Europol Operation SHIELD VI Disrupts Pharmaceutical Crime Networks

A large-scale, coordinated operation led by Europol has resulted in the prosecution of over 3,354 individuals involved in the trafficking of counterfeit and misused medicines, illicit doping substances, and fraudulent food supplements. Operation SHIELD VI, conducted between April and November 2025, involved 30 countries and numerous international organizations, seizing items valued at over €33 million.

Growing Threat of Fake Medicines in Europe

The illicit trade of fake medicines is a “growing threat” in Europe, with criminals increasingly targeting a range of pharmaceutical products according to Europol. This includes synthetic opioids, cancer drugs, painkillers, performance-enhancing drugs, antivirals, and, more recently, semaglutide drugs – originally prescribed for diabetes but illegally resold for weight loss.

Operation SHIELD VI: Key Results

Operation SHIELD VI, building on previous iterations, saw significant results across multiple fronts. Participating agencies included law enforcement, judicial bodies, customs officials, medical authorities, and anti-doping organizations. Key outcomes of the operation include:

• Prosecutions: 3,354 individuals prosecuted
• Investigations: 907 investigations launched
• Organized Crime Groups: 43 organized crime groups investigated
• Underground Labs: 5 underground laboratories seized
• Assembly Sites: 10 assembly sites seized
• Websites: 66 websites taken down, 233 websites monitored
• Inspections: 4,186 inspections performed
• Anti-Doping Controls: 5,517 in-competition and 5,916 out-of-competition anti-doping controls conducted

Significant Seizures

The operation led to substantial seizures of illicit goods, including:

• Medicines: 139,116 illegal packages, 3,285.14 kg of powder/raw material, 924.33 liters of active ingredients, 3,219,952 tablets/pills, and 916,173 vials/ampoules
• Doping Substances: 298,594 illegal packages, 2,315 kg of powder/raw material, 4,110 liters of active ingredients, 4,587,835 tablets/pills, and 1,170,383 vials/ampoules
• Medical Devices: 71,610 packages
• Food Supplements: 48,531 packages

The total value of the seized items reached €33,167,423.00 according to Border Security Report.

Combating Pharmaceutical Crime

Europol, in collaboration with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), is actively working to raise awareness about the dangers of fake medicines and to protect consumers through coordinated enforcement and public guidance as highlighted by Europol. The increasing shortage of medicines and rising demand are key factors fueling this illicit market. Pharmaceutical crime not only impacts public health and safety but likewise causes financial losses for legitimate companies and undermines research investments.

Looking Ahead

Europol warns that pharmaceutical crime will likely persist as long as demand remains high and criminal actors perceive it as a low-risk, high-profit activity. Continued international cooperation and vigilance are crucial to combatting this growing threat and safeguarding public health.