FICCI CASCADE to host 10th edition of 'MASCRADE' in Delhi on counter mechanism for illicit trade

New Delhi, September 23
 

Illicit trade is an unfair trade practice that undermines private sector contributions to economic growth and employment. It chokes market growth, sabotages global supply chains, squanders natural resources and endangers security. 
 

The growing network of illicit trade is a grave concern as it endangers lives of the consumers. Inadequate legal framework and lack of consumer awareness are shaping the dynamics of illicit trade. Imparting knowledge to the consumer on the importance of promoting genuine goods in the country can go a long way to tackle this menace. Therefore, significant policy reforms and strategies should be enhanced to fight against the growing hazards of counterfeiting and smuggling with the goal of keeping consumer safe. 
 

Examining this issue from India's perspective, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ambitious goals for a ‘Viksit Bharat’, including achieving the status of the world's third-largest economy within five to seven years and becoming a developed nation by 2047, it is evident that the rise in India's economic stature will likely attract increased attention from illicit actors. As India's economic prominence grows, so too does its vulnerability to illicit activities, which could impede progress and erode economic gains. 
 

Addressing this multifaceted challenge necessitates coordinated global action to dismantle illicit infrastructures and fortify economic resilience against infiltration. Stakeholders worldwide must collaborate to implement comprehensive measures aimed at curbing consumption, thereby reclaiming control over global supply and demand dynamics and fostering secure, sustainable, and resilient economies for future generations.
 

FICCI CASCADE organizes an annual event 'MASCRADE' to discuss illicite trade and counter mechanisms alongwith police, central armed police force, central agencies and ministries. This year they are hosting the 10th edition of MASCRADE in New Delhi on September 25-26. 
 

This year, the 10th edition of MASCRADE is themed as 'Building Resilient Economies and Implementing Robust Measures from a Global Initiative against Smuggling and Counterfeiting'. 
 

Over the years, FICCI CASCADE has actively spearheaded campaigns aimed at raising awareness among the public about the adverse effects of smuggling and counterfeiting, as part of its broader mission to instigate societal change. A pivotal component of this initiative is FICCI CASCADE's annual flagship international conference named MASCRADE – the
 

The conference underscores the imperative need to address the economic dimensions of combating illicit trade on a global scale. The conference will delve into the economic aspects to battle against smuggling and counterfeiting, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts on a global level. Through insightful discussions and strategic dialogue, the conference aims to foster a deeper understanding of the economic impacts of illicit trade and explore effective measures to bolster economic resilience against such threats. In essence, MASCRADE serves as a platform for stakeholders to come together, share insights, and chart a course towards building more robust economies through concerted global initiatives against smuggling and counterfeiting.
 

Over the years, the conference witnessed the involvement of numerous senior officials from government entities including CBIC, Department of Revenue, Directorate of Enforcement, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, and along with active participation of prominent international organisations, such as UNODC, WCO, OECD, Interpol, WIPO, INCB-UN, INTERPOL, UKIPO, JETRO, DKPTO, TRACIT, USPTO, US Dept. of Homeland Security, Australian Border Forceand subject matter experts from Denmark, Italy, France, Belgium among others. 
 

Minister of State for Food Processing Industries & Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu will grace the event as the chief guest. 
 

The event will have speakers Mr. Marco Teixeria, Regional Representative for South Asia, UNODC, Sébastien CONNAN, Regional Counsellor Intellectual Property India & South Asia, Embassy of France, Balesh Kumar, Member, Appellate Tribunal-SAFEMA, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Kaushik Dutta, Director, Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (TARI) and Sonia Narang, Special Director, Directorate of Enforcement. 

BW POLICEWORLD is an associate partner with FICCI CASCADE at ‘MASCRADE 2024’ to highlight the painstaking efforts of the forum on countering illicit trade and recommending policy changes to the government. 
 

Discussions

Session 1
Economic Impact and the Hidden Costs: Unraveling effects of Illicit Trade on Global and Indian Economies
The prevalence and magnitude of illicit trade both globally and within India, with a focus on identifying key trends and patterns.
Quantifying the economic losses incurred due to illicit trade practices, including revenue losses, market distortions, and impacts on GDP growth.
Discussing the effects of illicit trade on employment opportunities and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable sectors and marginalized communities.
Setting unified global standards to detect, disrupt, and deter illicit trade and terror financing channels.
Evaluating existing policy frameworks to combat illicit trade and identifying gaps in regulations.

Session 2
Advancing International Strategies and Fostering Unified Vigilance: Multilateral Collaboration to Combat Illicit Trade
Identifying best practices that promote transparency, accountability, and good governance to tackle illicit trade.
Delving into the significance of building alliances and fostering cooperation among international intelligence agencies, and regulatory authorities to combat illicit trade.
Exploring strategies to facilitate seamless information exchange and intelligence sharing across borders.
Examining the need for harmonized legal and regulatory frameworks that facilitate cross-border cooperation.
Enhancing global regulations and bolstering enforcement mechanisms.

Session 3
Emerging Tech Frontiers: Challenges and Opportunities in Countering Illicit Trade with Growing Technology
Leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and data analytics to proactively detect and thwart illicit trade pattern.
Implement robust cybersecurity protocols to shield institutions against evolving cyber threats and attacks.
Explore collaborative research initiatives to innovate new technologies aimed at detecting and deterring illicit trade routes.
Integrate supply chain transparency solutions to trace the origins of goods and identify potential points of illicit activity.
Foster public-private partnerships to raise awareness and educate consumers about the risks associated with counterfeit and smuggled goods.

Session 4
Analyzing Threats and Strategizing Response: Defending Borders Against Organized Illicit Activities
Role of enforcement agencies in detecting and investigating illicit trade
Empowering financial intelligence units and regulatory bodies to track and disrupt illicit financial flows linked to organized crime and smuggling.
Implementing proactive measures to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in supply chains susceptible to exploitation by illicit trade networks.

Session 5
Driving Change: Industry Leadership in Anti-Counterfeiting and Anti-Smuggling Initiatives
Foster public-private partnerships and collaborative initiatives to address the challenges posed by counterfeiting and smuggling.
Monitor emerging threats, fraudulent activities, and recent security vulnerabilities posed by illicit operators.
Case studies and lessons learned from endeavors aimed at combating illicit trade.
innovative approaches to detect and mitigate threats within illicit markets.
Assess the hurdles and potential benefits of cross-industry and cross-sector collaboration in addressing illicit activities.

Session 6
Harnessing Legal Power: The Judiciary’s Role in Combating Smuggling and Counterfeiting
Identifying opportunities for judicial collaboration with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and international organizations to strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
Analyzing the challenges faced by the judiciary in adjudicating intricate cases related to illicit trade, including evidence gathering, trial procedures, and sentencing.
Exploring the challenges faced by the judiciary in adapting to technological advancements and emerging trends in illicit trade.