International IP Crime Investigators CollegeAn INTERPOL Initiative in Co-operation with UL Standards & Engagement
This year's IIPCIC Workshop was a resounding success, aligning with the conference agenda to tackle the complex issue of illicit trade. Our focus was on coordinating responses, aligning resources, and leveraging opportunities to combat this growing threat.
We brought together experts from law enforcement, the public and private sectors, and free trade zones to examine the critical nexus of cooperation in combating illicit trade. Through case studies and collaborative discussions, we identified key factors that facilitate illicit trade and proposed measures to detect, prevent, and mitigate its consequences.
The workshop took the form of a specialized table-top exercise, delivered in collaboration with subject matter experts from leading IP authorities. Together, we explored common challenges and responses, and identified effective solutions through the sharing of best practices.
Coordinated responses and aligned resources are crucial in combating illicit trade
Collaboration between law enforcement, the public and private sectors, and free trade zones is essential
Identifying and addressing the root causes of illicit trade is critical to preventing its recurrence
Sharing best practices and leveraging expertise can help mitigate the consequences of illicit trade
Congratulations to the International IP Crime Investigators College in hosting the very successful 2024 IIPCIC Workshop. We appreciate the opportunity to have collaborated with the IIPCIC and our interagency colleagues in creating and facilitating this workshop focused on combatting illicit trade in free trade zones.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection was happy to support this international initiative to increase global awareness on how FTZs may be manipulated to serve as havens for illicit trade. INTERPOL’s Workshop was a unique forum that acted as a force multiplier in promoting legitimate and safer global trade by strengthening multi- and bi-lateral relationships amongst governments, private sector entities, and FTZ operators. Education is the first step in prevention.
While FTZs offer economic advantages to those engaged in legitimate trade, those same advantages may be exploited by bad actors engaged in the trafficking of illicit goods, including counterfeit merchandise. This workshop provided a forum to share best practices to combat the abuse of FTZs when used to traffic counterfeit goods. The scourge of counterfeiting is a global challenge that requires coordination on the international level as well as cooperation between governments and private industry.