Coronavirus update - Scam

Scam - A French mask wholesaler placed an order for 6.6 million euros in protective masks and gels this week, to a company that turned out to be a 'ghost company'.

A wholesaler working for pharmacies had placed in early March an order of six million euros for gels and masks to a ultimately phantom company.

A police source confirmed that « The company Cerp Rouen was offered to be restocked in hydro-alcoholic gel and masks. They made a transfer via the internet ». « The money is reportedly, at this stage blocked by the Singapore authorities," he added, conforming that the company had filed a complaint against X and that the damage amounted to 6.6 million euros.

A judicial investigation has been opened. In a press release, the company Cerp Rouen, evokes a "particularly sophisticated scam", explaining that "the scammers pretended to be known suppliers of the company by submitting a complete file".

Adding that "Scandalized, the company regrets that people without any moral, in France or abroad, do not hesitate to take advantage of the health emergency at the expense of the public interest in the difficult times that our country is experiencing".

Last local news

French and Riviera News Monday 17th November 2025

All football fixtures scheduled for Sunday in the Alpes-Maritimes were postponed after the department was placed on an orange alert for heavy rain and... French and Riviera News Monday 17th November 2025 Read More

17/11/2025

Evening Update Friday 14 November 2025

A truck has collided with a tram in Nice this morning. The accident, on Line 1 of the tramway on Avenue Jean Medecin, happened at about 9.30am... Evening Update Friday 14 November 2025 Read More

14/11/2025

French and Riviera News Friday 14th November 2025

A woman in her early thirties has been killed after being hit by a car while walking on the A570 motorway near La Crau in the Var. The incident occurr... French and Riviera News Friday 14th November 2025 Read More

14/11/2025

Evening Update Thursday 13 November 2025

Ceremonies have been taking place in Paris to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the attacks of 13 November 2015. 132 people lost their lives and ov... Evening Update Thursday 13 November 2025 Read More

13/11/2025

French and Riviera News Thursday 13th November 2025

France’s parliament is continuing to debate the draft 2026 national budget, and several measures under discussion could have a direct impact on foreig... French and Riviera News Thursday 13th November 2025 Read More

13/11/2025