GLITSS

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 UTC
🗓 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.
