Operations against illicit goods

Operation Jupiter

Operation Jupiter helps combat the trafficking in illicit goods in South America. The objective is to identify and dismantle the organized crime groups involved and to facilitate regional cooperation during a common operational phase.

The following countries participated in Operation Jupiter X (2020): Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela.

2020 results

  • Arrests: 75
  • Cases opened: 192
  • Seizures: nearly 7 million units of illicit consumer products, and more than 137 million cigarette pieces
  • Estimated value: around USD 9 million
Operations against illicit goods

Seized items included:

  • Cigarettes and tobacco products
  • Disinfectants
  • Cosmetics and personal care products
  • Clothing
  • Shoes and accessories
  • Toys
  • Electronic devices
  • Car spare parts
  • Fertilizers and agricultural herbicides
  • Medicines and medical devices
  • Rapid tests for COVID-19
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Operation I-Hawk

Operation I-Hawk disrupts the online sales of illicit luxury and fashion products in participating countries and the region.

The following countries participated in Operation I-Hawk in 2020-21: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong (China), Republic of Korea and Vietnam.

Results

  • Arrests: more than 85
  • Criminal networks disrupted: 12
  • Premises raided: approximately 45 manufacturers, warehouses and selling sites
  • Estimated value: USD 255 million

Seized items included:

  • Luggage cases
  • Bags
  • Clothing
  • Jewellery
  • Watches

Operation Afya

Afya is a regional operation to disrupt the activities of transnational organized criminals involved in the trafficking of counterfeit goods and medical products in Southern Africa. The operation also aims to increase awareness, resources, educational efforts and capacity building on this issue.

The following countries participated in Operation Afya II (2021): Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

2021 results

  • Estimated value: USD 3.5 million
  • Suspects identified: 179

Seized items included:

  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco products
  • Medical products
  • Food