Two Indian nationals indicted in counterfeit Ozempic smuggling scheme, Justice Department says
NVO•Two Indian nationals were indicted for allegedly smuggling counterfeit Ozempic from China and selling it to U.S. distributors between July 2023 and April 2024. One defendant pleaded not guilty; both face up to 71 years in prison if convicted.
1. Indictment and plea
A federal grand jury indicted Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha on charges of smuggling and selling counterfeit drugs, conspiracy to commit smuggling and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Roy pleaded not guilty on Tuesday after being extradited from Italy.
2. Alleged counterfeit sales
Prosecutors allege the defendants obtained counterfeit Ozempic from China and sold it to U.S. distributors at discounted prices. The medication included packaging, inserts and labels allegedly designed to make purchasers believe it was authentic. The alleged scheme continued after the FDA seized some of the products in December 2023 and issued a public warning.
