The FBI busted a New York company that was hoarding masks, surgical gowns, hand sanitizer, and more. Those desperately needed supplies will distributed in the New York City and neighboring New Jersey. Both have been hit especially hard by Coronavirus. The death toll for New York City alone is 1,400.
Found during the bust:
- 192,000 N95 respirator masks
- 598,000 medical grade gloves
- 130,000 surgical masks
- procedure masks
- surgical gowns
- N100 masks
- disinfectant towels
- particulate filters
- bottles of hand sanitizer
- bottles of spray disinfectant
When the FBI discovered the supplies, they contacted the Department of Health and Human Services. The HHS used the Defense Production Act to seize the supplies and order that they immediately be distributed to healthcare workers.
“If you are amassing critical medical equipment for the purpose of selling it at exorbitant prices, you can expect a knock at your door,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice’s COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force is working tirelessly around the clock with all our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors cannot illicitly profit from the COVID-19 pandemic facing our nation.”
The company hoarding the supplies will be paid the pre-Coronavirus market value for the suppies. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has made multiple public pleas for companies who either have or are capable of making PPE to contact the state. Yesterday, he launched a new website where manufacturers and vendors can see what is needed and get in touch with the state.
Officials warn that this only the beginning of cracking down on those hoarding essential supplies. “Our FBI agents and other law enforcement agencies are tracking down every tip and lead they get, and are devoting massive federal resources to this effort. All individuals and companies hoarding any of these critical supplies, or selling them at well above market prices, are hereby warned they should turn them over to local authorities or the federal government now or risk prompt seizure by the federal government.”
Vendors who have critical supplies should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
If you are aware of hoarding or price gouging of medical supplies, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud by dialing 1-866-720-5721.