More than 200,000 counterfeit condoms have been seized by EU officials in Europe, following a surge in prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The fakes, smuggled from China and labelled as toys to evade safety checks, pose serious health risks to British tourists, including sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
EU Seizes Over 200,000 Fake Condoms
The EU's Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) reported last week that the counterfeit condoms were intercepted in countries such as Spain. Olaf chief Petr Klement stated: “Counterfeit condoms are dangerous. They are untested, uncontrolled and unsafe.” The products bore the name and logo of a well-known brand, making them difficult to identify as fakes.
Impact on British Tourists
With sexually transmitted infections on the rise, UK sexual health retailer Condoms.uk advised holidaymakers to bring their own condoms. A spokesman said: “Cheap, fake alternatives become much more tempting to unsuspecting shoppers when the genuine product gets harder to find and more expensive.”
Cause: Strait of Hormuz Closure
The crisis stems from a chain reaction beginning in mid-2026, when military escalation in the Middle East led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. The shutdown disrupted global supply chains, causing delays, shortages, and soaring transport costs. This drove up prices for everyday branded products across Europe.
Broader Consequences
The closure has also triggered a severe global food security crisis due to collapsing fertiliser shipments and pushed oil prices toward a potential $200 (£150) per barrel. Organised criminal gangs have exploited the shortages, cashing in on the increased demand for cheaper alternatives.
