Brief
Two Indian nationals indicted for counterfeit Ozempic scheme in Florida
The Justice Department charged Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha with conspiracy, smuggling and selling counterfeit Ozempic after a scheme that ran from July 2023 to April 2024.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Two Indian nationals living in Dubai were indicted in the Middle District of Florida on charges of conspiracy, smuggling and selling counterfeit versions of the weight‑loss drug Ozempic, according to court filings unsealed on Tuesday.
Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, are accused of importing thousands of fake Ozempic units from unauthorized manufacturers in China and distributing them to U.S. wholesalers at discounted prices. The scheme, which began in July 2023 and continued through April 2024, involved fake packaging, inserts, labels and needles designed to appear as genuine Novo Nordisk products.
Roy appeared in federal court after being extradited from Italy; Ramancha remains at large. If convicted, each faces a maximum sentence of 71 years. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said the defendants “exploited people’s health to pay themselves” and pledged continued enforcement against counterfeit drugs.
Key facts
- Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha were indicted on conspiracy, smuggling and counterfeit drug charges (cbsnews.com)
- The alleged scheme imported fake Ozempic from China and sold it to U.S. distributors between July 2023 and April 2024 (cbsnews.com)
- Roy was extradited from Italy and appeared in federal court; Ramancha is still at large (cbsnews.com)
- Each defendant faces up to 71 years in prison if convicted (cbsnews.com)
- Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva issued a statement condemning the scheme (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “2 indicted in connection with counterfeit Ozempic scheme in Florida”
