Quincy Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Lanyards As Coronavirus Cure

QUINCY, MA—A Quincy man pleaded guilty in Boston federal court on Thursday in connection with selling a pesticide-coated lanyard that falsely claimed to protect against COVID-19 and other viruses, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling's office.

Jiule Lin, 38, is charged with one count of distribution and sale of an unregistered pesticide, according to the press release. He could face up to one year in prison and a fine of $25,000.

“At the height of a raging pandemic killing thousands of people a day, this defendant tried to profit from conning people into believing that a pesticide-coated lanyard would protect them from viruses like COVID-19. This was dangerous, opportunistic fraud,” said Lelling in a statement. “We will always pursue these kinds of cases - I have zero tolerance for people who take advantage of the fears of others during a national health crisis.”

Beginning in March, Lin listed an unregistered pesticide "Toamit Virus Shut Out," on eBay, said the press release. The pesticide took the form of a card to be worn as a lanyard and claimed that the device would repel bacteria, germs, and viruses such as COVID-19 through the use of chlorine dioxide.

“Bogus claims by sellers claiming to offer products that control viruses continues to pose a risk to consumers nationwide,” said Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division for New England, in a statement. “EPA and our law enforcement partners will continue to focus efforts on stopping the sale of these illegal products. Consumers can help protect themselves by visiting epa.gov/coronavirus for a list of EPA approved disinfectant products.”

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), The EPA regulates the production, sale, distribution and use of pesticides in the United States and every pesticide must be registered.

Lin's case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit. A sentencing date has not yet been announced.