Organised crime gangs are expected to produce fake Covid-19 vaccines and steal supplies as countries embark on mass immunisation campaigns, global police organisation Interpol said.
The alert came after the UK became the first country to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech jab, with other countries and drugs expected to follow soon.
Interpol said that the programmes could provide lucrative opportunities for criminals seeking to tap into the rush for vaccines with faked versions and online scams.
Organised crime has already profited from the pandemic by exploiting global demand for personal protective equipment and consumers searching online for testing kits.
Interpol said the pandemic had “triggered unprecedented opportunistic and predatory” criminal behaviour, including the advertising and sale of fake vaccines.
It said that police and regulatory bodies had to be ready for an onslaught of criminal activity connected to the global launch of vaccines.
“As governments are preparing to roll out vaccines, criminal organisations are planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains," said Interpol head Jurgen Stock.
“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.”
Interpol, which is based in Lyon, France, also warned of a possible rise in the online sale of substandard testing kits as international travel gradually resumes.
“To avoid falling victim to online scams, it is important to be vigilant, be sceptical and be safe, as offers which appear too good to be true usually are,” it said.
An analysis by its cybercrime unit revealed that more than half of the online pharmacies suspected to be selling illicit medicine were also connected to malicious software and spamming that could target unsuspecting buyers in further frauds.
Interpol in April said that cybercriminals had increased their efforts to exploit the pandemic by locking hospitals out of their computers unless they pay large ransom payments. It identified a significant increase in attempted ransomware attacks against key organisations involved in the virus response.
Ransomware stops organisations from accessing vital files until they pay a ransom – usually in bitcoin – in return for a key to unlock their systems.
Ahmed Raza
UAE cricket captain
Age: 31
Born: Sharjah
Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC
Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045
Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Top financial tips for graduates
Araminta Robertson, of the Financially Mint blog, shares her financial advice for university leavers:
1. Build digital or technical skills: After graduation, people can find it extremely hard to find jobs. From programming to digital marketing, your early twenties are for building skills. Future employers will want people with tech skills.
2. Side hustle: At 16, I lived in a village and started teaching online, as well as doing work as a virtual assistant and marketer. There are six skills you can use online: translation; teaching; programming; digital marketing; design and writing. If you master two, you’ll always be able to make money.
3. Networking: Knowing how to make connections is extremely useful. Use LinkedIn to find people who have the job you want, connect and ask to meet for coffee. Ask how they did it and if they know anyone who can help you. I secured quite a few clients this way.
4. Pay yourself first: The minute you receive any income, put about 15 per cent aside into a savings account you won’t touch, to go towards your emergency fund or to start investing. I do 20 per cent. It helped me start saving immediately.
The Little Things
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto
Four stars
