State Department group sees illicit cigarette trafficking as security threat
Virginia – A recent U.S. Department of State report on illegal tobacco trafficking deems it a lucrative revenue source for organized crime and terrorists in addition to costing state and local governments in the U.S. an estimated $3 billion to $7 billion in tax losses each year. Internationally, it fuels transnational crime, corruption, and terrorism,” the report says. “As it converges with other criminal activities, it undermines the rule of law and the licit market economy, and creates greater insecurity and instability in many of today’s security ‘hot spots’ around the world. Illicit tobacco provides a significant revenue stream to illicit actors without the high risks and punishments associated with trafficking in narcotics or humans.
The most recent estimate of the global tax loss to black market cigarette trafficking is $40 billion to $50 billion, the report says.
Related Posts
Cross-border raids target gangsters in £110m cigarettes racket
Twelve tonnes of raw tobacco, two million cigarettes, £50,000 in cash and a...
Tobacco smuggling bust finds $1 million in Templestowe home
Nearly $1 million in cash was seized at a home in Melbourne's north east after a...
Canada’s anti-fake legislation moves closer
Canada's Combating Counterfeit Products Act is finally moving forward after...
Thirteen people arrested by authorities in Victoria, WA in operation targeting illegal tobacco trade
Police have arrested 13 people — some with alleged links to a Middle Eastern...