Pedro Fontes contributes to Público’s investigation into online peptide trafficking, in a new article examining the mechanisms used by online stores to market these products and the challenges that the international nature of these networks poses for the Portuguese authorities.

Entitled “How online peptide trafficking stores evade the Portuguese authorities”, the article presents the findings of an investigation into 16 online stores selling peptides to Portugal, addressing, among other aspects, the creation of fictitious brands, the use of certificates and analyses, and the operation of international networks.

In his contribution, Pedro Fontes examines the argument used by some of these stores that the products are intended for “scientific research”, clarifying the relevant legal and regulatory framework. The article also considers the difficulties involved in monitoring operators based outside Portugal and the role of international cooperation in tackling this phenomenon.

Pedro Fontes’ contribution therefore adds a legal perspective to the analysis of a phenomenon that raises significant challenges in terms of regulation, enforcement and cross-border digital commerce.