Fitness influencers linked to wellness brand helping run illegal steroid market on Telegram
Wellness Brand Ambassadors Spearhead Underground Steroid Trade on Telegram
Fitness influencers linked to wellness brand - Fitness personalities who serve as public faces for a prominent health and wellness company are playing a central role in operating an illicit steroid marketplace through social media, according to new findings. Gencore Global, which positions itself as a British health and wellness enterprise, has been making appearances at fitness gatherings including FitXpo North West in Greater Manchester. The company has also invested in sponsoring a racehorse, established a UK combat sports and influencer boxing promotion, and is preparing to participate in the National Running Show in Birmingham in the coming year.
While its online storefront offers skincare items, hair-loss solutions, and dietary supplements, Gencore describes itself as a "revolutionary movement" that provides consumers with access to supplements, cosmetics, coaching services, and health assessments. Yet investigation has uncovered a dozen Gencore ambassadors, affiliates, and staff members—boasting a combined social media presence exceeding 180,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram—who simultaneously promote steroids and other performance-enhancing substances through an underground Telegram network. This platform originally operated under the name Rohm before being shut down and subsequently rebranded as Anabolic By Nature.
Recruitment and Community Building
Within the Telegram channels, ambassadors actively encourage new members to join their community. One ambassador posted a recruitment message asking: "Anyone here make content? Have connections? Would like to learn how to make commission and money online and from home? Message me." Another exchange revealed the rebranding process:
ANONYMOUS: Is Rohm anabolics connected with this chat? GENCORE AMBASSADOR: Yeah this is Rohm, just rebranded the chat.
Industry experts caution that the boundary between fitness culture and illegal drug promotion continues to blur as these ambassadors expand their reach.
Understanding the Substances
Anabolic steroids function as synthetic variants of the male sex hormone testosterone, designed to enhance muscle development, strength, and recovery capabilities. They operate by increasing protein synthesis within muscle cells, potentially resulting in accelerated size gains and improved post-training recovery. Nevertheless, these compounds carry considerable health dangers, particularly when consumed without medical oversight or in elevated quantities. Potential side effects encompass suppression of natural testosterone production, infertility, acne, hair loss, mood alterations including aggression or depression, and heightened susceptibility to heart disease, hypertension, and liver damage.
Beyond anabolic steroids, the Telegram network also features peptides, testosterone replacement therapy options, and prescription-only medications. Under UK regulations, anabolic steroids remain legal for personal possession, yet selling, supplying, or distributing them without appropriate licensing constitutes an offense. Importing these substances without proper authorization is equally unlawful.
ANONYMOUS: why is the website never constantly up ADMIN: Imagine running an illegal business & expecting it to be up 24/7
Experimental Peptides Gain Popularity
Additional substances promoted through these channels include prescription-only medicines such as human growth hormone, the weight-loss medication tirzepatide, and the acne treatment tretinoin. Unregulated experimental peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 are also featured, though they cannot be legally sold with medicinal or wellness claims. Peptides occur naturally within the human body—insulin being one example. However, recent years have witnessed substantial growth in peptide utilization for therapeutic applications ranging from weight management to anti-aging and injury recovery. Many of these peptides remain experimental with limited scientific validation for human benefits.
ANONYMOUS: Hi guys. How much would you take of the recovery pen that's on the menu. GENCORE AMBASSADOR A: I did 1mg BPC, 1mg TB-500, and it completely fixed me. GENCORE AMBASSADOR B: Same protocol I used. Sorted my shoulder right out.
At minimum six administrators on Anabolic By Nature share identical usernames or profile images with Gencore ambassadors, employees, or affiliates. The company's founder and chief executive, Darren Wicks, heads the Telegram group, informing users about stock availability, addressing delivery delays, and offering guidance on transporting steroids through airports.
ANONYMOUS: Going Egypt next month I'm not sure it's a good idea to take gear there. In a video, Wicks replies: "I promise you now, I've flown to Dubai on three separate occasions, and every time I've taken all my meds with me, all my anabolics with me, and all my supps [supplements] with me, and not once have I been stopped, or questioned. They're not looking for your half a vial of Test-E and your litt