Lives at risk as trafficking in faulty masks surges: UNOrganised criminal groups -- exploiting fears and uncertainties surrounding the virus -- are trafficking in substandard masks, sanitisers and other medical products, the UN warns. VIENNA: Lives are at risk as the new coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in the trafficking of substandard masks, sanitisers and other medical products, the UN warned Wednesday. UNODC said it expected criminals to shift their focus to vaccine-related trafficking once one was developed. Fraud and scams as well as cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure have followed the spread of the virus, it added. "Transnational organised crime groups take advantage of gaps in national regulation and oversight to peddle substandard and falsified medical products."

Source: Bangkok Post July 08, 2020 07:41 UTC