ICE pivots to combat COVID-19 vaccine fraud

From U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, is preparing for a surge in anticipated fraud by criminal networks related to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

In response, ICE Homeland Security Investigations has launched Operation Stolen Promise 2.0, the next phase of strategic efforts to identify and prevent the production, sale and distribution of unapproved or unauthorized COVID-19 products and drugs.

ICE HSI has been actively working with many of the leading pharmaceutical companies that are developing vaccines and treatments.

“We are committed to protecting the American public and global supply chain from fraud related to COVID vaccines and treatments,” said Derek Benner, executive associate director for HSI. “We will continue to use our broad legal authorities and longstanding relationships with domestic and international law enforcement agencies and private sector partners to address this emerging public health threat, and will sustain our efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks seeking to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“ICE HSI has been at the forefront of the government’s investigative response to COVID-19-related crime since the onset of the pandemic and will remain a leader in the fight to prevent vaccine fraud and to protect the health and safety of Americans,” Benner added.

Based on current trends and through actionable intelligence, special agents anticipate that criminal organizations will continue to adapt and capitalize on public demand for access to vaccines and treatments as they are developed and approved.  With that, the agency expects a surge in illicit attempts to introduce counterfeit versions of approved vaccines into U.S. and global marketplaces.

Despite widespread illness and death caused by COVID-19, many individuals and criminal networks are continuing to exploit the pandemic for illegal financial gains, using fraudulent schemes to source, produce, export or sell fake vaccines and related products, according to investigators.

To counter this emerging public safety threat, Operation Stolen Promise 2.0 will build upon Operation Stolen Promise, with the specific goal of countering the threat of counterfeit vaccines, treatments and supplies. ICE HSI will do this by disrupting and dismantling fraud schemes, removing illicit websites and other online marketplaces and seizing counterfeit or illicit vaccines and treatments. As part of this effort, the agency is also highlighting ways that the public can protect itself against fraud involving counterfeit vaccines and treatments. ICE encourages the public to visit http://ice.gov for additional information.

“Many people, both in government and in industry, are working hard to ensure that the vaccines are properly developed, and once approved, properly and efficiently distributed through a secure supply chain,” said Steve Francis, director of ICE HSI’s Intellectual Property Rights Center. “From production to distribution, these vaccines will require a great level of care and technology along the way in order to ensure they will be effective when they reach the patient. The public should not accept anything from an unapproved source, as an unapproved source can never guarantee that the vaccine is legitimate or that it has been properly stored and transported,” he said.

ICE launched Operation Stolen Promise in April 2020 to protect the United States from the increasing and evolving threat posed by COVID-19 related fraud and criminal activity.

As of Nov. 25, the agency has seized more than $26 million in illicit proceeds; made 170 arrests; executed 148 search warrants and analysed more than 69,000 COVID-19 domain names. Working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, more than 1,600 shipments of mislabelled, fraudulent, unauthorized or prohibited COVID-19 test kits and other related items have been seized.

To report suspected illicit criminal activity or fraudulent schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, people can email Covid19Fraud@dhs.gov.

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Montana Senior Medicare Patrol warns that with the announcement that vaccines will be forthcoming, people need to be on the lookout for new scams.

• Protect your Medicare number and only provide it to your doctor and Medicare providers

• Be cautious of anyone calling you or going door to door to offer free coronavirus testing, supplies, or treatments

• Don’t fall for scare tactics or time-sensitive offers

• Follow your local health department for instructions and guidance