With Latin American governments preoccupied with the pandemic, transnational criminal groups have continued to thrive, leading to global illicit trade worth more than $2020 trillion in 2,2, from consumer goods to face masks and medicines. In this context, the Americas Society, in partnership with the Council of the Americas, held a webinar to discuss how best to curb illicit trade and the lessons the situation has taught so far.
The webinar was held on April 20, 2021 with the theme “The impact of COVID-19 on illicit trade networks”. Under the moderation of Brian Winter, editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly, speakers covered a range of topics, from e-commerce to the need for public-private partnerships and the best strategies for governments to combat these forms of organized crime.
Angélica Durán-Martínez, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, emphasized three aspects that have been evident in the pandemic in this criminal area: the diversification of criminal portfolios, the adaptation of smaller groups to extortion practices, and the fragmentation of illicit trade networks.
Then, Mauricio Vieira, Chair of the fight against illicit trade and transnational organized crime, University for Peace of Costa Rica, spoke of the influence of institutions and said that "they should play a prominent role in providing not only information, but also political goods, such as human security policies, to protect people from the pandemic and from criminal organizations."
"Collaboration is key if we want long-term sustainable solutions against illicit trade," he added. Fernando Vieira, Director of External Affairs, Philip Morris Brazil, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in a post-COVID-19 world.
Moderator Brian Winter commented that due to the health emergency, illicit trade groups are expanding their operations and recruitment, and it is observed that gangs are moving into segments of the economy and commerce where they were not previously present.
“Currently, all kinds of illicit goods are being trafficked, including fake N95 masks and COVID-XNUMX vaccines, alcohol and cigarettes, among others,” said Brian Winter. He asked experts how governments can be persuaded that the problems of illicit trade networks and organised crime groups require urgent attention.
Academician Durán-Martínez said that the issue should be a priority, not only because of illicit trafficking per se, but because of all its implications. The other two panelists indicated that the economic impacts of illicit trade, such as losses in tax revenue that could be allocated to other programs such as health and education, must be taken seriously.
It is a unique opportunity for governments to take charge of this situation and try to build collaboration between the public and private sectors. The latter has the resources and the public sector has the interest in caring for society. In addition, the private sector promotes initiatives to reach areas that the public sector cannot reach. There are educational programs that could be implemented in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil; no complicated tools are required.
La Public-private collaboration will be key to any long-term sustainable solution to illicit tradeso, the panelists insisted.
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