WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following briefing:

ROUNDTABLE ON ILLICIT TRADE

Thursday, June 21, 2018
1:00 p.m.
Russell Senate Office Building
Room 485

Live Webcast: www.facebook.com/HelsinkiCommission

Illicit trade—the transnational smuggling of illegal goods—has grown dramatically in the era of globalization thanks to modern technology, free trade zones, and the absence of the rule of law in many countries. Today, the shadow economy is booming and is estimated to account for up to 8 to 15 percent of world GDP.

This roundtable will bring U.S. government officials together with representatives of companies, associations, and organizations working to combat illicit trade. Participants will discuss policy responses to the growing threat of illicit trade and how to build effective public-private partnerships.

Officials from the intelligence community, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of State will discuss their agencies’ roles in the struggle to stem the tide of illicit trade. Discussion will follow each presentation. Participants include:

• Russ Travers, Acting Director, National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
  Convergence: How illicit trade networks fit in with other illicit networks
• Christa Brzozowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Trade and Transport, Department of Homeland Security
  Contraband: How to stop the flow of illicit goods
• Lisa Dyer, Director, Office of Intellectual Property Enforcement, Department of State
  Counterfeiting: How to combat the violation of IP protections
• Aaron Seres, Acting Section Chief, Financial Crimes Section, FBI
  Corruption and Organized Crime: How to counter those who facilitate illicit trade

The event is open to the public.