SHIELD VI: Europol takes action against illegal online drug trade

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As part of Operation SHIELD VI, coordinated across Europe by Europol, law enforcement agencies took criminal action against more than 3,000 individuals between April and November 2025. Goods worth around 33 million euros were seized, including counterfeit medicines, doping agents, food supplements, and medical products. 30 countries, including Germany, participated in the action. A focus of the investigations was on online trading: 66 websites were shut down and another 233 platforms were monitored.

Social media and marketplaces as hubs

Social networks and online marketplaces – both on the publicly accessible web and in the darknet – continue to be central hubs for counterfeit medicines, according to Europol. The platforms enable providers to reach a large audience with comparatively little effort. At the same time, perpetrators benefit from varying degrees of anonymity, obscured payment methods, and internationally distributed infrastructures.

In particular, closed groups on social networks, messenger channels, or seemingly reputable online shops serve as entry points. From there, buyers are sometimes redirected to darknet shops or encrypted communication channels. It is further complicated for law enforcement agencies that servers, payment service providers, and logistics are often located in different countries.

The illegal trade does not only take place on obscure darknet marketplaces or in closed messenger groups, but also on officially appearing, publicly accessible platforms and established online marketplaces. Even seemingly regular shops or telemedicine services can serve as an entry point for abusive prescriptions, referrals to specific mail-order pharmacies, or the distribution of unauthorized preparations. The Federal Ministry of Health has not yet responded to an inquiry on this matter.

Counterfeit weight loss and lifestyle products are trending

SHIELD VI draws attention to the spread of counterfeit semaglutide products, among other things. Europol also expresses concern about “the increasing availability of counterfeit medicines containing potent synthetic substances such as nitazenes.” According to Europol, such substances, which resemble opioids, increase the potential for poisoning and overdoses.

The medications are often misused for performance enhancement, muscle building, or weight reduction. Criminal networks specifically target these trends by either diverting genuine preparations from legal supply chains or circulating completely counterfeit products.

In Germany, the “Joint Investigation Team Narcotics” (GER Mainz) is investigating a group, according to Europol, that is alleged to have resold legally obtained medicines via online shops and the darknet. As early as September 2025, large quantities of prescription drugs were seized during searches, including benzodiazepines.

Platforms as a structural problem

Unlike traditional street dealing, suppliers and buyers are spatially separated, identities are obscured, and payment flows are often processed via cryptocurrencies or third-party providers. Furthermore, accounts and domains change quickly as soon as investigative pressure arises.

Europol and the European Medicines Agency, among others, are therefore increasingly focusing on awareness campaigns. Consumers are to be made aware not to obtain prescription drugs from unsafe online sources. Because in addition to health risks, buyers may be financing organized crime, which also has a negative impact on legitimate business models. A report provides further insights.

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