Two Indian nationals indicted in counterfeit Ozempic smuggling scheme, Justice Department says
Prosecutors say the pair smuggled thousands of fake Ozempic units and used counterfeit packaging to mislead U.S. distributors.
- On Tuesday, the Department of Justice indicted two Indian nationals, Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha, for allegedly smuggling and selling counterfeit Ozempic to U.S. distributors in an international scheme.
- Operating between July 2023 and April 2024, the pair allegedly obtained counterfeit drugs from unauthorized manufacturers in China and distributed them domestically with deceptive packaging designed to mimic authentic Ozempic made by Novo.
- Following extradition from Italy, Roy, 33, appeared in Tampa District Court on Tuesday. Ramancha allegedly facilitated delivery of approximately 11,000 units to an Ohio warehouse, writing that "if you want the product cheap, you have to understand that there are some corners being cut."
- If convicted, both defendants face up to 71 years in prison. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the DOJ Criminal Division warned that counterfeit drugs "threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply."
- This case coincides with rising GLP-1 medication popularity; Gallup reported 15% of U.S. adults have used such drugs, an increase of nine percentage points since 2024. The FDA continues warning consumers that hazardous counterfeits pose serious health risks.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Justice Department indicts 2 over alleged counterfeit Ozempic sales to U.S. distributors
A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida has indicted two Indian nationals on charges tied to an alleged transnational scheme to sell counterfeit Ozempic to U.S. distributors, the Justice Department announced.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts 2 Indian Nationals for Smuggling Fake Ozempic
A genuine example of the injectable drug Ozempic, a diabetes medication sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss, is shown in Houston, Texas, on July 1, 2023. (David J. Phillip /AP)
Two Indians charged with selling fake Ozempic in US
Two Indian nationals have been charged in a US federal court for their alleged involvement in a transnational scheme to distribute counterfeit Ozempic, a popular diabetes drug. The scheme involved obtaining fake drugs from China, deceptive packaging, and continued even after FDA warnings, with the accused facing significant jail time if convicted.
How 2 Indians Ran a Fake Ozempic Ring Sourced from China, Facing 71 Years in US Prison
Two Indian nationals were indicted in a US federal court for allegedly running a transnational scheme to smuggle and distribute thousands of units of counterfeit Ozempic sourced from China to US distributors. The accused, Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha, face a maximum penalty of 71 years in prison if convicted on all counts. How 2 Indians Ran a Fake Ozempic Ring Sourced from China, Facing 71 Years in US Prison.
Two Indians indicted in US over alleged smuggling, sale of counterfeit Ozempic
Two Indian nationals have been indicted for selling counterfeit Ozempic, a weight-loss drug, in the US. Swapnadip Roy was extradited from Italy and pleaded not guilty, while Vicky Ramancha remains at large. They allegedly obtained counterfeit products from China and sold them to US distributors at discounted rates. The scheme continued despite the FDA's seizure of some counterfeit products and public warning.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center, 44% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
