China started selling fake condoms to these countries, fraud worth crores was caught in Europe – know details in 7 points

A big case related to smuggling of fake condoms has come to light in Europe. Investigative agencies have revealed that the fake consignment sent from China was exported in the name of ‘toy’ to avoid customs inspection. The investigation also revealed that there was no scientific testing of the quality of these products. In such a situation, experts have warned that their use can pose a serious threat to people’s health. Let us know 7 big facts related to this entire matter.

1. Consignment of fake condoms caught in three countries of Europe

In an investigation by the European Union’s anti-fraud agency OLAF, large quantities of counterfeit condoms were recovered in Romania, Serbia and Spain. After investigating the products seized from different countries, the agency came to the conclusion that all the consignments were sent through the same supplier.

2. Supply network linked to China came to light

During the investigation, European officials identified the exporting company in collaboration with Chinese agencies. However, due to security and legal reasons, the name of the company and supplier has not been made public. The agencies are now busy investigating the entire supply network.

3. Goods declared as ‘toys’ to dodge customs

The most surprising thing was that in the export documents, these condoms were described as ‘toy’ instead of medical product. It is believed that this was done to avoid the strict rules and custom inspection applicable to medical devices in Europe.

4. Logos of famous brands were also used

According to the investigating agencies, names and logos of many famous international brands were also printed on the fake products, so that the buyers could get confused about the genuine product. However, information about which brands were misused has not been made public yet.

5. Products were reaching the market without necessary quality tests

Before any condom can be sold in Europe, it is mandatory to meet CE certification and international quality standards. But many mandatory tests like leakage test, microbial test, biocompatibility, expiry and stability were not conducted in the seized fake products.

6. Why are they considered dangerous for health?

Experts say that using condoms without quality testing can increase the risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Apart from this, the risk of unwanted pregnancy also increases. The investigating agency has also expressed apprehension that the safety of the materials and chemicals used in these products was not certified.

7. Fake consignment worth crores of rupees, investigation still going on

According to preliminary estimates, the market value of the seized fake condoms has been estimated at 2 lakh euros (about more than Rs 2 crore). At present, European investigative agencies are busy connecting the links of this entire international network and it is being found out to which countries this fake business has spread.