US Prosecutors Charge Two Indians in Chinese Counterfeit Ozempic Ring

The indictment, unsealed in the Middle District of Florida, details a sophisticated operation that included the distribution of counterfeit packaging, labels, and needles designed to mimic authentic pharmaceutical products. Despite a public warning from the Food and Drug Administration following a December 2023 seizure, the defendants allegedly continued their illicit trade. The Justice Department maintains that these actions directly compromised the integrity of the American pharmaceutical supply chain, placing consumers at significant risk by introducing unverified substances into the market.

Swapandip Roy entered a not-guilty plea in Tampa following his extradition from Italy, where he was apprehended via an INTERPOL Red Notice. His co-defendant, Vicky Ramancha, remains at large. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized that the department will prioritize the prosecution of those attempting to exploit public health for financial gain. The investigation involved coordination between the Justice Department and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations to track the flow of the counterfeit goods across international borders.