Investigating Fentanyl Supply Chains: An OSINT Analysis of Chinese Biotechnology Companies
16The illicit flow of fentanyl and its chemical precursors from Chinese biotechnology companies to the U.S. has escalated into a critical national security threat. Leveraging OSINT, this research investigates patterns of sales and distribution between these companies, Mexico, and the U.S. market. By analyzing public records, corporate filings, and digital footprints across platforms, this study maps the supply chain, identifies key actors, and highlights the evolving tactics used by these entities to evade detection. This investigation not only sheds light on the methods used to smuggle precursors but also offers actionable insights for disrupting the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States. The findings provide intelligence analysts and law enforcement agencies with a clearer understanding of the challenges posed by the global trade in fentanyl precursors and key patterns that can be used to identify the actors involved.
View upcoming Summits: http://www.sans.org/u/DuS
SANS Open-Source Intelligence Summit 2025
Investigating Fentanyl Supply Chains: An OSINT Analysis of Chinese Biotechnology Companies
Rae Baker, Senior Open Source Intelligence Analyst