Abstract: 

According to Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, counterfeit products cause more than $2 trillion USD in damage yearly, a significant and increasing challenge. The ongoing disruptions of the global supply chains are accelerating some trends in counterfeit supply chains. China as a source of counterfeit products continues, but there is a worrying trend for bigger counterfeit production operations outside China for many industry sectors. These “satellite” production operations are becoming highly professionalized and targeting international trade.

Detection and enforcement are significant elements of a brand protection program and are most effective when part of a multi-discipline approach to problem-solving. Other business sectors in the UK have benefited from taking enforcement action up and down the illicit supply chain. We understand that investigation and enforcement activity has been relatively low in the electronics supply chain (particularly in the UK) and at a time of significant shortages of components leading to greater risk of gray market suppliers and, with it, exposure to counterfeits. Our presentation poses the question, “Is it time to rethink your approach to investigation and enforcement? Can investigation/enforcement techniques be applied in the electronics supply chain, which has proved successful in other sectors?

However, success relies on ‘buy-in’ from all stakeholders who share a vision, agree on a strategy, and implement a plan of action based on current and actionable information leading to intelligence-led investigations which can provide a compelling case to refer to law enforcement agencies. If there is a will to rethink your approach, then the Anti-Counterfeiting Forum is prepared to act as a facilitator in the UK to bring interested parties together to develop a new best practice focused on sharing intel and enabling investigation where appropriate.

IntraOrbis is a global investigations company with 19 years’ experience working with global brands. Headquartered in the UK with a very experienced & motivated team who managed 572 investigations in 58 during its last financial year. Specialists in conducting anti-counterfeiting investigations online and real-world/developing strategic/actionable intelligence, deploying ‘boots on the ground’. Supporting Law Enforcement Agencies conducting raids as well as lawyer-led civil action.

Biography:

Founder and CEO of IntraOrbis, with 49 years of continuous investigative experience, a successful entrepreneur, innovator, leader, mentor, and highly experienced investigations manager and practitioner. During his 30-year law enforcement career as a specialist Detective, he was regarded as a national expert on undercover and deep infiltration techniques, deployed worldwide against some of the most active crime families. He was commended 22 times by High Court Judges, Chief Constables, and the Provost Marshal commanding the Royal Military Police of the British Army. For over 19 years Bob has been the driving force behind the success of IntraOrbis receiving industry awards for an outstanding contribution to counterfeit investigations and patient safety. IntraOrbis are specialists in anticounterfeiting and grey market investigations. Bob has overseen consistent growth in IntraOrbis providing quality ‘people-orientated’ investigative services firmly aligned to the principles of honesty, integrity, and hard work.