Organised crime will gain from world vaccine shortages

Significance

However, it is vast global demand for the restricted supply of COVID-19 vaccines that offers the most alluring prize for criminal gangs. Black markets thrive in situations where demand outstrips supply, and there has long been an illicit trade in medicines.

Impacts

• Countries with underdeveloped pharmaceutical supply chains will be vulnerable to theft and diversion of vaccine supplies.
• Government vaccine strategies could be undermined by high-profile black market vaccine scandals that damage public trust.
• Pharmaceutical companies are vulnerable to reputational damage if their supply chains are found to be tampered with.
• Criminal profits will fund other illegal activities such as trafficking of people, drugs and arms.