Illicit Trade: A Looming Threat to Economy and Security

Illicit trade, tied to organized crime, threatens national security and economic stability, according to Delhi Police and experts at a FICCI CASCADE event. Unified enforcement and awareness can mitigate this risk. Cybercrime and digital frauds complicate enforcement efforts, highlighting the need for training in both physical and digital domains.

Illicit trade has emerged as a severe threat to national security and economic stability, warned Mohammad Ali, Deputy Director (training) of the Delhi Police. Speaking at a capacity-building program by FICCI CASCADE, Ali emphasized that illicit activities are not minor offenses but are deeply linked with organized crime and large-scale fraud.

Ali highlighted the necessity for a united enforcement front to counteract this growing menace, urging agencies to access up-to-date information, tools, and platforms. Deep Chand, Advisor to FICCI CASCADE, stated that crimes such as counterfeiting and smuggling also fuel larger criminal networks, destabilizing law and social order.

The importance of combining awareness and enforcement was echoed by Ashish Paul of ITC Ltd., advocating that even a partial reduction in illicit trade could significantly boost the economy. Supreme Court lawyer Pavan Duggal pointed out the intersection of cybercrime with illicit trade, necessitating officials to be adept at handling both digital and physical evidence.

(With inputs from agencies.)