Fraudsters Target Pharmacies in Bielefeld with Counterfeit Prescriptions

Bielefeld - On February 27, 2025, a series of attempts were made by individuals in Bielefeld to acquire medications for obesity using fake prescriptions. Four different pharmacies were approached by customers presenting these fraudulent documents. In three instances, pharmacy staff were able to identify the forgeries and promptly notified the authorities. However, the perpetrators managed to escape before the police arrived. On the same day, one of the assailants succeeded in obtaining the medications.

The police have provided descriptions of three suspects involved in this criminal activity. The first suspect is described as a male, approximately 30 years old, standing around 170 cm tall with a slender build, dark hair, and an upper lip mustache. Another individual is estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, characterized by short dark hair and a black beard. He was seen wearing blue jeans and a black jacket with a light-colored lining. The third suspect is believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, with wavy short black hair and dressed in a black jacket.

Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact the Criminal Investigation Department 15 at the phone number 0521/545-0.

This situation has raised concerns within the community regarding the security of medication distribution and the potential risks posed by such fraudulent activities. As pharmacies play a crucial role in public health, incidents like this can undermine trust and safety for both the establishments and the consumers they serve.

In light of these events, pharmacy chains are encouraged to enhance their verification processes for prescriptions, ensuring that staff are well-trained in identifying counterfeit documents. Law enforcement agencies are also collaborating with pharmacies to implement preventative measures and improve response protocols should similar incidents occur in the future.

As investigations continue, the police are committed to apprehending those responsible for these fraudulent activities and ensuring the safety of the community.