Journal of Economic Criminology 9, pp.100182 .
ISSN/ISBN: Not available at this time. DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconc.2025.100182
Abstract: This paper explores the potential of legal trade data as a critical tool for analysing illicit trade. By analysing anomalies, trends, and patterns, it demonstrates techniques of uncovering illegal trade practices. The study advances a novel Macro-Meso-Micro Framework, analysing trade flows from broad trends to granular transaction details. Case studies on commodities like acetate tow, drug precursors, and anti-malaria drugs highlight red flags, including vague descriptions, abnormal routes, and opaque buyers. Case studies are offered that demonstrate how macro-meso-micro framework can uncover specific cases of illegal trade practices. The paper also demonstrates that cross-referencing trade data with other datasets enhances detection, offering actionable insights into combating illicit trade.
Bibtex:
@article{,
author = {Alexander Kupatadze},
title = {Uncovering illicit trade practices: Leveraging trade data with a macro-meso-micro approach},
year = {2025},
journal = {Journal of Economic Criminology},
volume = {9},
pages = {100182},
doi = {10.1016/j.jeconc.2025.100182},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949791425000582},
}
Reference Type: Journal Article
Subject Area(s): Accounting, Economics