Showing posts with label Asia Pharma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asia Pharma. Show all posts
Malaysia denies it's home to Asia Pharma.
Asia Pharma Ltd, said to be a Kuala Lumpur-based pharmaceutical firm run by a suspected steroid trafficker from Slovenia with a worldwide operation, has an online presence here but is not registered nor authorised to trade in drugs in Malaysia, the Ministry of Health has said.
Mihael Karner was last week reported by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) to be behind an umbrella company advertising sales of anabolic steroids in Malaysia called Asia Pharma, and was among six individuals and groups listed by US President Barack Obama as a significant foreign drug trafficker under its Kingpin Act.
“Investigation conducted locally indicates that Asia Pharma does not have a physical address in Malaysia and the listed local phone number is not in service,” Mohd Hatta Ahmad, who is director of enforcement in the Health Ministry’s pharmaceutical services division, said in an email reply to The Malaysian Insider’s inquiry.
“Also the steroids were not brought into nor exported from Malaysia [sic] soil. It is probable that the said company reside [sic] its server locally without being legally nor physically registered in Malaysia,” he added.
A check on Google by The Malaysian Insider shortly after the WSJ reported Obama’s sanctions showed Asia Pharma to be a limited liability pharmaceutical company in Kuala Lumpur with a local phone and fax number but did not list a physical or mailing address.
On its home page, the company said its main goal was the manufacture and sale of affordable yet high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to developing countries that cannot afford the expensive proprietary drugs. Most of its 56-listed products dealt with male and female hormone treatment.
It claimed the mission of “Asia Pharma Ltd is to improve the efficiency of healthcare systems worldwide by providing them more drugs of the same quality for the same money.”
Mohd Hatta said the Health Ministry’s checks on Asia Pharma also turned up empty as it was not registered as a pharmaceutical company with the Drug Control Authority, which is under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 (CDCR).
“This company is therefore not authorised to trade in pharmaceutical products,” he said.
The trade of steroids is regulated in Malaysia under the Poisons Act 1952, Mohd Hatta said.
He explained that drugs such as steroids, which affect both male and female hormones, are classified as poison and therefore all sale or purchase requires a government licence, but stressed that “online trade of poisons including steroids is prohibited in Malaysia.”
He also said the Health Ministry will be working with other government agencies to clamp down on Asia Pharma if there was evidence to show the company had used a Malaysian server.
Mohd Hatta said those convicted of violating the CDCR can be sentenced to a maximum fine of RM25,000 or three years’ jail for the first offence. Those convicted of subsequent offences under the law face up to five years’ imprisonment or double the fine.
Those found guilty of trading in poisons, like steroids, without a licence, can be sentenced to RM5,000 or two years behind bars, he added.
The WSJ had reported that Karner, his wife and brother were charged in a Massachusetts federal court in 2010 on three counts of money-laundering conspiracy, and importing and distributing steroids.
Karner was reported to have since fled back to his native Slovenia from where he is continuing his operations despite the US authorities’ actions, the daily cited an unnamed US Treasury official saying.
In calling for sanctions, Obama was reported to have invoked the Kingpin Statute, properly called the Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) Statute, a US federal law aimed to dismantle criminal narcotics enterprises that function like legitimate businesses.
The WSJ reported Obama had imposed sanctions against six individuals and groups, including Karner, an alleged anabolic steroids dealer.
According to the international business news and current affairs daily, Karner heads an international organisation that sells anabolic steroids on the Internet and has created shell companies to hide the origin of the profits.
An anabolic steroid is known as a performance-booster and consumed for cosmetic purposes but which can severely damage a person’s health in the long run.
Bukit Aman is also investigating Asia Pharma but its initial findings have led it to a wall, according to federal Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department deputy director Datuk Haris Wong Abdullah.
Contacted yesterday, he told The Malaysian Insider the police had in hand the original source of information regarding the allegation but said the reports linking Malaysia to a global anabolic steroid trafficking ring run by Karner were incorrect.
“I’ve got the text from the original source and who issued it... it is not correct what was reported.
“There was nothing about the drug. And we are investigating the company,” he said of Asia Pharma when contacted, adding: “It does not exist, only a virtual address.”
Haris said as far as the police were concerned, there is no steroid trafficking operation in the country, but added that investigations were ongoing.
Asked if the police would speak to the WSJ about its report, he asked back: “Why should we?”
Asia Pharma's owner back in the news.
President Barack Obama sent a letter to Congress that named six individuals and groups, including an alleged anabolic steroid dealer, under Kingpin Act sanctions.
The letter merely names the people designated for sanctions, but an email on Friday from a Treasury spokesman explained why each person or group received the sanctions.
Mihael Karner of Slovenia directs a worldwide steroid trafficking organization, according to the Treasury spokesman. In the past 10 years, Karner, relatives and associates all sold steroids via the Internet around the world, and created shell companies to hide the origin of the profits.
Karner, his wife and his brother were indicted in Massachusetts federal court in 2010 on three counts of money laundering conspiracy, and importing and distributing steroids.
He and his wife were arrested in Austria in December 2011. While fighting extradition, they were released on bail in April 2012, and then fled to their native Slovenia, which has no extradition treaty with the U.S., the spokesman said. The next month, he was declared a fugitive by the U.S. Justice Department, and by August, Austria issued arrest warrants for them both.
Treasury’s spokesman said that though his trafficking organization has been disrupted, Karner continues to operate from Slovenia.
The steroids are made in India and Greece, the spokesman said, and they’re shipped to customers in Eastern Europe and the U.S. Hundreds of websites advertising the steroids are managed in Malaysia under his umbrella company, which is called Asia Pharma.
"Dear Mr. Chairman: (Madam Chairman:)
(Dear Representative:) (Dear Senator:) (Dear Mr. Vice Chairman:)
This report to the Congress, under section 804(a) of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, 21 U.S.C. 1903(b)(1) (the "Kingpin Act"), transmits my designations of the following six foreign individuals and groups as appropriate for sanctions under the Kingpin Act and reports my direction of sanctions against them under the Act:
Mihael Karner (Slovenia)
Haji Khotwal Noorzai (Afghanistan)
Luis Fernando Sanchez Arellano (Mexico)
Los Caballeros Templarios (Mexico)
Los Urabeños (Colombia)
Los Cachiros (Honduras)
Sincerely,
BARACK OBAMA"
Slovenian owners of Asia Pharma nd British Dragon may have lost extradition appeal.
A Slovenian couple arrested in Austria on charges of selling illegal steroids will probably be extradited to the United States after the Austrian Constitutional Court threw out a complaint against the extradition.
BD / AP owners may beat US extradition.
Two Slovenians who have been accused of being behind the illegal trade in steroids for sportsmen and women have won a stay of execution on an extradition warrant that would have seen them sent to the United States.
Lawyers acting for the pair managed to convince the Austrian constitutional court that the couple's extradition to America should be delayed because of serious issues about the length of sentence and the procedure involved.
The Slovenian couple were arrested shortly before New Year in Carinthia on suspicion of being behind an international doping ring and the extradition for today – Friday – was approved by the Austrian justice ministry.
The value of the trade organised by the couple was estimated at being around 40 million (mn) Euros and they were arrested in a villa in Bad Kleinkirchheim.
The arrest warrant against the pair has been in existence since spring 2010 after it was filed in the United States at the regional court in Massachusetts.
The lawyer for the pair, Roland Grilc, said that he had raised a complaint with the constitutional court and that it had been accepted.
He said: "At the end of the day charges against them here were dropped a long time ago and an extradition on the same charges is against their constitutional rights. And in addition they face 40 years if convicted in America and that is certainly excessive."
The woman, 33, who has three children has now again been released on a 250,000 Euro bail. Her husband, 36, is still in jail.
Lawyers acting for the pair managed to convince the Austrian constitutional court that the couple's extradition to America should be delayed because of serious issues about the length of sentence and the procedure involved.
The Slovenian couple were arrested shortly before New Year in Carinthia on suspicion of being behind an international doping ring and the extradition for today – Friday – was approved by the Austrian justice ministry.
The value of the trade organised by the couple was estimated at being around 40 million (mn) Euros and they were arrested in a villa in Bad Kleinkirchheim.
The arrest warrant against the pair has been in existence since spring 2010 after it was filed in the United States at the regional court in Massachusetts.
The lawyer for the pair, Roland Grilc, said that he had raised a complaint with the constitutional court and that it had been accepted.
He said: "At the end of the day charges against them here were dropped a long time ago and an extradition on the same charges is against their constitutional rights. And in addition they face 40 years if convicted in America and that is certainly excessive."
The woman, 33, who has three children has now again been released on a 250,000 Euro bail. Her husband, 36, is still in jail.
Owners of Asia Pharma and British Dragon will be extradited to the USA.
The Graz Higher Regional Court confirmed on Tuesday the 11 January ruling of the Klagefurt Provincial Court to extradite to the US Alenka and Mihael Karner, a Slovenian couple suspected of illegal import and distribution of anabolic steroids into the US.
Asia Pharma / British Dragon resellers caught faking stock delivery picture.
You may have seen versions of the pic posted above on a number of AP / BD controlled websites showing what is claimed to be a new 2012 delivery of stock from BD / AP. It's being used to convince their customers that BD / AP hasn't been busted and that ordering from them is still safe.
Sadly the guys responsible for it were not tech savvy enough to realise that the jpeg image they had used still contained a full set of exif data from the Canon camera they had taken it with. The photo was actually taken in early October 2011 two months prior to the owner's bust in Austria. I somehow doubt they will be smart enough to quit while they are ahead.
Hungarian press reports on the new BD bust translated.
( they claim Police are still trying to find the location of his secret Asian laboratory, US DEA calls him the "king of steroids" )
Slovenian 'doping couple' Michael and Alenka Karner, who in custody awaiting extradition to the United States, part of its € 38 million, acquired illegally trade anabolic steroids over the Internet, has also invested in real estate projects in Croatia. Over Romarius company, registered in Barban, they built a ten million villa in Lovranu and tportal learned that in this famous seaside resort and bought three more attractive total land area of about 5000 square meters.
In a large international operation late last year arrested a Slovenian couple Karner . Purchasing a large quantity of steroids and following the money trail, the U.S. DEA agents revealed the 'king of steroids' Michael Karner and his wife Alenka and handcuffed put them a few days before New Year's Austrian police, in their five million-euro villa in Bad Kleinkirchheim. 'Dopiniški pair' is now in custody in Klagenfurt is awaiting extradition to the U.S., where they face 40 years in prison. After their arrest followed a suicide Danila O'Boyle , the former chief editor of Delo, who was the niece Alenko Karner and her husband allegedly had business ties with the housing project 'urban oasis' in the Ljubljana district Vic. Millions of acquired assets for sale doping couple Karner 'washed', namely, investing in real estate projects in Slovenia and Croatia.
Austrian police are now investigating their business network branching from Macedonia to Thailand, but for now we do not know whether in this thriller, which touches on the Asian secret laboratory for the production of steroids and mysterious lawyers Gerold Hoop known from Hypo affair, the subject of interest and investment 'doping Couple 'in Istria.
In Croatia, the Karner invested through real estate agencies Romarius from Barban, whose directors are Michael Karner and his father Avguštin, while enrolled as a founder of the offshore company in Panama North Group Holding Corp.. Romariusa most important investment was the purchase of old properties in a desirable part of Lovran, a town that adjoins the Opatija. Property were demolished and the site built a luxurious villa. Other plans over Romariusa have not yet realized: the company operates at a loss for years, and the only value that we find in the balance sheet for 2010. The villa itself - 13.5 million was recorded as 'current assets relating to the construction site Lovran'.
Although some Councillors and the 2009th Local authorities warned that the company Romarius built without required permits, extending the retaining wall and access road past the allowable, and even that brazenly enters into possession of a neighbor, the construction was only briefly interrupted. The municipal authority after a few weeks ago found a common language with Karner and let them continue the construction of huge buildings, surrounded by high walls, but the villa, even today there is no 'pure' papers: from the land book is evident that the nadograđivali without the necessary permits. Indeed, the photographs show that the Karner harbored a passion for girls 'on steroids'. Just as it is Austrian, in which they were arrested, and the kitschy Lovranska exudes luxury. Swimming pool surrounded by teak, gym, garage and, as a climax, a sensational view. And to accomplish it, in front of the house, in the first floor level, our vast plateau, in which like many newly rich, centuries-old olive tree transplanted. The view from the plateau is indeed great, but because all the neighbors have to stare at the huge supporting concrete structure resembling a pyramid.
Hall which had warned the construction irregularities do not want to talk to reporters, but the neighbors have managed to find out that Michael and Alenka Karner enjoyed the luxury car brand Porsche, and we found that the above villa, also Lovranu, bought three more total land area of about 5000 square meters, whose total value is estimated at around 500,000 euros.
With Romarius, family Karner at the same address in Barban had a company Karner Ltd, which in 2001. founded by Michael the mother of Cyril and which for years operated at a loss. In 2010 he suddenly made a profit of 300,000 kuna, and although he soon thereafter liquidated its still active web site reveals an unusually narrow specialty: selling iron and ironing board. How to write the media, Cyril Karner is the owner of the villas in Slovene Rožnoj valley which was purchased by the aforementioned Slovenian journalist Danilo sink. The latter has denied any business relationship with Karner, but the media have discovered that Michael was arrested on the eve transferred ownership of its most valuable real estate projects, future settlement 'urban oasis' in Ljubljana, the gully son Uros. Many in that fact requires a trigger for suicide Danilo sink. The drama of the act suggests that we are still far from clarifying the operation of all Slavic kings doping.
Slovenian 'doping couple' Michael and Alenka Karner, who in custody awaiting extradition to the United States, part of its € 38 million, acquired illegally trade anabolic steroids over the Internet, has also invested in real estate projects in Croatia. Over Romarius company, registered in Barban, they built a ten million villa in Lovranu and tportal learned that in this famous seaside resort and bought three more attractive total land area of about 5000 square meters.
In a large international operation late last year arrested a Slovenian couple Karner . Purchasing a large quantity of steroids and following the money trail, the U.S. DEA agents revealed the 'king of steroids' Michael Karner and his wife Alenka and handcuffed put them a few days before New Year's Austrian police, in their five million-euro villa in Bad Kleinkirchheim. 'Dopiniški pair' is now in custody in Klagenfurt is awaiting extradition to the U.S., where they face 40 years in prison. After their arrest followed a suicide Danila O'Boyle , the former chief editor of Delo, who was the niece Alenko Karner and her husband allegedly had business ties with the housing project 'urban oasis' in the Ljubljana district Vic. Millions of acquired assets for sale doping couple Karner 'washed', namely, investing in real estate projects in Slovenia and Croatia.
Austrian police are now investigating their business network branching from Macedonia to Thailand, but for now we do not know whether in this thriller, which touches on the Asian secret laboratory for the production of steroids and mysterious lawyers Gerold Hoop known from Hypo affair, the subject of interest and investment 'doping Couple 'in Istria.
In Croatia, the Karner invested through real estate agencies Romarius from Barban, whose directors are Michael Karner and his father Avguštin, while enrolled as a founder of the offshore company in Panama North Group Holding Corp.. Romariusa most important investment was the purchase of old properties in a desirable part of Lovran, a town that adjoins the Opatija. Property were demolished and the site built a luxurious villa. Other plans over Romariusa have not yet realized: the company operates at a loss for years, and the only value that we find in the balance sheet for 2010. The villa itself - 13.5 million was recorded as 'current assets relating to the construction site Lovran'.
Although some Councillors and the 2009th Local authorities warned that the company Romarius built without required permits, extending the retaining wall and access road past the allowable, and even that brazenly enters into possession of a neighbor, the construction was only briefly interrupted. The municipal authority after a few weeks ago found a common language with Karner and let them continue the construction of huge buildings, surrounded by high walls, but the villa, even today there is no 'pure' papers: from the land book is evident that the nadograđivali without the necessary permits. Indeed, the photographs show that the Karner harbored a passion for girls 'on steroids'. Just as it is Austrian, in which they were arrested, and the kitschy Lovranska exudes luxury. Swimming pool surrounded by teak, gym, garage and, as a climax, a sensational view. And to accomplish it, in front of the house, in the first floor level, our vast plateau, in which like many newly rich, centuries-old olive tree transplanted. The view from the plateau is indeed great, but because all the neighbors have to stare at the huge supporting concrete structure resembling a pyramid.
Hall which had warned the construction irregularities do not want to talk to reporters, but the neighbors have managed to find out that Michael and Alenka Karner enjoyed the luxury car brand Porsche, and we found that the above villa, also Lovranu, bought three more total land area of about 5000 square meters, whose total value is estimated at around 500,000 euros.
With Romarius, family Karner at the same address in Barban had a company Karner Ltd, which in 2001. founded by Michael the mother of Cyril and which for years operated at a loss. In 2010 he suddenly made a profit of 300,000 kuna, and although he soon thereafter liquidated its still active web site reveals an unusually narrow specialty: selling iron and ironing board. How to write the media, Cyril Karner is the owner of the villas in Slovene Rožnoj valley which was purchased by the aforementioned Slovenian journalist Danilo sink. The latter has denied any business relationship with Karner, but the media have discovered that Michael was arrested on the eve transferred ownership of its most valuable real estate projects, future settlement 'urban oasis' in Ljubljana, the gully son Uros. Many in that fact requires a trigger for suicide Danilo sink. The drama of the act suggests that we are still far from clarifying the operation of all Slavic kings doping.
More on the new British Dragon / Asia Pharma bust.
Slovene Michael and Alenka Karner, who are suspected of illegal online sales of doping preparations should be made part of the earnings of millions in real estate projects in Istria, the Croatian news reports today tportal.hr web portal. It is a villa and three more in total land size of five thousand square meters in Lovran.
Launder money in Croatia
Croatian web portal emphasizes that it is not known whether the investment regimes in Croatia Karner part of an international investigation of crime online sales doping preparations, which had been committed in different parts of the world, but not in Slovenia. Home while adding that the couple "launder money" by investing in real estate in Slovenia and Croatia.
"In Croatia, the family Karner made through real estate agencies in Barbana Romarius (a place in Istria in Pula), whose director was Michael Karner and his father, Augustine, while registered as a founder of the offshore company in Panama, North Group Holding Corp.," report to the Croatian portal.
The portal also notes that the most important investment was the purchase of the old estates Romariusa in the elite part of Lovran in Opatija. The old property was demolished and on it built a luxury villa.
Also participated mom?
Tportal He highlighted that for many years Romarius making a loss, the only value it has is mentioned villa worth HRK 13.5 million (1.8 million). In the construction of villas reporting portal did not have all relevant licenses, but "found a common language" with the municipal authorities in Opatija.
»Photos buildings show that the couple nurtured a passion for Karner Farm 'on steroids'. Like their villa in Austria, where they were arrested, including one in Lovran kitsch reminiscent of a luxury, "estimates tportal.
Spouses should also be purchased in Lovran three land, worth about half a million. Family Karner at the subsidiary had Romarius at the same address in Barban also registered company Karner, to the, which was founded in 2001 by Cyril Michael's mother.
Details are unclear
Tportal.hr also mentions a family business links between Karner and the late journalist and entrepreneur Danilo Slivnikom who committed suicide. "Drama of this action suggests that we are still far from disclosing all doping operations Slovenian kings," states the Croatian portal.
Launder money in Croatia
Croatian web portal emphasizes that it is not known whether the investment regimes in Croatia Karner part of an international investigation of crime online sales doping preparations, which had been committed in different parts of the world, but not in Slovenia. Home while adding that the couple "launder money" by investing in real estate in Slovenia and Croatia.
"In Croatia, the family Karner made through real estate agencies in Barbana Romarius (a place in Istria in Pula), whose director was Michael Karner and his father, Augustine, while registered as a founder of the offshore company in Panama, North Group Holding Corp.," report to the Croatian portal.
The portal also notes that the most important investment was the purchase of the old estates Romariusa in the elite part of Lovran in Opatija. The old property was demolished and on it built a luxury villa.
Also participated mom?
Tportal He highlighted that for many years Romarius making a loss, the only value it has is mentioned villa worth HRK 13.5 million (1.8 million). In the construction of villas reporting portal did not have all relevant licenses, but "found a common language" with the municipal authorities in Opatija.
»Photos buildings show that the couple nurtured a passion for Karner Farm 'on steroids'. Like their villa in Austria, where they were arrested, including one in Lovran kitsch reminiscent of a luxury, "estimates tportal.
Spouses should also be purchased in Lovran three land, worth about half a million. Family Karner at the subsidiary had Romarius at the same address in Barban also registered company Karner, to the, which was founded in 2001 by Cyril Michael's mother.
Details are unclear
Tportal.hr also mentions a family business links between Karner and the late journalist and entrepreneur Danilo Slivnikom who committed suicide. "Drama of this action suggests that we are still far from disclosing all doping operations Slovenian kings," states the Croatian portal.
Unigen Life Sciences introduces new blister packaging for it's orals.
I wasn't a big fan of their old brown glass bottles that they and sister company Genesis used for tablets so I'm glad to see they have switched to these new blister packs.
They claim the move is to make their products harder to counterfeit but I think the real reason is that Asia Pharma's ( Unigen's main competitor on the Thai market ) current packaging looked more professional, either way it's a welcome upgrade. My apologies for the poor pic it was taken from their website ( and may well show a prototype of the new pack design ).
They claim the move is to make their products harder to counterfeit but I think the real reason is that Asia Pharma's ( Unigen's main competitor on the Thai market ) current packaging looked more professional, either way it's a welcome upgrade. My apologies for the poor pic it was taken from their website ( and may well show a prototype of the new pack design ).
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