The U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has filed its first criminal action against fraudulent activity taking advantage of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

DOJ filed suit March 21 in Austin, Texas accusing the operators of “coronavirusmedicalkit.com” of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 by purporting to sell  WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines online in return for credit-card payments of $4.95 for shipping.  But there are no approved vaccines yet, and WHO is not involved with the website.

The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas entered temporary restraining order on March 22, directing the web-registrar to take down the site.

The Complaint is here.

The TRO is here.

DOJ’s Press Release – including tips on avoiding COVID-19 fraud – is here.

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