E-commerce and sports supplements: a criminal law analysis

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that the Internet is the main way through which potentially dangerous or dopant nutritional supplements for athletes access the European Union. It is therefore essential to determine whether online sales of dangerous doping supplements are criminally relevant. In order to determine this, I will first address the risks resulting from the product’s composition and presentation, and also those risks that are linked to the means used for its commercialization, i.e., online. Secondly, I will examine the possibilities and limits provided by criminal law to prevent these behaviours, through the analysis of the provisions protecting health, in view of the specificity introduced by the means used to commit the crime. The conclusions point towards the convenience of including specific criminal provisions that can better address the wrongdoing inherent to these behaviours