In 2020 illicit trade cost the world over $2.2 trillion, as the pandemic provided transnational organized crime groups new opportunities to traffic in everything from illicit consumer goods to face masks and medicine. How is COVID-19 changing the nature of illicit trade? What are the risks at a time when governments are desperate for revenue and extra resources? How can illicit trade best be curbed at a time when authorities have so many other priorities? Experts will share best practices as they discuss the lessons the pandemic has taught us thus far. This event was hosted by:
Speakers:
Angélica Durán-Martínez, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Fernando Vieira, External Affairs Director, Philip Morris Brazil
Maurício Vieira, Chair on Combating and Preventing Illicit Trade and Transnational Organized Crime, University for Peace @mauric_
Brian Winter, Editor-in-Chief at Americas Quarterly@brazilbrian (moderator)