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".