We can all play a part in stopping illicit trade

ILLICIT trade drains more than $2 trillion from the global economy annually – nearly 3 per cent of the world’s economy. It is the biggest funding source of organised crime and directly harms economies, the environment, businesses, citizens and their communities.

It’s a threat to job creation, innovation and research, business growth, and is a form of highly unfair competition that directly causes unemployment.

The Covid pandemic has exacerbated this crisis. As consumers and businesses shift to trading online, so too do the illicit markets and when crime goes digital, it makes it even harder to police.

The impact trickles down through supply chains, and many end users of products may not even realise.

Illicit products don’t just turn up on obscure websites; they can be found on the world’s most recognised online marketplaces, and everywhere in between – side by side with genuine articles. And the risks are very real.

There is a risk for the farmer who has unknowingly purchased an illicit pesticide that ruins their crops.

Or for the refrigeration company using cooling gases known as HFCS which come from the black market and harm the environment.

Or for the consumer who buys a fake cosmetic which contains materials such as lead, leading to health concerns.

At the top of the chain, behind the growing rise in illicit trade, are organised crime groups – or OCGS as viewers of the BBC’S Line of Duty will know them.

Criminals are exploiting the disruption of supply chains caused by the pandemic and the urgent need for products.

So while many families and business owners are struggling to get by because of Covid, the “Mr Bigs” are enjoying life at their expense.

Everyone has a role to play in helping to

The criminals always stay one step ahead, but when there is a greater focus on protection then preventative action can be taken

tackle illicit trade. Enforcement agencies across the globe understand the threat, but too often they are constrained by the rules, jurisdiction and highly regulated conditions under which they operate – and aware that criminals are not. There is more illegal trade than on-the-ground teams can cope with, and they are playing catch up.

But Scotland is now playing a leading role in providing tech-based solutions for agencies across the world.

In 2019, we launched Vistalworks in Glasgow with a mission is to help eradicate illicit trade through a cutting-edge intelligence service which provides expert insight into where, when and how illicit sellers are operating.

By harnessing the power of data and risk profiling, we have developed desk-based tools to support law enforcement and crime agencies in protecting consumers and businesses.

That includes in Lithuania, where we are working with the government to improve consumer protection for its citizens.

At the heart of the solution is a shift from targeting criminals to targeted protection.

The criminals always stay one step ahead, but when there is a greater focus on protection then preventative action can be taken.

Enforcement teams can identify and prioritise locally relevant leads to deploy resources; intelligence teams can use data to spot emerging threats before it’s too late; and governments can adapt policies to tackle changing situations.

The private sector too can play its part. Remember, if a deal is too good to be true, then it probably is.

Look out for unknown brands, products being sold without labels or packaging, and be extra careful if directed off the marketplace to buy something via Whatsapp or with cash.

If we can stifle illicit trade and their criminal gangs, then we ensure legitimate suppliers can thrive as we embark on the economic recovery following Covid.