Scam network selling fake diabetes "miracle cures" investigated after targeting several Moldovans
A group of Moldovans is reportedly involved in a network that illegally sold dietary supplements online in Romania, falsely claiming that these products could treat diabetes. An investigation by Recorder reveals how the scammers exploited the vulnerability of elderly individuals suffering from incurable diseases, offering them false hopes through their deceptive products.
Journalists from Romania interviewed the daughter of a man who, misled by false information, abandoned the treatment prescribed by his doctors and ultimately died. A radio presenter from the Republic of Moldova was also allegedly involved in this scheme.
Liviu Avram was 71 years old when he passed away due to complications related to diabetes. Convinced by promises of various alleged natural remedies, he gradually stopped following his doctor's treatment and paid scammers tens of thousands of euros for dietary supplements.
“Although he had treatment from the doctor, he read online that the prescribed treatment would destroy his pancreas and only prolong his life for a short time. Instead, he came across these 'miracle' drugs that promised to cure him. He took a lot of them. When I found him, it's hard for me to say this, but he was dead in the house. I think I collected at least two bags of medicine,” she recalled.
Journalists from Recorder infiltrated the network and uncovered a deceptive industry with connections extending as far as Russia.
Pavel Morozan, a resident of Chișinău and a presenter at a radio station in the Republic of Moldova, was responsible for hiring call-center operators.
When asked for a response, Pavel Morozan said, “You know the situation; you know what's actually happening there. - Mostly, yes. - There was also the stage of intimidation where customers were scared into buying... - Yes, yes, yes. But not necessarily scared. This is a company technique, which, again, is not imposed by me.”
In Romania, prosecutors have detained six Moldovan citizens suspected of being part of a network selling supplements marketed as miracle cures. As for radio presenter Pavel Morozan, the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Causes stated that he is considered a person of interest in the case and retains the presumption of innocence until a court ruling is issued.
CORNELIA CORNEA
