through producing and selling counterfeit medicines. This publication forms part of a larger awareness raising communication action by Europol, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to encourage people to be aware of the risks of buying fake medicines. 

The report explains some of the wider trends and incentives at play in criminals’ use of social media as a marketplace to sell these fake medicines and the misuse of a number of prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as other health products. This is set to remain a widespread phenomenon and the steady increase in demand will likely generate continuous opportunities for organised crime. 

Cite this publication: Europol (2025), The threat of pharmaceutical crime in the EU and beyond, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

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