Council of Europe calls for wider accession to the Medicrime Convention

In response to the escalating threat posed by counterfeit medical products and related crimes, the Council of Europe has called on countries across Europe and beyond to accede to the Medicrime Convention. This rise in fake medicines represents a clear risk to public health.

This appeal was made in the context of an international conference held in Chișinău in the Republic of Moldova on 27-28 April. The event concluded with a set of key recommendations, including strengthening the 24/7 Network, which facilitates rapid international cooperation and legal assistance, and developing guidance to address emerging threats such as online sales, the use of artificial intelligence, and the counterfeiting of veterinary products or performance-enhancing substances used in sport.

Participants also emphasised the need for countries to enhance national multi-agency cooperation, expand international partnerships, and improved information-sharing mechanisms. Other priority areas include raising public awareness - particularly about the risks associated with online purchases - and strengthening victim protection and access to justice.

Fake medicines present new challenges

Counterfeit medical products have evolved into a sophisticated, technology-driven global criminal industry, posing serious risks to public health, patient safety and the rule of law. It is estimated that at least 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or fake, with growing evidence of involvement by organised criminal groups.

Criminal networks are increasingly exploiting online platforms, social media and encrypted messaging applications to distribute counterfeit or illicit medical products. High-demand medicines, such as treatments for weight loss and diabetes, as well as performance-enhancing substances used in sport are particularly targeted.

At the same time, emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are being used to generate fake endorsements, while security features such as QR codes can be easily replicated and misused.

Additional concerns include the counterfeiting of veterinary medicines, which poses risks to both animal health and food safety, as well as the growing circulation of illicit medical products in sport and anti-doping systems.

Medicrime Convention

The Medicrime Convention provides a unique, comprehensive international legal framework to criminalise these activities, including the counterfeiting of medical products, their illicit manufacturing and distribution, and similar offences.

Its implementation is supported by the Committee of the parties, which monitors compliance and provides guidance, and by the 24/7 network.

The conference was organised by the Council of Europe in partnership with the Agency for medicines and medical devices of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova. It brought together policymakers, judicial and law-enforcement authorities, public health experts, regulatory agencies, and international organisations, with the aim of strengthening cross-border cooperation, promoting a multidisciplinary response, and sharing operational best practices and expertise.

On 29 April, the committee of parties to the convention also adopted a new report on "The Medicrime Convention in the age of AI: challenges and opportunities".

Find out more about what the Council of Europe does in the area of health

Moldovan Presidency of the Council of Europe