an Innsbruck pharmacist and her husband appeared in court Tuesday to answer⁤ charges of severe fraud related ⁤to the⁢ sale of Paxlovid, a COVID-19 medication. The husband allegedly ordered the medication during⁤ the winter of 2022-2023 and sold portions of it indirectly to china without a prescription and free of⁢ charge, drawing from the federal government’s supply.

The 56-year-old man admitted partial guilt,while the pharmacist was deemed primarily ⁢responsible. She reportedly hit the ⁣blow upon discovering the extent⁢ of the orders. Both were sentenced to 18 months in prison by a ⁢lay judge. The woman received an unconditional fine of more than 10,800 euros,and her husband was fined over 1,440 euros. These judgments⁢ are not final.

Sales to Chinese Contacts

At the time, the man was employed as a pharmacy assistant at his wife’s pharmacy. He testified that a Chinese acquaintance inquired about obtaining Paxlovid. He asked whether he could get this for him, the accused stated.

He⁢ responded affirmatively and simply ordered in the pharmacy system. The quantities increased over time. He ⁣also explained to me that he has relatives in China who are currently seriously ill, the 56-year-old reported.

“Didn’t Know⁣ What Medication Was Worth”

The pharmacist, 59, stated that her husband‍ probably‍ did not⁢ register her explanations. She emphasized⁢ that the submission of Paxlovid is not subject to prescription. The woman defended her husband, saying, ⁤ He probably ‍did not know what these medications were actually worth and that they are owned by the federal government. otherwise,he would not have committed the accused act. ⁣She terminated his employment after the incidents.

More Than 1.8 Million Euros

According to the indictment, the criminal⁣ damage amounted ⁢to more than 1.8 million⁤ euros. The man allegedly⁣ ordered 2,500 packs of ⁤the COVID-19 medication within 10 working days in December 2022 and January 2023, according to the prosecution.

There were discrepancies regarding how often the pharmacist discussed prescription requirements wiht her husband. She initially told⁣ police it was several times,but in court,she only recalled one⁢ conversation.

“Has Hit the Blow”

The pharmacist maintained her innocence, stating, I assumed that the matter was clarified. She explained that she hit the blow when the wholesaler called⁤ attention‍ to the large and unusual order quantities.

“Special Medication”

The prosecutor stated,It is a special⁣ medication because it was the property of the federal government and only pharmacies ⁤made it. A doctor’s prescription was ‍necessary for the order.

The pharmacy assistant ordered Paxlovid in large quantities without prescriptions. The value of the drug is 731 euros per pack. Authorities believe the accused calculated around 400 euros per pack, resulting in damages of approximately one million euros.

Cashed and Playful

The accused allegedly collected ⁣up to 40,000 ⁤euros from the⁤ sales.The defense lawyer stated that his client just played the money because he was addicted to the game at the time.

The lawyer added that his client feels partly guilty but knew nothing about the real value of the medication and thus of the millions.

unusually ⁤High Delivery Quantity

The exact number of packs sold to the Far East remains unclear. Approximately 450 packs were returned after the supplier inquired about the unusually high delivery⁤ quantity at the Innsbruck pharmacy in early 2023.

A Chinese customer,who was questioned as a witness,provided limited information. He stated that he did not order a certain amount but asked the pharmacy assistant to order a lot as‍ possible.