The Impact of COVID-19 on Illicit Trade Networks  

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.

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, Americas Quarterly @brazilbrian (moderator)

To register, please contact Leonie Rauls at lrauls@as-coa.org.

For press inquiries, please contact mediarelations@as-coa.org.