The counterfeits were uncovered as part of Operation Stolen Promise, which combats COVID-19 related crime.

More than 21.2 million.

That’s how many counterfeit respirator masks U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) says it’s seized since launching Operation Stolen Promise a year ago to combat fraud and other crimes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HSI noted that fighting scammers bent on committing personal protective equipment swindles has been a key focus, with one of the organization’s “most significant and wide-ranging ongoing investigations” centering on disrupting a criminal organization selling and distributing counterfeit 3M N-95 respirator masks.

3M, parent company of Top 40 promotional products supplier 3M/Promotional Markets, produces the N-95s, which have been in high demand during the pandemic because of their ability to protect against viral spread. “HSI has initiated 98 criminal investigations into counterfeit 3M respirators and seized more than $5 million in criminal proceeds derived from the sale of counterfeit 3M masks, in addition to preventing these masks from entering hospital and consumer supply chains,” authorities said in a news release.

3M has been working with law enforcement to combat mask fraud. In February, for instance, authorities announced that 3M provided important information that helped lead to the seizure of some 11 million counterfeit N95 masks. 3M recently sued a Florida company, alleging mask fraud.

While sales of PPE have retreated in the promotional products industry, industry companies that continue to move product in the category should take note of HSI’s activities and source only from well-vetted, proven vendors.

Operation Stolen Promise, which began in April 2020, is broader than just mask fraud, though. It’s also cracked down on mislabeled, fraudulent or prohibited COVID-19 vaccines/alleged treatments and test kits, while also fighting major fraud schemes tied to the Paycheck Protection Program. Overall, the operation has led to 267 arrests and the seizure of $48 million in illicit proceeds.

Of late, HSI is “seeing a rise in criminals attempting to profit off vulnerable Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic by targeting people searching for online products and information on cures, vaccines and other treatments.”

In February, three Baltimore-area men were charged for an alleged scam that replicated the website of a biotech company in order to attempt to sell COVID-19 vaccines. In March, HSI warned the public about a scam targeting consumers with promises of gifts and cash for taking a fraudulent post-vaccination survey.