The Overlooked Economy: The Rise of Criminal Markets in Legal Commodities

Organised crime is increasingly expanding beyond traditional markets such as drugs and human trafficking into the illicit trade of legal commodities, including counterfeit goods, tobacco, pharmaceuticals and consumer products. This research explores how criminal networks exploit global supply chains, regulatory gaps and cross-border trade systems to generate profits while reducing risks. By operating through legitimate infrastructure, including ports, logistics networks and distribution channels, organised crime has become deeply intertwined with the legal economy. Understanding these evolving markets is essential to addressing how criminal groups adapt, diversify and take advantage of the vulnerabilities created by global trade and uneven regulation.

Alexander Kupatadze (KCL)

June 2026