# Fitness influencers tied to wellness brand allegedly run illegal steroid ring on Telegram

The Guardian reports that several fitness influencers associated with a wellness brand are suspected of operating an illegal steroid marketplace on the encrypted messaging app Telegram. Authorities are investigating the network, which used social media to promote and sell banned substances. This highlights the hidden dark side of influencer-driven health and fitness content.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### Business
- [The Guardian Biz](https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2026/jul/12/fitness-influencers-linked-to-wellness-brand-helping-run-steroid-market-on-telegram) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:00:13 GMT