The novel coronavirus
, which has wreaked havoc around the world, could also be used to target political leaders in various countries, including India, the international police organization, commonly known as Interpol, warned in its latest set of guidelines.
Citing reports of “individuals spitting and coughing in the face of law enforcement officials, healthcare professionals and essential workers to intimidate them,” the international agency warned legal agencies in India and 193 other member countries that “letters infected by covid “. political figures and individuals, said a report in the Hindustan Times.
The guidelines said that “this could pose a risk if these people are infected with COVID-19.
“Deliberate contamination attempts by spitting and coughing on surfaces and objects have been reported.”
The guidelines further stated that “despite the limited risk, some cases of threatening letters allegedly contaminated with COVID-19 political objectives “.
This modus operandi, the agency said, can also be used to target other vulnerable groups. However, Interpol did not mention any specific cases in which the type of letters mentioned above were sent to someone of political stature.
Further warning its member states, Interpol said that people can often consciously move from COVID-19 affected areas to unaffected areas even though there are travel restrictions and may not be physically on par.
He said there have also been reported cases of people claiming to sell contaminated body fluid samples online, causing a significant health risk.
The security agency, following these risk factors, also listed the precautions that the security agencies of the respective nations can take.
He said those in charge of protecting prominent public figures should be aware of these risks. He added that law enforcement officers should be especially careful when approaching uncooperative people and wearing personal protective equipment.
Postal and receiving services should be informed of the biological threats posed by suspicious packages and follow regular protective measures, Interpol said.
This is not the first time that the agency has presented a security detail on the threats of coronavirus.
Previously, CBI alerted police and other law enforcement agencies across the country to an Interpol warning about mobsters selling fake hand sanitizers and scamming people by posing as PPE suppliers and others. COVID-19-related medical items
Interpol had warned that several organized criminal groups have multiplied internationally to make money using illicit activities, from banking viruses to ransomware and cheating as representatives of COVID-19 protective equipment.
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