Illicit Trade, Trafficking, and Illicit Financial Flows
Global illicit flows take diverse forms that are frequently interlinked, driven by organised crime and able to generate substantial proceeds, posing a significant threat to international security.
RUSI’s research explores the nature of the threat from global illicit flows, the harm they cause and how best to respond. These flows cross multiple jurisdictions worldwide, encompassing trafficking in drugs, weapons, humans and wildlife, as well as a range of lower-risk crimes such as illicit trade in counterfeit and other commodities, whose harm is more difficult to demonstrate. The flows generate substantial illicit financial movements, which undercut development, undermine national economies and fuel further insecurity. Our work provides robust research and analysis to better understand these threats and help governments, law-enforcement agencies and compliance officials to respond more effectively.
Our experts
Cathy Haenlein
Director, Organised Crime and Policing (on maternity leave)
Organised Crime and Policing
Keith Ditcham
Acting Director / Senior Research Fellow
Organised Crime and Policing
Alexandria Reid
Associate Fellow
Organised Crime and Policing
Tom Keatinge
Director, CFCS
Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies
Lauren Young
Research Analyst
Organised Crime and Policing
Isabella Chase
Senior Research Fellow
Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies
Mark Williams
Outreach and Implementation Coordinator
Organised Crime and Policing
Maria Nizzero
Research Fellow
Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies
Genevieve Kotarska
Research Analyst
Organised Crime and Policing
Dr Jodi Vittori
Associate Fellow