12 Gencore Influencers Linked to Illegal Telegram Steroid Market With 5,500 Members
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 12
12 Gencore Influencers Linked to Illegal Telegram Steroid Market With 5,500 Members
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 12
Summary
A Guardian investigation identified 12 Gencore ambassadors, affiliates and employees tied to Anabolic By Nature, a Telegram steroid market rebuilt after an earlier Rohm channel was shut down.
At least six admins matched Gencore-linked usernames or images, and founder Darren Wicks allegedly led the chat, updated stock, discussed airport transport of steroids and promoted a 12% sales commission.
More than 180,000 TikTok and Instagram followers were exposed to links between fitness content and drug sales, with one Gencore-linked creator directing users from TikTok to the Telegram sales platform.
The network advertised steroids, testosterone products, human growth hormone, tirzepatide and experimental peptides such as BPC-157 and TB-500, despite UK law banning unlicensed sale or supply.
Anabolic By Nature has gained more than 5,500 members since April after a predecessor drew over 13,000, underscoring experts' warnings that social media is normalising steroid use within wellness culture.
A UK wellness CEO ran an illegal steroid ring. How many other 'health' brands are profiting from a dangerous dark side?
As the FDA debates key peptides, will new rules kill the online gray market or make it more dangerous?
Inside the Gencore Global Scandal: How UK Fitness Influencers Fueled a Multi-Million Pound Illegal Steroid Market and Shook the Wellness Industry
Overview
Gencore Global, once seen as a leading UK health and wellness brand with a strong public presence and diverse product offerings, became the focus of a major scandal when it was revealed that influencers linked to the company were involved in an illegal steroid market. This exposure highlighted the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in the wellness industry. In response, industry discussions shifted toward finding structured solutions, with leaders like Luke Evans calling for open dialogue, better data collection, and clear accountability. The scandal has sparked a broader demand for systemic change to protect consumers and restore trust.