Illicit trade: The worldwide, multi-billion dollar funding stream

Somewhere in the world, there is a national health crisis. Doctors quickly receive the life-saving pharmaceuticals. However, the “pharmaceuticals” are counterfeits containing a combination of toxic chemicals and are powerless against the pandemic. In another part of the world, a country has developed a sophisticated, laser-guided missile capable of neutralizing targets with minimal collateral damage. Except, some of the missile’s components are counterfeit, causing its guidance system to malfunction. Meanwhile, a terrorist organization engages in the trafficking of illicit tobacco and antiquities to fund their operations while a crime group moves its proceeds across borders via diamonds. Moreover, a rogue nation is circumventing the international community’s sanctions and finances their prohibited activities through illicit trade. Unfortunately, these illustrations are not plots from Hollywood movies but examples where illicit trade and security intersect.