An international investigation has alleged the existence of a cross-border network trafficking illegal steroids, counterfeit diabetes medication and fake weight-loss injections into Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with the UAE reportedly serving as a central hub for consolidation, re-export and financial flows.
The investigation examined the activities of Irfan Dhurajioala and his alleged involvement in the trade of illegal steroids and counterfeit diabetes medication. It claimed the network carried out documented operations worth up to US$40 million, while estimating the global market value of its activities at more than US$300 million.
According to the investigation, the operation involved flooding Gulf markets with prohibited performance-enhancing drugs and counterfeit slimming injections, creating risks to public health while allegedly diverting millions of dollars in tax revenue through financial channels described as concealed.
It claimed that “there is not a gym or fitness club in the Gulf states that does not contain one of their counterfeit products”, alleging that the products were assembled without meeting required health standards at a facility identified as “Mercury”.
The investigation further alleged that the network used Gulf ports as re-export hubs, exploiting logistical loopholes and what it described as “high-level protection”. It called on Saudi and Gulf authorities to investigate the allegations and act to protect financial integrity and public health.
Shipments Targeting Saudi Arabia and the GCC
The investigation focused on direct shipments destined for GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman, originating from Indian entities allegedly connected to the network.
Between 2019 and 2025, the scale of the activity reportedly reached approximately 822,088 units of unregistered anabolic steroids, human growth hormone products known as HGH, and counterfeit GLP-1 medications used for weight loss.
The investigation identified the “Mercury Freight” centre in Singapore as an intermediary transit point, while describing the UAE as the network’s “central consolidation and re-export point”.
It also alleged that the network used what it described as a “hybrid hawala system” operating out of Dubai, alongside cryptocurrencies and bank accounts, to evade banking oversight.
Individuals Named in the Investigation
The investigation named several individuals as alleged participants in the network.
Among them was Irfan Ghulam Ahmed Dhurajioala, whom it described as the “mastermind” of the operation and accused of overseeing manufacturing activities in India and shipping products into Gulf markets.
The names Reshma Irfan Ahmed, Chen Chanzi, Peter Jerzy Franik and Amir H. Bohra were also included among individuals whom the investigation alleged had links to the operation.
The investigation further referred to an unnamed “high-level figure in the UAE”, who it alleged received large shipments and provided protection to the network.
It also described an alleged “executive arm” responsible for financial operations in Dubai.
Indian Companies Allegedly Used in the Supply Chain
The investigation claimed that the network relied on a group of formally registered Indian companies to export products into Gulf countries.
Among the entities named was Thaiger Pharma Private Limited, described as a major exporter of steroids.
Nova Laboratories Private Limited was linked in the investigation to human growth hormone components and weight-loss injections.
Thaiger Nutraceuticals Private Limited was alleged to have been used as a front for marketing “dietary supplements”, while Thaiger LLP was identified as a company established in August 2025.
The investigation also listed several brands allegedly associated with the network, including Syrocs, Axxio, British Dragon, Novector, BeNova, AxonLabs, Geniqscare, Uvinova and TechPharm.
Shipments Allegedly Disguised as Health Products
The investigation said export records revealed large commercial shipments allegedly disguised as health-related products.
It pointed to shipments that arrived in Dubai in 2024 containing products associated with testosterone and nandrolone.
It also referred to shipments sent to Bahrain containing products associated with Stanozolol, as well as similar patterns involving steroid consignments allegedly redirected through the UAE to Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The investigation further alleged that empty casings and packaging were shipped from India to Gulf countries before being assembled with other materials locally, a method it said was intended to circumvent customs procedures.
Cryptocurrency, Property and Alleged Money Laundering
The investigation highlighted the alleged use of cryptocurrencies, foreign investments and real estate in financial transactions it characterised as money laundering.
It referred to the alleged use of digital currencies as well as transfers reportedly structured as “foreign investments”, before control over certain commercial entities was subsequently transferred.
The investigation also alleged that real estate assets in the UAE were used in connection with the network’s financial activities, including properties in the emirate of Ajman, alongside assets in Thailand.
The allegations now place pressure on UAE authorities to clarify whether investigations have been opened into the individuals, companies and transactions named in the investigation, particularly given the seriousness of the claims involving public health, alleged money laundering and the cross-border movement of illicit pharmaceutical and performance-enhancing products.
