Notorious Offline Markets

In the ever evolving illicit trade of counterfeit goods there are very few constants. One constant is the sale of counterfeit goods, from varying product categories, at market places with physical locations.

During the recent global pandemic, consumers further moved their buying habits to online platforms. As the world is becoming more optimistic, stores and physical markets are beginning to become more prominent once again.

Counterfeit traders often have links to wider organised criminal and terror entities. Through covert test purchases and potentially criminal or civil investigations, enforcement allows the development of intelligence into these illegal and dangerous organisations.

Some markets have specific product categories such as electricals and/or clothing, but without a central tool it is difficult to track and monitor changes in trends. ApiraSol has solved this problem through ApiraSol POSINT.

The tool allows brands, investigators and law enforcement officials to view actual images of products being sold at markets globally, but also allows consistent updates to stay proactive in intelligence gathering. POSINT also monitors prices, geolocation, store names and physical indicators associated with counterfeit and illicit products.

Utilising and updating this tool can lead to better intelligence into counterfeiting networks, a prioritisation of targets and the disruption of the manufacture, distribution and sale of dangerous and potentially lethal illicit goods.