Interpol and Europol have revealed a sharp rise in counterfeit medicines being sold through bogus online pharmacies, a trend that threatens public health across the continent and siphons billions of euros from legitimate drug manufacturers.

Earlier this year, Interpol dismantled 66 criminal groups worldwide and seized more than six million doses of unapproved or fake pharmaceuticals, ranging from sedatives to antibiotics. The operation showed how traffickers often disguise these products as health supplements or "cancer treatment kits" to evade regulation.

In Europe, the problem is equally stark. Europol recently broke up a trans‑national network that produced and shipped counterfeit drugs from Bulgaria, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Poland. The crackdown underscores a market that is expanding despite tighter national controls.

Why consumers turn to illegal sites

Low prices and the promise of quick delivery lure patients into the black market, especially when they cannot obtain a prescription for a needed drug, says Oksana Pyzik, associate professor of pharmacy practice and policy at University College London. "When people cannot get a legitimate prescription, they look for alternatives online," she explains.

Distinguishing a genuine pharmacy from a fraudster is increasingly difficult. Counterfeit sites proliferate on social media platforms, where they masquerade as legitimate sellers. "With counterfeit medicines you don't know what's inside; there's no quality assurance," Pyzik warns. Incorrect ingredients, wrong dosages or toxic contaminants can cause strokes, poisoning or even death.

Drivers of the illicit trade

Two factors fuel the surge. First, drug shortages in several EU member states create a vacuum that criminal organisations are quick to fill with fake products, according to Europol. Second, the digitalisation of healthcare, the growing habit of ordering medication online, raises the risk of exposure to rogue pharmacies.

Regulation of online platforms remains weak. Pyzik notes that even when a fraudulent site is reported and taken down, the operators simply register a new domain and resume sales. "The de‑platforming process is slow and often ineffective," she says.

Economic and security impact

The counterfeit medicine market robs European manufacturers and wholesalers of roughly €10 billion in annual revenue. Those profits, she adds, may be funneled into other criminal activities such as human trafficking and weapons smuggling.

Interpol describes the trade as "one of the least legislated industries," offering low risk and high reward. Seizures regularly reach tens of millions of euros, highlighting the sophistication of the networks involved, says Thomas Kirchberger, press officer at Europol.

Policy response and what consumers can do

In 2011 the EU adopted a directive obliging member states to tighten rules on the distance sale of medicinal products. Some countries, including Spain and Greece, have gone further by banning online sales of prescription‑only medicines altogether.

Nevertheless, experts argue that enforcement remains patchy. "We need more training for law enforcement and prosecution, and greater awareness along the entire supply chain," Pyzik urges.

Consumers can protect themselves by checking for the EU logo on pharmacy websites, a mandatory mark for legitimate online sellers operating within the bloc. When in doubt, a quick phone call to a local pharmacist can verify a site's authenticity.