THE UNSEEN AND FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES OF ILLICIT TRADE IN TIMES OF WAR AND BEYOND
2024-05-16 | Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo
The Second GLITSS Annual Conference
on May 16th, Thursday, 2024

Background
The second annual GLITSS conference delves into the intricate repercussions of illicit trade on contemporary societies within the European and global context. Illicit trade, encompassing activities such as counterfeiting, smuggling, and trafficking, extends beyond mere economic and legal concerns to pose significant security, safety, and sustainability challenges. It enables security threats to materialize, such as natural-resource-fueled conflicts and terrorism. It presents safety hazards, such as those created by counterfeit medicines and drugs. TI threatens the sustainability of our societies by consuming excessive planetary resources and undermining the regulated functioning of international markets. Yet, despite this obvious objective relevance, the discussion on illicit trade remains compartmentalized within disciplinary boundaries. Bringing together experts, policymakers, academics, and industry stakeholders, the conference explores the complex interplay between illicit trade and its multifaceted threats to security, safety, and sustainability.

Register here

Agenda

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
08:45 – 9:00 Registration
09:00 – 9:30 Welcome Speeches
09:30 – 10:00 Keynote Speech: Louise Shelley, (George Mason University, USA)
10:00 – 10:30 Local Keynote Speech: TBA

PART 2 – PANEL SESSIONS
10:30 – 11:30 Panel Session 1 – Economic Consequences of Illicit Trade: From Modern Slavery to Poverty
Panel Description: Illicit trade often operates on a lower cost basis than legitimate businesses, due to factors such as tax evasion, lower labor costs, and environmental disregard. Trafficking in human beings as the worst form of illicit trade generates millions of victims of modern slavery across the world. This unfair competition can drive legitimate businesses out of the market, leading to job losses and economic decline. Furthermore, the presence of illicit goods in markets can distort prices, making it difficult for legitimate businesses to compete. This can lead to lower-quality goods being sold at higher prices, or to genuine products being priced too low to remain profitable. Illicit trade generally undermines efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, such as reducing poverty, and it can also divert resources away from essential services, such as education and healthcare.
Moderator: TBA
11:30 – 12:00 Coffee break

12:00 – 13:00 Panel Session 2 – Illicit Trade Undermining Global Security: Financing Terrorism and Armed Conflicts
Panel Description: Illicit trade undermines global security by contributing to instability and conflict in some regions, as it is frequently used to fund armed groups and fuel violence. Illicit trade is a major source of funding for terrorist organizations, guerilla groups, and private military companies. The proceeds of illicit trade are used to purchase weapons, explosives, and other supplies, as well as to pay for the recruitment and training of terrorists, paramilitaries and mercenaries.
Moderator: TBA
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break

14.00 – 15.00 Panel session 3 – Illicit Trade Fueling Corruption and Organized Crime
Panel Description: Illicit trade is typically linked to organized crime and often relies on corrupt officials and businesses to operate, which can erode public trust in institutions and the rule of law. Illicit trade is also a major source of funding for criminal organizations. The link between illicit trade and political corruption can lead to impunity for criminals, enabling them to continue their illicit activities with little fear of punishment.
Moderator: TBA
15:00 – 15:30 Coffee break

15.00 – 16.00 Panel session 4 – Other Consequences of Illicit Trade: From Environmental to Health Concerns
Panel Description: The illegal exploitation of natural resources, such as timber, wildlife, and minerals, is a major driver of illicit trade. This exploitation leads to deforestation, habitat loss, and the extinction of endangered species. Furthermore, illicit goods pose serious health and safety risks to consumers. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals, for example, may contain harmful ingredients or be ineffective, while substandard medicine, food, and electronics can malfunction or cause injuries, and even death.
Moderator: TBA
16:00 – 16:30 Coffee break
16:30 – 17:00 Closing remarks
Moderator: TBA
17:00 – 17:30 COCKTAIL EVENT

Submission and Deadlines

GLITSS members are invited to express their interest to attend the Conference by choosing one of the roles:
Speakers: Abstract up to 300 words (including disciplinary perspectives, methods, and preliminary results).
The Deadline for Submission is 16th March 2024.
Selected participants will be informed about the outcome via email.
Please submit your proposals via the Registration form.
Based on selected proposals, conference organizers will determine the exact scope and might invite additional participants (stakeholders, experts, politicians, etc.) to contribute to the event.

Register here

Logistics & Participant Info

For your stay at the 2nd Annual GLITSS Conference, we suggest the following hotels:
Hotel Grand – 3 stars
Location: Approximately 6 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot from the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security Studies.
Hotel Holiday – 4 stars
Location: Approximately 2 minutes by car or 7 minutes on foot from the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security Studies.
Hotel Novotel (Bristol) – 4 stars
Location: Approximately 4 minutes by car or 12 minutes on foot from the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security Studies.
Swissotel Hotel – 5 stars
Location: Approximately 3 minutes by car or 10 minutes on foot from the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security Studies.

Potential challenges of developing and integrating software applications for illicit trade in real products and services
2024-05-22 15:00 - 17:00 UTC
📆 Save the Date: May 22 at 15:00h (CET)
🎟️ Register via: https://lnkd.in/ezphvqaq
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your understanding of machine learning application integration!
Reserve your spot today!
About the Webinar
Join our Webinar on: “Potential challenges of developing and integrating software applications for illicit trade in real products and services.”
Integrating machine learning solutions into real products and services presents many challenges throughout its lifecycle. In this webinar, we delve into the journey of developing and integrating software applications, using one application where illicit trade would take place as an example, highlighting key phases and associated limitations.
Discover the hurdles we face, including code optimization, maintaining code quality, and addressing security vulnerabilities. Plus, we’ll dive into how AI solutions fit into existing infrastructures, tackle compatibility issues, and enhance functionality with customer feedback.
Whether you’re a developer, project manager, or tech enthusiast, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the multifaceted landscape of software development and AI integration.

ILLICIT TRADE IN GOODS: COMMON AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURES AND RELATED RESEARCH GAPS
2024-06-04 | Prague University of Economics and Business
GLITSS aims to contribute to the development of a better understanding of the phenomenon of illicit trade.
Working Group 1 of GLITSS organized a workshop at the beginning of June at the Prague University of Economics and Business, where researchers and practitioners from different fields convened to discuss various aspects of illicit trade. Presentations and discussions sought to bring more clarity to the shared characteristics and boundaries of the illicit trade phenomenon and also identify related research gaps.
We would like to thank all our participants and speakers for making this event a success!

ILLICIT TRADE IN GOODS: COMMON AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURES AND RELATED RESEARCH GAPS
2024-06-04 - 2024-06-05
Background
COST Action GLITSS aims to create a holistic research agenda on illicit trade practices, to increase public awareness with a view to enhancing societal resilience and to explore how technological innovation facilitates illicit trade but can also be used to fight it. This workshop is organized by the Working Group ‘The phenomena: Goods and money’ that focuses on the ‘phenomena’ making up illicit trade, providing a forum for discussion between all those who study the ‘goods’ (counterfeiting, smuggling, trafficking etc.) and the ‘capital’ (money laundering, tax evasion etc.). The workshop is envisioned as a platform for sharing best practices, proposing effective strategies, and encouraging collective action against this illicit trade phenomenon.
Objectives
This workshop aims to assemble a diverse array of experts, scholars, policymakers, and concerned stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the characteristics of illicit trade and as a result contributing to the development of more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.
The central questions explored in this workshop will be: What are the common and distinctive features of the phenomenon of ‘illicit trade’? The following sub-questions will guide the discussion during the workshop:

What are the boundaries of the phenomenon ‘illicit trade’, for example, how does it relate to phenomena like organized crime or corruption?
What does ‘illicit’ mean and when certain practices become so?
What are the characteristics of illicit trade across various research disciplines?
What are the sectoral (e.g., drug trafficking vs illicit trade in gemstones) and regional characteristics of illicit trade?
How is the concept of illicit financial flows related to the phenomenon of illicit trade in goods?
What are the underlying methods and evolving trends in the illicit trade of goods?
Who are the key actors involved in the illicit trade or along the smuggling network?
What are the best practices and lessons learned from regulatory efforts?

By addressing these questions, the workshop aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of illicit trade, promote effective policies, and foster collaborative efforts to combat this problem. The primary outcome of the workshop will be a drafted research agenda that not only indicates the main research gaps requiring further exploration to answer the aforementioned questions but also outlines the goals and priorities for future research activities.
Format
The workshop will be carried out in a hybrid format, with 10-15 in-person participants and the option to attend via the web. It will take place in Kyiv or Prague. The event spans two days and comprises various sessions. The precise schedule will be determined once the participants are confirmed. The sessions will include presentations and discussions on the aforementioned topics. Additionally, some sessions will be specifically dedicated to joint discussions aimed at formulating a research agenda and plans for future (joint) publications.
Submission and deadlines
GLITSS members are invited to express their interest to attend the workshop by choosing one of the roles:

Speakers: abstract up to 200 words (including disciplinary perspectives, methods, and preliminary results).
Young researchers and innovators: motivation letter up to 200 words;
Discussants: summary up to 100 words providing a description of the applicant’s research interests in connection to the workshop objectives.

The deadline for submission is 29 February 2024.
The selected participants will be informed by 15 March 2024 via email.
Please submit your proposals via Google form – https://forms.gle/JgogAC5tALNpDQko8
Based on selected proposals, workshop organizers will determine the exact scope and might invite additional participants (stakeholders, experts, politicians etc) to contribute to the event.

Summer School of Illicit Trade 2024
2024-07-08 - 2024-07-12 | University of Warsaw
Organized by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), the Illicit Trade Group and the Agricola School for Sustainable Development at the University of Groningen, and hosted by the University of Warsaw, the Summer School of Illicit Trade offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of this pressing global issue and explore strategies for combating it.
Delve into the multifaceted realm of illicit trade through our comprehensive one-week course set to take place at the prestigious University of Warsaw from July 8th to 12th, 2024. Throughout this immersive experience, participants will engage in a dynamic blend of lectures, workshops, case studies, and discussions, led by esteemed experts and practitioners in the field. Explore the intricate economic, social, and security implications of illicit trade, gaining a nuanced understanding of its far-reaching effects on industries, communities, and global stability.
📅 The last moment to apply is 31 May 2024.
📍 Location: University of Warsaw.
👩🏻‍💻 Fees:

650€ for students
900€ for professionals

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled. Therefore, we highly recommend submitting your application as soon as possible to secure your place in the program.
Learn about the Summer School: https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/illicit-trade/?lang=en
Apply here: https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/illicit-trade/application-form

The Role of Technology in Combatting Illicit Trade
2024-07-10 - 2024-07-11 | Belgrade, Serbia
We are officially opening a call for abstracts for a workshop on The Role of Technology in Combatting Illicit Trade.
The in-person workshop will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, on July 10-11, 2024.
A minimum number of 5 local and international participants is required for the workshop to take place.
About the Topic:
The workshop will focus on exploring innovative technological solutions and strategies for detecting, tracking, and preventing illicit trade activities across various sectors. We aim to delve into the intersection of technology and illicit trade to identify effective approaches and best practices for addressing this global issue.
Call for abstracts:
If you are conducting research related to technology and illicit trade, we invite you to submit an abstract to this workshop. Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their research during the workshop and contribute to valuable discussions on combatting illicit trade through technology.
Please submit your abstract to the deputy leader of WG3, Lucas Tosi Rodriguez (lucas.tosirodriguez@unil.ch), no later than June 10th, 2024.
Note: Travel and accommodation expenses related to the workshop will be covered according to the COST Action Travel Reimbursement Rules.
Participants will receive official confirmation of the workshop by the 15th of June, 2024.
They are entitled to arrange their travel and accommodation plan only after the official confirmation.

The Role of Technology in Combatting Illicit Trade
2024-07-10 - 2024-07-11 | Belgrade, Serbia
We are excited to share the success of our recent in-person workshop on “The Role of Technology in Combatting Illicit Trade,” which took place in Belgrade, Serbia, on July 10-11, 2024.
The workshop explored innovative technological solutions and strategies for detecting, tracking, and preventing illicit trade activities across various sectors. Participants delved into the intersection of technology and illicit trade, identifying effective approaches and best practices for addressing this global issue. We brought together experts and researchers who shared invaluable insights and collaborated on pioneering ways to combat illicit trade through technology. The discussions were vibrant and filled with actionable ideas that will contribute significantly to the field.
Thank you to all participants for their contributions and to our organizers for making this event a success.

Migrant workers, the unnoticed side of the workforce - evaluation in terms of legality and other aspects
2024-07-22 - 2024-07-23 | Yıldız Technopark University, Istanbul, Türkiye, Turkey
📌 The in-person workshop will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye,
📆 July 22-23, 2024, hosted by the Yıldız Technopark University.
About the Topic:
The workshop will focus on practices developed by local authorities, in cooperation with European and international agencies for managing the impact of refugees and asylum seekers on the labor market and preventing illicit trade implications. Multidisciplinary theoretical reflections, case studies, and comparative analyses are welcomed.
Call for abstracts:
If you are conducting research related to refugees and asylum seekers, we invite you to submit an abstract to this workshop. Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their research during the workshop and contribute to valuable discussions.
Please submit your abstract to the Leader of WG2, Daniela Irrera: daniela.irrera@ssuos.difesa.it by June 30th, 2024.
Participants will receive official confirmation of the workshop by July 5th, 2024. Travel and accommodation expenses related to the workshop will be covered according to the COST Action Travel Reimbursement Rules.
Travel and accommodation expenses related to the workshop will be covered according to the COST Action Travel Reimbursement Rules. Participants are entitled to arrange their travel and accommodation plan only after the official confirmation.
Download the call for abstracts here

Migrant workers, the unnoticed side of the workforce - evaluation in terms of legality and other aspects
2024-07-22 - 2024-07-23 | Yıldız Technopark University, Istanbul, Türkiye, Turkey
This week (July 22-23), Cost Action GLITSS Working Group 2, Platform: the governance of illicit trade, held a workshop in Istanbul, hosted by Yıldız Technopark University, focusing on migrant workers, the unnoticed side of the workforce, evaluating legality and other aspects. Discussions included practices developed by local authorities in cooperation with European and international agencies to manage the impact of refugees and asylum seekers on the labour market and prevent illicit trade implications. Fourteen participants from seven countries presented case studies and theoretical methodological reflections. Special thanks to Kadir Asay, the co-coordinator of the workshop, and to Irem Uysal and Elifnaz Unay for organizing, as well as to all participants for their time and research contributions.

Exploring illicit trades with a focus on crypto assets
2024-09-25 - 2024-09-26 | University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Criminals have swiftly adopted crypto assets due to their pseudo-anonymity, non-traceability, and cross-border exchange capabilities, making them ideal tools for illicit activities. This workshop aims to explore emerging trends and innovative techniques for detecting, investigating, and preventing crypto illicit trades. Additionally, it intends to assess the feasibility of regulatory approaches and their implications for stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and policymakers.
The in-person workshop will be held at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, on September 25 and 26, 2024. It invites presentations from industry experts and scholars, as well as panel discussions and research paper presentations.
Deadline for Abstract submission: 7th of June, 2024
Participants are encouraged to share their latest research findings on different facets of illicit trade and the involvement of crypto assets. We invite you to submit an abstract outlining a project related to illicit trade and crypto assets for consideration as a presentation at the workshop.
Please submit your abstract to Lucas Tosi Rodriguez (Deputy Leader of WG3) via lucas.tosirodriguez@unil.ch) no later than June 7, 2024.
Travel and accommodation expenses related to the workshop will be covered in accordance with the COST Action Travel Reimbursement Rules.
We look forward to your abstract submissions!

Responses to Illicit Trade - Exploring Illicit Trades with a Focus on Crypto Assets
2024-09-25 - 2024-09-26 | University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
On September 25th and 26th, the Cost Action GLITSS (Working Group 3 – Responses to Illicit Trade) hosted an engaging workshop at ESC UNIL – École des sciences criminelles, focused on Exploring Illicit Trades with a Focus on Crypto Assets.
The workshop shed light on how crypto assets are being exploited by criminals and organized groups, particularly for money laundering. However, existing scientific evidence shows that while crypto assets are not yet broadly used, they are primarily exploited by offenders engaged in crypto-related crimes like ransomware, fraud, and the sale of drugs and other illegal items. The modus operandi for laundering tends to be quite basic. A key challenge we identified is the lack of available data, which continues to limit in-depth research in this field.
Special thanks to ESC UNIL – École des sciences criminelles, GLITSS, and COST Action for the support.

Human Trafficking and Counter-Trafficking: New Directions for Research and Policy
2024-09-25 - 2024-09-26 | Complutense University of Madrid
We are pleased to share that our Working Group 1 within the COST Action GLITSS held a workshop on “Human Trafficking and Counter-Trafficking: New Directions for Research and Policy” on 25-26 September at Complutense University of Madrid, Faculty of Political Science and Sociology, in collaboration with Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon.
During the workshop, we discussed practices often described in terms of human trafficking, as well as counter-trafficking policies and interventions. It was acknowledged that these policies and their implementation often fail to address the root causes of violence as experienced by many people on the move and may even conflict with their expectations and needs.
We are committed to further exploring these complex issues and fostering collaboration between researchers and policymakers. Our group will continue to work on developing insights and strategies, ensuring that future counter-trafficking policies are informed by research and local contexts.

The use of the European Trade Control and Expert System TRACES to collect data on the imports of wildlife to the EU - The marine ornamental fish trade as a case study
2024-12-12 14:30 - 16:00
🗓 Date: 12 December, 2024
🕰 Time: 12:30–14:00 CET
🎟 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eT5zJ7P6
Join our Webinar on enhancing wildlife trade monitoring: The use of the European Trade Control and Expert System TRACES to collect data on the imports of wildlife to the EU – The marine ornamental fish trade as a case study
Join us on 12 December 2024, 12:30–14:00 CET for a thought-provoking session exploring how the European Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) can revolutionize wildlife trade monitoring, using the marine ornamental fish trade as a case study. Wild-caught fish from coral reefs—among the planet’s most threatened ecosystems—continue to supply the marine aquarium trade. With imports valued at €24 million annually and 26 million specimens, the EU is the second-largest importer worldwide. Since 2014, TRACES has recorded data on marine ornamental fish entering the EU. However, our analysis shows that one-third of these imports lack species-level identification. Our research offers:
Insights into the main exporting and importing countries.
Details on the species and families of fish traded between 2014 and 2021.
A proposed watchlist alert system for species requiring greater attention based on trade volumes, trends, and vulnerability metrics (IUCN Red List, FishBase).
With minor adjustments, TRACES has the potential to significantly enhance data precision and wildlife trade monitoring, providing critical support for frameworks like CITES.
Speakers:
Prof. dr. Ricardo Calado, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Prof. dr. Monica V. Biondo, Fondation Franz Weber, Switzerland
Prof. dr. Caroline Fukushima, University of Turku, Finland
Let’s discuss how we can leverage TRACES and other innovative tools to ensure sustainable trade practices and protect vulnerable species.

The illicit trade in antiquities and X-ray forensics for the discovery of counterfeit archaeological artifacts
2025-01-08 14:00 - 15:30
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar on the illicit trade in antiquities and X-ray forensics for the discovery of counterfeit archaeological artifacts. This pressing issue highlights the trafficking of cultural heritage and the destruction of archaeological sites.
🗓 Date: January 8th, 2025,
🕰 Time: 2:00 PM (CET)
🎟 Register here: https://rug-nl.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5IpdeCgqzIjHNPgw42uT1ypDoW-rtQHSKMz#/registration
This webinar will feature:
Photographs of cultural heritage items seized by Serbian customs.
Visual documentation of the devastating impact of illicit excavations on archaeological sites.Key Topics to Be Covered:
A case study showcasing good practices in combating the illicit trade of cultural heritage.
A troubling example of artifact smuggling.
Scientific Contributions:
The webinar will also present findings from archaeological research on confiscated items, including authentic artifacts and high-quality forgeries.
Highlights include:
Non-destructive analyses (EDXRF, hhXRF spectrometry) of unique bronze and lead artifacts.
Comparative analysis with authentic specimens from corresponding historical periods.
Join us to explore the intersection of history, science, and efforts to preserve cultural heritage. Together, let’s work towards protecting our shared past.

Call for Proposals - Workshop: Civil Society’s Responses to Illicit Trade
2025-02-06 - 2025-02-07 | LUMSA University, Palermo, Italy
We are pleased to announce a call for abstracts for a workshop to be held in person at LUMSA University in Palermo, Italy, on February 6-7, 2025.
Event Dates: February 6-7, 2025
Venue: LUMSA University, Palermo, Italy
Scope:
The workshop aims to critically examine civil society’s responses to illicit trade, illegal markets, and organized crime. Successful initiatives abound in Italy, particularly in the South and regions historically entrenched with mafia organizations, as well as internationally. These initiatives include associations that empower entrepreneurs opposing mafia extortion, encouraging consumers to support ‘ethical’ products from companies rejecting ‘pizzo’ payments and openly challenging extortion schemes. Additionally, significant civic efforts support social cooperatives utilizing mafia-confiscated assets. These actions empower citizen-consumers not only to combat criminal activities but also to foster ethical exchanges and civic responsibility. Through strategic financial decisions, they contribute to broader movements advocating justice and integrity in economic practices.
We welcome multidisciplinary theoretical reflections, case studies, and comparative analyses inspired by these examples and others. If you are engaged in theoretical or applied research on civil society’s response to illicit trade, illegal markets, or organized crime, we invite you to submit an abstract for consideration. Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their research and actively contribute to discussions during the workshop.
Important Dates:
Paper Submission: November 30, 2024
If you are interested in participating, we invite you to submit your abstract to stefano.caneppele@unil.ch and lucas.tosirodriguez@unil.ch by November 30, 2024. Abstracts should be approximately 200 words and align with the workshop themes outlined in the call. Please include “GLITSS Workshop Palermo 2025” as the subject line of your email.
Notification of acceptance will be sent in December 2024.

Civil Society’s Responses to Illicit Trade
2025-02-06 - 2025-02-07 | LUMSA University, Palermo, Italy
Under the Cost Action GLITSS we had the privilege of organizing a workshop in Palermo on Civil Society’s Responses to Illicit Trade.
A huge thank you to Umberto Di Maggio, Francesca Forno, and Università LUMSA for hosting us on February 6-7, 2025, and to Università di Trento for their collaboration in bringing this event to life!
We were delighted to welcome Baris Cayli Messina, Carina Gunnarson, and Theodoros Rakopoulos as keynote speakers. Alongside insightful presentations by Prof. Dr.Besa Shahini, Mirela Tase, Ludovica Boelting, H. Konstantin J., Ilona Dumanska, Boban Misoski, Jaroslav Dvorak and Clara Rondani, their contributions sparked engaging discussions on what defines civil society, how this term can sometimes be misused, the processes that turn individuals into mobilized communities, and the impact of the digital world in driving change.
A massive thank you to all participants for making this workshop an engaging platform filled with insightful discussions and iexchanges.
Civil society may play a key role in fighting illicit trade and organized crime

Workshop on Combating Illicit Trade with Data Science, AI, and Blockchain Solutions
2025-02-23 - 2025-02-25 | Porto, Portugal
We are pleased to share that Prof. Dr. George Azzopardi is organizing a workshop aimed at tackling global illicit trade using data science, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and blockchain technologies. This workshop, organized by Working Group 4 of the EU COST Action GLITSS, invites researchers and practitioners to collaborate on this critical issue.
Event Dates: 23-25 February, 2025
Venue: Porto, Portugal
Scope:
We will explore cutting-edge approaches to combat illicit activities such as:

Trafficking of historical artifacts, wildlife, and humans
Environmental crimes and endangered species protection
Financial and cyber crimes
and more

Join us in addressing the challenges of collecting reliable datasets, developing performance metrics, and applying technologies like remote sensing, deep learning, pattern recognition, and blockchain to this fight.
Topics of Interest:

Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning
Explainable AI, Computer Vision, and Predictive Analytics
Blockchain, Cryptography, and Network Analysis
Remote Sensing and Spatial Data Analysis
Human and Wildlife Trafficking, Drugs, Arms, and Counterfeits

Important Dates:

Paper Submission: November 15, 2024
Author Notification: January 6, 2025
Camera Ready & Registration: January 22, 2025

We invite all interested researchers to submit their work and help advance the fight against illicit trade through innovative technological solutions.
For more information and submission details, visit https://icpram.scitevents.org/DSAIB-IllicitTrade.aspx

Workshop The Political Dimensions of Illicit Trade
2025-03-14 - 2025-03-15 | Georgian Insttute of Public Affairs, Tbilisi Georgia
We are officially opening a call for abstracts for a workshop on The Political Dimensions of Illicit Trade
This Workshop is part of a larger dialogue on the economic, political, social and legal dimensions of international trade and its intersections with pressing geopolitical issues. By fostering interdisciplinary conversations, the event aims to generate actionable insights and policy recommendations for addressing illicit trade globally.
The in-person workshop will take place in Tbilisi, Georgia on March 14-15, 2025, hosted by the Georgian Insttute of Public Affairs
Contact person: Tina Tsomaia t. tsomaia@gipa.ge

About the Topic:
We invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit abstracts for a conference session dedicated to exploring the complex relationship between illicit trade and geopolitical dynamics. This session seeks to understand how political tensions—such as sanctions, economic restrictions, hybrid war and emerging policies—shape illegal markets, trade routes, and enforcement mechanisms.
Contributors are encouraged to address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

Sanctions and Illicit Trade:

How sanctions against Russia and other nations fuel the rise of illegal markets.
Adaptation of trade routes to bypass restrictions and their broader geopolitical implications.

Alternative Economic Channels:

The role of illicit trade in sustaining economies under political or economic isolation.
Case studies of countries leveraging illegal markets during geopolitical crises.

Enforcement Challenges:

The impact of political pressures on the effectiveness of trade law enforcement.
Collaboration and conflict among international law enforcement agencies.

Implications of the Offshore Law:

Critical analysis of Georgia’s offshore law and its potential to attract or deter illicit financial activities.
Connections between offshore tax havens and global trade dynamics, including illicit trade flows.

Media and illicit trade: Analyzing the current state of media in addressing illicit trade ; Public Perception of Illicit Trade
Broader Geopolitical Contexts:

The intersection of illicit trade with war economies and post-conflict reconstruction.
Regional trade networks and their susceptibility to political volatility.

Please submit your abstract to the leader of WG2, Daniela Irrera
daniela.irrera@unicasd.it by January 31st 2025.
Participants will receive official confirmation of the workshop by February 10 th, 2024.

Travel and accommodation expenses related to the workshop will be covered according to the COST Action Travel Reimbursement Rules. Participants are entitled to arrange their travel and accommodation plan only after the official confirmation.

Abstract Length: 300-500 words.
Format: Provide a clear title, research question or objective, methodology, key findings or arguments, and relevance to the session’s theme.
Deadline: by January 31st 2025.
Submission Platform: Abstracts should be submitted through e mail:
Eligibility: Open to academics, policymakers, industry experts, and graduate students. Collaborative and interdisciplinary work is highly encouraged.

Important Dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: February 10, 2025
Conference Date: March 14-15, 2025

Contact:
For inquiries, please contact Tina Tsomaia at t.tsomaia@gipa.ge; tel: +995599502446
GIPA’s Caucasus School of Journalism and Media Management (CSJMM)
GIPA’s Caucasus School of Journalism and Media Management (CSJMM) is considered a leader and a model program for journalism education in the Caucasus region and beyond. CSJMM’s English-language Mater’s in Multimedia Journalism and Media Management program has educated and trained up to 700 journalists from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and other post-Soviet countries. Majority of CSJMM graduates are employed by independent media organizations as leading reporters and media managers (including BBC. Reuters, Voice of America etc.). GIPA’s effort to educate Azerbaijani and Armenian journalists has been supported by numerous grants from the U.S. government and resulted in creating a strong network of professionals, who trust each-other regardless of the policies of their countries.
Tina (Tiko) Tsomaia, MD, PhD, is a professor of journalism and communication at the GIPA. Her diverse career spans education, journalism, communications, research, and training. Notable roles include being an OSI Global Faculty Grant fellow at NYU University, a visiting fellow at City University London, and a recipient of an EU Cost Action STSM to Zaragoza University.
Tsomaia is a board member of the European Journalism Training Association and the convenor of the IRCT Communication Advisory Board.
Tsomaia leads the innovative project www.femicide.ge, addressing murder crimes, including femicide. Tsomaia is also the founder of an “open movement” advocating for community mental health services and open discussions on mental health issues.
Tsomaia holds a Ph.D. in social sciences from the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, along with an MA in Medicine and Journalism and Media Management. She is a sought-after Expert Speaker at international conferences organised by various prestigious institutions. Her research topics are: pre-natal sex selection, femicide, trauma and addiction, ethical decision making, social-emotional learning and health communication.
Selected articles, reports and publications:

Tsomaia, T., Makhviladze, N., & Abzianidze, N. (2022). “Migration Coverage by the Georgian Media in 2019-2021” [eBook]. Tbilisi: Prepared by the Georgian Institute for Public Affairs on behalf of International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Vienna – Austria Authorized by the European Union and funded by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) – 2021.
Tsomaia, T. & Keshelashvili, A. Journalism Programme Accreditation in Georgia. In Nowak, E. (Ed.) Accreditation of Journalism Education in Europe. Nomos, Broschiert, Germany,2020
Tsomaia, T., 2020. Youth potential in Modern Georgia. In: N. Bolt and E. Lange-Ionatamishvili, ed., Strategic Communications Laboratory, 1st ed. Tbilisi, Georgia: Strategic Communications Laboratory Georgia. Available at: <https://www.stratcomlab.com/> [Accessed 17 January 2021].
Tsomaia, T. and Keshelashvili, A. How to Respond to Information Operations While Preserving Our Commitment to Free Speech and the Free Flow of Ideas. Georgian Info Environment Research Publication by NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Tsomaia, T. and Keshelashvili, A., How to Respond to Information Operations While Preserving Our Commitment to Free Speech and the Free Flow of Ideas. Georgian Info Environment Research Publication by NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Tsomaia, T., 2020. Youth potential in Modern Georgia. In: N. Bolt and E. Lange-Ionatamishvili, ed., Strategic Communications Laboratory, 1st ed. Tbilisi, Georgia: Strategic Communications Laboratory Georgia. Available at: <https://www.stratcomlab.com/> [Accessed 17 January 2021].
Tsomaia, T. & Keshelashvili, A. 2020 Journalism Programme Accreditation in Georgia. In Nowak, E. (Ed.) Accreditation of Journalism Education in Europe. Nomos, Broschiert, Germany.
A preliminary analysis of gender violence among migrants and displaced people in Europe, Santiago Boira (1), Anita Nudelman (2), Tina (Tiko) Tsomaia (3), Anthropological Researches and Studies, 2018
“Hearing their voices”: exploring femicide among migrants and culture minorities, Nudelman, Tsomaia, Boira, Ballica, Tabagua, Qualitative Sociology Review (QSR), 2017
Tsomaia, Tiko. 2015. Foeticide, Femicide and Violence Against Women in Georgia, Femicide, a global issue that demands action, Taking Action Against Gender-Related Killing of Women and Girls, Vienna: ACUNS. Retrieved from website: http://acuns.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/FemicideVol-IV.pdf on July 5, 2016.
Tsomaia, T. (2016). Professionalism and Myths in Covering Conflict. Journal of Politics and Democratization. Retrieved from https://gipa.ge/JPD/?page=article&id=5
Author of the manual for journalists and health professionals in Law and Health; Manual for Reporting Children; Manual for reporting HIV/AIDS and Drug Use; Author of the handbook: Recommendations for better health communication for journalists and health professionals; Author of the manual for journalists on sensitive gender reporting; Author of the amendments package for the GPB’s Code of Conduct, Broadcasters’ Code of Conduct and the Journalists Charter to institutionalize gender sensitive reporting;
Conducted number of research projects on: Media tendencies in covering drugs use in Georgia; Covering health issues in Georgian media; Content analysis of International media of the Georgian- Russian war;

The Nexus Between Illicit Trade and Geopolitical Shifts: Unpacking Political, Social, Economic, and Legal Implications
2025-03-14 - 2025-03-15 | Georgian Insttute of Public Affairs, Tbilisi Georgia
We are delighted to announce that we successfully held our WG2 Workshop on “The Nexus Between Illicit Trade and Geopolitical Shifts: Unpacking Political, Social, Economic, and Legal Implications” on March 14-15, 2025, as part of our GLITSS X GIPA International Conference.
Over the course of two days, our team, along with experts, researchers, and practitioners from various countries, engaged in in-depth discussions on how illicit trade is influenced by and contributes to global geopolitical shifts. Together, we explored the political, economic, and legal dimensions of this complex issue, addressing its impact on international security, governance, and economic stability.
A special thank you to Prof. Dr. Tina (Tiko) Tsomaia and Prof. Dr. Daniela Irrera for the organization and their invaluable insights, as well as to all participants from around the world for their active engagement and thought-provoking contributions. Our conversations and collaborations have laid the foundation for further research and policy discussions.
We also extend our gratitude to GIPA – Georgian Institute of Public Affairs for hosting us in Tbilisi. We look forward to continuing these crucial discussions and strengthening our network for future initiatives!

International Workshop on Data-science based solutions to illicit trade practices
2025-03-20 - 2025-03-21 | Tirana, Albania
We are pleased to invite you to participate in an international workshop on data-science-based solutions to illicit trade practices, organized by Working Group 4 (WG4) of the GLITSS, in collaboration with the University of Tiranë, Albania.
This workshop will focus on computational, algorithmic, and analytical methods to combat illicit trade, leveraging the expertise of WG4 members in data science. A key objective is to facilitate contributions to Volume 3: The Solutions to Illicit Trade Practices, an upcoming book under the GLITSS initiative.
Scope of the Workshop
We welcome contributions on data-science-driven interventions, including but not limited to:

Machine Learning and AI for Illicit Trade Detection – Predictive models to identify and prevent illicit transactions.
Blockchain and Cryptographic Methods – Securing and verifying trade transactions through decentralized technologies.
Big Data Analytics for Risk Assessment – Analyzing large-scale datasets to uncover illicit trade patterns.
Computer Vision and Image Processing – Detecting counterfeit goods and fraudulent documents.
Network Analysis for Supply Chain Monitoring – Identifying illicit networks using graph-based analysis and anomaly detection.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Trade Intelligence – Extracting insights from regulatory documents, trade records, and illicit communications.

How to Participate

Submit an abstract (100 words) by 21 February 2025 via Google Form<
Prepare a 15-minute presentation showcasing your research and its relevance to illicit trade solutions.
Commit to contributing a book chapter based on your presented work, incorporating insights from the workshop.

For further inquiries, please contact:

WG4 Leader: George Azzopardi (g.azzopardi@rug.nl)
WG4 Deputy Leaders:

Andrius Puksas (andrius.puksas@gmail.com)
Guru Swaroop Bennabhaktula (g.s.bennabhaktula@rug.nl)

WG4 Member and Local Organizer (Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana):

Besa Shahini (besashahini@feut.edu.al)

We look forward to your contributions and hope to see you at the workshop!

Workshop Illicit Trade practices across various sectors drivers dynamics and root causes
2025-04-01 - 2025-04-02 | Wroclaw, Poland
COST ACTION ‘GLOBALIZATION, ILLICIT TRADE, SUSTAINABILITY AND SECURITY’
Call for expression of interest
1-2 April 2025, Wroclaw, Poland
WORKSHOP ‘ILLICIT TRADE PRACTICES ACROSS VARIOUS SECTORS:
DRIVERS, DYNAMICS, AND ROOT CAUSES’

Working Group 1 of GLITSS, in collaboration with Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, is organizing a workshop to explore the factors driving illicit trade across sectors, focusing on broader dynamics and underlying causes rather than single-sector analyses. The aim is to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, connect theoretical and empirical perspectives, and co-author a joint research paper.
GLITSS members are invited to express their interest to attend the workshop by highlighting the topics, issues, or features they consider essential for understanding the phenomenon of illicit trade across multiple sectors. Potential questions to address include, but are not limited to:

What are the root causes of illicit trade?
Why do people engage in illicit activities?
What is the role of cultural context in illicit trade?
Why is it so difficult to combat illicit trade?
What role does legal trade play in illicit trade
What role does technology play in the economic and sociocultural factors driving illicit trade?
What is the role of banking practices and cryptocurrencies in driving the illicit trade?

To participate, please submit:

An abstract (100 words) by 15 January 2025 via Google form. The selected participants will be informed by 31 January 2025 via email.
A longer thesis (500–1000 words), to be submitted only if your abstract is accepted. This extended submission will allow selected participants to further develop their ideas in preparation for the workshop. The thesis is due by 28 February 2025.

We welcome contributions from various disciplines—including criminology, economics, sociology, law, public policy, computer sciences, biology, international relations, and anthropology—that address illicit trade in a cross-sectoral context.
This workshop provides a unique opportunity to engage with researchers from different fields, deepen insights into the root causes of illicit trade, and contribute to an interdisciplinary analysis aimed at generating significant academic and practical impact.
For any further inquiries, please contact WG1 deputy leader Mariia Balytska (m.balytskaknu@gmail.com), WG1 member and representative of the hosting organization Piotr Luty (piotr.luty@ue.wroc.pl) or WG1 leader Indrek Saar (indreksr@gmail.com).

Illicit Trade Practices Across Various Sectors: Drivers, Dynamics, and Root Causes
2025-04-01 - 2025-04-02 | Wroclaw, Poland
We are pleased to share that we successfully held the WG1 workshop “Illicit Trade Practices Across Various Sectors: Drivers, Dynamics, and Root Causes” on April 1–2, 2025, in Wroclaw, Poland. Over the two days, we explored cross-sectoral theoretical and empirical concepts, as well as case studies, to better understand the causes and drivers behind illicit trade. The discussions highlighted both sector-specific dynamics and the interconnections between them, contributing to a more comprehensive grasp of the broader illicit trade phenomenon. This workshop not only fostered insightful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, but also laid a strong foundation for future collaboration on the multifaceted issue of illicit trade. We would like to extend our special thanks to Dr. Piotr Luty and the Wroclaw University of Economics and Business for generously hosting the event.

Biodiversity Day Webinar | Understanding the Dimensions of Legal Wildlife Trade
2025-05-22
On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day, we are pleased to invite you to a thought-provoking webinar exploring the dimensions of legal wildlife trade — a topic that often escapes the spotlight but plays a critical role in global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Date: 22/05/2025
Time: 9 pm HKT, 3 pm CET Biodiversity Day!
Wildlife trade remains one of the greatest yet most overlooked threats to global biodiversity. While IPBES estimates that around 50,000 species are in trade, recent analyses suggest the number may be much higher, especially due to limited data on non-CITES-listed species. Our upcoming webinar will explore what is being traded, in what volumes, and from where, revealing critical gaps in traceability, frequent misreporting, and the need for stronger policies to ensure sustainable and legal trade practices.
Let’s come together to deepen our understanding and push for evidence-based, ethical, and sustainable trade practices.
Speakers: Alice C. Hughes, School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong
🎟 Register here: https://rug-nl.zoom.us/meeting/register/QOFcH42STeqKA7k9apEZqQ#/registration

2025 Annual Glitss Conference "The Causes of Illicit Trade" – Milan, Italy
2025-06-04 | University of Milano Bicocca, Mian
The third GLITSS Annual Conference was successfully held on June 4th, 2025, at the University of Milano Bicocca in Milan. Hosted by the Department of Sociology and Social Research, the conference brought together international scholars, experts, and policymakers to explore the underlying causes of illicit trade and its far-reaching effects on global security, sustainability, and governance.
Opening remarks from institutional leaders set the tone for a day of thoughtful discussion and interdisciplinary exchange. A compelling keynote address challenged participants to rethink current understandings of illicit markets and to consider new avenues for both research and policy action. Panel sessions throughout the day focused on a variety of topics, including the legal, social, and economic dimensions of illicit trade. Speakers addressed the complexity of illicit networks and highlighted how such activities intersect with issues of migration, counterfeiting, and institutional trust. The conference featured two main panel sessions. The first explored the consequences of illicit trade for safety, security, and sustainability, highlighting how illegal markets undermine institutional trust, threaten public health, and contribute to global insecurity. The second panel focused on the structural causes and enabling conditions of illicit trade, examining the role of legal loopholes, weak enforcement, and socio-economic disparities in facilitating the growth of shadow economies. Both sessions generated lively discussion and offered diverse perspectives from ongoing academic research and field-based insights. The conference fostered valuable dialogue between academics and practitioners, creating a space for collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Both in-person and online attendees contributed to dynamic discussions that underscored the importance of evidence-based approaches to tackling illicit economies.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our host, the Department of Sociology and Social Research at the University of Milano-Bicocca, for their generous support and hospitality. We also warmly thank all participants, panelists, and contributors whose insights, engagement, and behind-the-scenes efforts helped shape a rich and successful event. Your commitment and collaboration were essential to the organization and impact of the 2025 GLITSS Annual Conference. We look forward to continuing this important conversation within the GLITSS network and beyond.

The Case Study Webinar Series: Responses to Illicit Trade
2025-08-28
Illicit trade takes many forms, from the trafficking of marine resources to money laundering and firearms. Addressing these challenges requires innovative, practical, and collaborative approaches.
The Case Study Webinar Series: Responses to Illicit Trade aims to highlight diverse and concrete responses to various forms of illicit trade. This webinar brings together experts to present short case studies on initiatives addressing the illicit trade in marine resources, money laundering, and firearms. Each presentation will focus on practical developments, policy implications, and institutional challenges relevant to their respective domains.
Prof. Hennie van As will present the FishFORCE project, an initiative led by Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, which combines inter-agency cooperation, capacity building, and intelligence-led enforcement to combat marine poaching, with a focus on abalone and rock lobster.
Dr. Georgios Pavlidis will examine the creation of the new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) and its potential to reshape the EU’s institutional landscape in the fight against illicit financial flows. The presentation will highlight AMLA’s mandate, supervisory role, and relevance to combating trade-based money laundering and proceeds from organized crime.
Prof. Boban Misoski will explore recent legislative reforms in North Macedonia aimed at regulating illicit firearms production and trade. His presentation will reflect on how these legal changes are being implemented in practice, and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the judiciary in prosecuting such offences effectively.
Date: August 28, 2025
Time: 12:00–13:15 CET
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore real-world responses to illicit trade and engage with practitioners and academics working at the forefront of this global challenge.
🎟 Register here: https://rug-nl.zoom.us/meeting/register/rF33qsbaR2Gf3R95OSVSRQ#/registration

Latest updates from our three-volume book series on safety, security, and sustainability
2025-09-01 - 2025-09-02 | Univeristy of Groningen
Latest updates from our three-volume book series on safety, security, and sustainability.
We had the pleasure of holding our workshop at the University of Groningen to mark the realization of our book Volume 1, the first in a series of three volumes. The series explores crucial global challenges through the lenses of safety, security, and sustainability, bringing together diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary insights.
A heartfelt thank you to all colleagues and partners for their valuable contributions. We look forward to continuing this journey with the upcoming volumes! Stay tuned and keep following our work on this exciting journey.

Globalization, Illicit Trade, Sustainability and Security
2025-09-25 - 2025-09-26 | Faculty of Law, Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
The members of Working Group 4 of COST Action No. CA21133 “Globalization, Illicit Trade, Sustainability and Security” (GLITSS) met on September 25–26, 2025, at the Faculty of Law, Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, to work on subchapters of the book, with a special focus on “Tracking and Tracing Technologies” and “Detection and Prevention Through Data Analytics.” During the workshop, participants discussed various methodological approaches and emerging challenges related to these topics, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The event was part of the preparation for a forthcoming publication that will be included in a three-volume series produced by the GLITSS network.

Workshop - Core Group and Deputies Meeting in Groningen in the Netherlands
2025-09-30 - 2025-10-01 | Univeristy of Groningen
Exciting days for the GLITSS COST Action CA21133 – Globalization, Illicit Trade, Sustainability and Security! Last week on 30.09. and 01.10. In 2025, we held the Core Group and Deputies Meeting in Groningen in the Netherlands, where we discussed the strategic directions and upcoming plans for the next year of the project.
A special focus of our discussions was on the three-volume book series that will be published next year, Policy briefs, Workshops, Webinars, Blog series, and many more important milestones that bring together the work, insights, and collaborations developed through our COST Action. It was inspiring to exchange ideas, align our goals, and continue building this vibrant research network across Europe and beyond.
If you would like your research to gain more visibility and expand your professional network, we warmly invite you to join our GLITSS activities and share your research interests. There are many opportunities to get involved in ways that best enhance you.
A big thank you to all colleagues and contributors for their dedication and teamwork; Together, we are making GLITSS COST Action grow stronger!

Responses to Illicit Trade, organized under the GLITSS COST Action Working Group 3
2025-10-03 00:00 - 01:30
We are excited to invite you to the next session of the Case Study Webinar Series: Responses to Illicit Trade, organized under the GLITSS COST Action Working Group 3.
Date: 3 October 2025, 12:00–13:00 CET
Time: 12:00–13:15 CET
🎟 Register here: https://rug-nl.zoom.us/meeting/register/rF33qsbaR2Gf3R95OSVSRQ#/registration
This session will feature two insightful case studies on responses to illicit trade:
Olena Tregub, Executive Director of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO, Ukraine), will present “Made in Switzerland, Found in the Kremlin War Machine.” The talk will explore how Swiss-made microelectronics are found in Russian weaponry through illicit supply chains. Drawing on forensic analysis, customs data, and open-source research, NAKO has traced over 2,000 components in 30 weapons systems from Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The presentation will highlight key manufacturers, suspected supply routes, and NAKO’s role in sanctions enforcement and advocacy.
The second presentation, “Policing Without Borders: Regional Responses to Illicit Trade on the Balkan Route,” by Dr. Kire Babanoski and Dr. Ice Ilijevski (University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, North Macedonia), focuses on law enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit flows of drugs, arms, and other goods along the Balkan Route. Based on recent cases and regional cooperation initiatives, it highlights cross-border policing, intelligence sharing, and policy strategies.
Examining regional law enforcement cooperation to counter illicit flows of drugs, arms, and other goods.
Moderator: Lucas Tosi Rodriguez
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into cross-border challenges and responses to illicit trade.
