Learn more about SELEC with InfoCons Consumer Protection
The Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC) is an international treaty-based organization that unites the expertise and resources of Police and Customs authorities from 11 Southeast European (SEE) countries. Its primary mission is to enhance coordination in the fight against crime, particularly transnational serious and organized crime in the region.
To support its Member States, SELEC provides a collaborative platform for exchanging intelligence and assistance requests, facilitating operational meetings, and coordinating joint investigations and regional operations. In addition to its 11 Member States, SELEC partners with over 25 countries and organizations, fostering strong alliances with various institutions, agencies, and private sector entities.
SELEC also oversees the Southeast European Prosecutors Advisory Group (SEEPAG), which brings together prosecutors specializing in international judicial cooperation. This initiative aims to streamline and accelerate cross-border crime investigations across Southeast Europe.
Read also : How the EU Achieved 26% Renewable Energy in Heating & Cooling – InfoCons Consumer Protection Informs You !
Liaison Officers from both Customs and Police, representing Member States and Operational Partners, are stationed at SELEC Headquarters to enable real-time intelligence sharing and assistance coordination. Each officer is supported by a National Focal Point established in their respective country.
Operationally, SELEC coordinates Joint Investigations initiated by Liaison Officers or Operational Partners, as well as Regional Operations proposed by Member States. These operations target transnational organized crime and are closely monitored through specialized Task Forces, which are led by Member States with support from SELEC’s Operational Directorate.
The Task Forces serve as centers of expertise, sharing best practices and counter-crime methodologies. A key initiative within the Financial and Computer Crimes Task Force is the Subgroup on Intellectual Property, led by Bulgaria, which focuses on combating counterfeit goods smuggling.
Recognizing the severe impact of counterfeit goods on public health, legitimate businesses, and financial security, Member States are addressing this issue through public awareness campaigns and enhanced operational capacity. Law enforcement agencies leverage advanced analytical tools such as network mapping and data visualization to identify emerging threats. Regular Task Force meetings facilitate the exchange of investigative techniques, case studies, and best practices among experts, further strengthening regional efforts against counterfeit goods smuggling.
Read also : InfoCons Consumer Protection Informs You About Large Enterprises at the Forefront of EU Services Exports
Counterfeit Goods Smuggling in Southeast Europe – InfoCons Consumers Protection Keeps You Informed !
SELEC Member States continue to assess counterfeit goods smuggling as a significant national security threat. This illicit activity not only violates intellectual property rights but also undermines national economies through tax evasion. Additionally, counterfeit products pose serious health risks, as they often contain unregulated or harmful substances.
The high profitability and low risk associated with counterfeit goods smuggling make it attractive to both individuals and organized crime groups. Investigations have revealed that smuggling networks often operate across multiple countries, coordinating procurement and transportation through various means, including maritime (containers), road (trucks, buses), and railway transport. Counterfeit goods—typically originating from China and Türkiye—transit through Southeast Europe, either for local distribution or as part of supply chains reaching Western Europe.
Economic hardship, consumer demand for affordable products, and social tolerance further fuel the market for counterfeit goods. In addition to textiles and luxury items, authorities have seized counterfeit cosmetics, jewelry, toys, detergents, electronics, household items, alcohol, coffee, gold, and oil.
The internet has further enabled this illicit trade, with online marketplaces providing anonymity to sellers and buyers. Digital banking, cryptocurrency, and payment systems such as PayPal facilitate financial transactions linked to smuggling networks. Despite this digital expansion, counterfeit goods are still commonly sold in tourist areas, street markets, and small retail shops, often by immigrants seeking financial survival.
Read also : Planning a Trip to Germany ? InfoCons Consumer Protection Offers You Useful Information !
While counterfeit goods smuggling typically operates underground, some networks exploit legitimate business structures to create the illusion of legality. This includes using shell companies for issuing invoices, registering front businesses for retail sales, and leveraging transport/courier services and e-commerce platforms to support illicit operations.
Beyond the economic and health implications, counterfeit goods smuggling fosters corruption, particularly at customs and border control levels. Though not a widespread issue, reports indicate low to medium levels of corruption, primarily to facilitate smuggling and evade enforcement measures.
This illicit trade will continue to pose a serious threat to legitimate businesses, intellectual property rights holders, national economies, and public health. Given the wide range of counterfeit products—from luxury goods to essential household items—demand is unlikely to decline without effective countermeasures. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach, including targeted online enforcement, regional anti-smuggling operations, and consumer awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the demand for counterfeit goods.
Romulus Ungureanu – Southeast European Law Enforcement Center ( SELEC )
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumer Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International , founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations , and member of ANEC .