FDA Investigation Leads to Charges Against Two Indian Nationals Involved in Transnational Counterfeit Drug Distribution Scheme

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announced federal charges against Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, both Indian nationals. The two individuals have been charged with conspiracy and smuggling related to an alleged transnational counterfeit prescription drug distribution scheme. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations assisted with this investigation.

“Infiltrating the American drug supply with counterfeit products isn’t just a crime — it’s also a direct threat to public health and patient safety,” said Acting FDA Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Kyle Diamantas, J.D. “The FDA will continue to trace illicit networks wherever they lead, across borders and through complex supply chains, to ensure that anyone who seeks to profit off counterfeit medicines face accountability — all in our mission to keep Americans safe.”

According to court documents, between July 2023 and April 2024, Roy and Ramancha allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized sources in China. The counterfeit Ozempic allegedly distributed by Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators included counterfeit packaging, package inserts, pen labels, and needles meant to deceive downstream customers, including pharmacies and patients, into believing they were receiving authentic, manufacturer-authorized Ozempic. The indictment alleges that Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators sold the counterfeit Ozempic to other co-conspirators and distributors in the U.S. at deeply discounted prices.

The FDA issued public safety alerts starting in December 2023 to warn consumers, pharmacies, and healthcare providers about counterfeit Ozempic products. Notably, court documents allege that Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators continued distributing counterfeit Ozempic even after FDA’s December 2023 seizure and public warning.

The agency takes reports of possible counterfeit medicines seriously and works closely with other federal agencies and the private sector to help protect the nation’s drug supply. Entities, including online sellers, selling counterfeit and/or tampered medicines should be reported to the FDA. Suspected counterfeit products may be reported by going to Report a problem to the FDA.