Counterfeit Ozempic From China: Two Indian Nationals Charged in Transnational Drug Smuggling Case

Published Oct. 2, 2026. Case statuses are current as of that date.

On Sept. 29, 2026, the Justice Department announced that a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida charged Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, both Indian nationals, with conspiracy and smuggling related to an alleged transnational counterfeit prescription-drug scheme involving Ozempic [1]. Roy was extradited from Italy and made an initial appearance in Tampa the same day [1].

Important: An indictment is an allegation. Roy and Ramancha are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

How the alleged scheme worked

According to court documents summarized by DOJ [1]:

1. Source. Beginning at least in July 2023 and continuing to April 2024, Roy and Ramancha allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized sources in China.
2. Look-alike packaging. The products allegedly included counterfeit packaging, package inserts, pen labels, and needles meant to deceive downstream customers into believing they were buying authentic manufacturer-authorized Ozempic.
3. Discounted U.S. sales. They and co-conspirators allegedly sold the counterfeit product to distributors in the United States at deeply discounted prices.
4. Continued after FDA warning. The scheme allegedly continued even after the FDA seized some of the counterfeit Ozempic in December 2023 and issued a public warning about the products.

“Counterfeit prescription drugs — especially common ones — threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply,” Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said [1].

Charges and potential penalties

Roy and Ramancha are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and to defraud the United States, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling counterfeit drugs and holding counterfeit drugs for sale. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 71 years in prison [1].

The FDA Office of Criminal Investigations is investigating. Prosecutors include Trial Attorney Peter Leininger of the Criminal Division’s Health & Safety Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Roberts for the Middle District of Florida. DOJ’s Office of International Affairs handled Roy’s detention after an INTERPOL Red Notice arrest and his extradition from Italy [1].

Red flags for consumers

• Ozempic or other GLP-1 pens offered far below typical pharmacy or legitimate clinic pricing.
• Sellers who cannot show a clear licensed U.S. pharmacy or wholesaler chain.
• Packaging, pens, or inserts that look slightly off, have spelling errors, or lack expected security features.
• Online or social-media sellers shipping “compounded,” “research,” or “overseas” pens with no verifiable prescription pathway.
• Pressure to buy quickly because of “limited stock” during shortages.

The FDA has previously warned consumers about counterfeit Ozempic; anyone who suspects they received a counterfeit product should contact a health-care provider and report it.

What to do if you bought suspect medication

1. Stop using the product and contact your physician or pharmacist.
2. Keep packaging, pens, receipts, and shipping labels for investigators.
3. Report to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch and to ic3.gov if you paid online.
4. Notify your credit card or bank if you paid with a card.
5. Do not buy prescription injectables from social media or unverified overseas websites.

Case status (as of Oct. 2, 2026)

Defendant	Court	Status as of Oct. 2, 2026	Source
Swapnadip Roy, 33, Indian national	Federal, M.D. Fla.	Indicted; extradited from Italy; initial appearance in Tampa Sept. 29, 2026; presumed innocent	[1]
Vicky Ramancha, 37, Indian national	Federal, M.D. Fla.	Indicted; presumed innocent	[1]

Those not convicted are presumed innocent. Statuses can change.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs, “Two Indian Nationals Charged in Connection with Transnational Counterfeit Ozempic Scheme,” Sept. 29, 2026 (updated Sept. 30, 2026). https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-indian-nationals-charged-connection-transnational-counterfeit-ozempic-scheme

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