Organised crime and illicit trade in Europe [Conference Report]

The event brought together representatives from nine member states to assess the scale and scope of illicit trade across the region, and the extent of organised criminal involvement. It also provided a forum for law enforcement and customs officials to discuss national experiences and exchange best practice on initiatives to disrupt these networks and their activities. Illicit trade is not only dominated by organised crime, it has grown to become one of its driving forces across Europe. Within the EU, annual revenues from counterfeiting now exceed those from narcotics, accounting for approximately €42.7 billion and €27.7 billion respectively.
There is a widespread public perception that illicit trade is a minor, victimless crime; however, this stands in stark contrast to the reality seen by law enforcement agencies and governments across the EU. Illicit trade is a major, cross-border crime, which requires a well-informed and well-coordinated response across member states.