Illicit Trafficking Challenges: Fighting the Good Fight Against Illicit Trafficking Networks

Abstract

"Events such as September 11, 2001, and the revelation that the Khan Nuclear Network helped known proliferators obtain needed equipment prompted international focus on illicit procurement networks. This study focuses on those efforts, considers their effectiveness, and asks what more can be done. [...] The study was commissioned by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. It is the fourth in a succession of investigations, conducted by James Russell and Jack Boureston into the workings of illicit procurement networks and the efforts that the international community is taking to stop these networks. Russell and Boureston set out to answer the following questions: Are there any practices that procurement agents use to elude law enforcement authorities? Why does the illicit trade of sensitive technologies continue? Why haven't individual nations and the international community been able to stop illicit traffickers? What more can be done to stop illicit procurement networks? To answer these questions, the investigators reviewed secondary sources since 2009 (the end of their third investigation of networks) and contacted a number of international experts who have focused on illicit trade issues to get their perspective on the problem and possible solutions."