Illicit trade involves goods and services that are deemed illegal as they threaten communities and society as a whole. Illicit trade has a negative impact on economic stability, social welfare, public health, public safety, and our environment. Examples include:
- Health & Safety—narcotics, fake medicines and foods, and defective materials
- Environment—endangerment of wildlife, such as elephant and rhinoceros poaching, and rain forests through illegal environmental crimes
- Exploitation—forced human trafficking, prostitution, and slavery
- Terrorism—financing criminality and terrorism
- Government—reduction of tax revenues and legitimate employment.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, “The global economy loses more than $2 trillion USD annually due to smuggling, counterfeiting, trafficking of humans and wildlife, and other forms of illicit trade that hold back progress on the global development agenda.”
You can anonymously report illicit trade without the fear of retribution using the Crime Stoppers Global Solutions TCI tips app, available for Apple and Android devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Illicit trade means the illegal buying, selling, or distribution of goods like fake products, smuggled items, and contraband. It harms economies, funds crime, and puts people at risk.
CSGS helps law enforcement identify trafficking networks, share intelligence, and coordinate actions to stop illegal trade, protect markets, and reduce crime tied to illicit goods globally.
Yes. You can submit an anonymous tip through the CSGS website. Your identity stays private while your information helps authorities investigate and stop illegal trade.
Stopping illicit trade protects jobs, public health, and legal businesses. It also weakens criminal networks that profit from fake or smuggled goods and fuels other crimes.
Donations support investigations, technology tools, intelligence sharing, and training for partners. These resources strengthen efforts to disrupt illegal markets and protect communities.
