OAGR 2175 - Illicit Trade: Global Risks and Responses

***UPDATED for 2025/26***

This course introduces students to the many forms of illicit trade and its impacts on people, businesses, and society. Illicit trade is a global problem driven by organized crime, the interconnected global economy, and high consumer demand, and it creates a parallel illegal economy with serious harmful effects. It affects many sectors, including counterfeit goods, illicit medicines, food fraud, and tobacco.

Tackling illicit trade is complex and requires coordinated public–private collaboration to reduce both immediate and long-term harms. The course covers theoretical and practical aspects of illicit trade: what it is, its scale and societal impacts, and how governments and industry currently respond and implement countermeasures.

Drawing on the instructor’s 25 years of public- and private-sector experience fighting illicit trade as well as external speakers, the course uses case studies to show real-world applications. It will also connect students with industry practitioners and leaders across sectors to support career networking.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understand the Illicit Trade complexity, current trends & various impact at international level
• Understand the methodology & tools to assess the risk exposure & prepare countermeasures
• Gain practical skills in Anti Illcit Trade strategy & tactical methodology
• Deep understanding of countermeasures in all forms state and private.
• Explore how IA may help in mitigating Illicit Trade

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Regulatory and policy skills : understand relevant laws, international and enforcement illicit trade mechanisms
• Develop analytical skills & critical thinking: evaluate policies, impact and evidence related to illicit trade in public & private sector
• Case-study synthesis: translate lessons from real cases into actionable practices
• Prepare career readiness

Students will require an elementary understanding of Illicit Trade.

In class and through annotated grading

The written presentation will constitute 50% of the final assessment

The oral presentation will constitute 50% of the final assessment

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 2 hours a week
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 3 hours a week
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2 hours a week when teams exercises will be at the agenda
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 8 hours a semester