The integrated global economy provides opportunities for citizens and businesses, but also for criminals running illicit trade networks. The term “illicit trade” means any practice or conduct prohibited by law which relates to production, shipment, receipt, possession, distribution, sale, or purchase of products including any practice or conduct intended to facilitate such activity.

The trafficking in illicit goods spans several practices including:

● Counterfeiting  
● Piracy  
● Falsification  
● Adulteration of products  
● Smuggling of genuine products  
● Tax evasion