The role of transnational smuggling operations in illicit supply chains

The flow of illicit goods and services within the global economy has fostered various black markets around the world. Complex illicit supply chain structures have developed to help support this underground trade. These structures and supporting operations act as a key enabler in the functioning of black markets. Transnational smuggling is a critical component in illicit supply chains and is responsible for the movement of illegal goods from source origin to the markets where they are consumed. Smuggling is a logistics and transport intensive activity. There are unique transportation requirements for smuggling operations, based on mitigation of risk of being detected from customs and border controls. International smuggling employs novel operational methods, multiple transport modes, flexible transport routes, and transport asset types designed to conceal contraband, in order evade border security and law enforcement controls. Smuggling operations can be viewed as a core competence for transnational criminal organizations and as a means for expanding their portfolio of crimes. This paper analyzes the role of transnational smuggling operations in illicit supply chain structures.