Two charged in transnational counterfeit Ozempic scheme
Oct 11, 2026 edition · GC-2026-0207 · Published 2026-10-11 · Version 4 · Pending litigation
DOJ charged Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha over alleged distribution of counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized Chinese sources. The described counterfeits included packaging and needles as well as product labels. Roy’s extradition and appearance do not establish guilt, and no sentence is reported.
What happened
DOJ’s September 29 announcement reports federal charges against Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha in a transnational counterfeit-prescription-drug scheme. The indictment alleges that they obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized sources in China and sold it at deep discounts to distributors in the United States. Roy was extradited from Italy and made an initial appearance in Tampa. The case alleges conduct from at least July 2023 through April 2024, rather than announcing a completed criminal adjudication.
According to the allegations, counterfeit packaging, inserts, pen labels and needles were intended to make downstream purchasers believe they had authentic manufacturer-authorized Ozempic. The scheme allegedly continued after an FDA seizure and public warning in December 2023. The defendants face conspiracy, smuggling and counterfeit-drug counts; the release’s potential maximum imprisonment is contingent on conviction and is not an imposed sentence. The allegations support verifying authorized distribution channels and preserving suspect product and packaging evidence, while avoiding an assumption that appearance or a low-price offer alone establishes authenticity.
Scope and timing
- Authority status
- Pending litigation
- Applicability
- Operationally relevant
- Audience
- Health systems, Provider networks
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
Why it matters
Discounted supply and convincing packaging can conceal counterfeit injectables.
Recommended action
Validate authorized distribution channels, quarantine suspect stock and preserve lot, packaging and supplier records for investigation.
Case details
- agencies
- U.S. Department of Justice
- entities
- Swapnadip Roy, Vicky Ramancha
- action Type
- Criminal charge
- event Date
- 2026-09-29
- alleged Conduct
- Alleged counterfeit semaglutide products and packaging distributed to the United States.
- resolution
- Charges and extradition; criminal adjudication pending.
Operational lessons
- Validate authorized distribution channels, quarantine suspect stock and preserve lot, packaging and supplier records for investigation.
Sources
- Two charged in transnational counterfeit Ozempic schemeOfficial · U.S. Department of Justice · 2026-09-29 · Source review 2026-10-11
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