Opaque Ownership Structures Obstruct Enforcement of a Growing Global Illegal Economy Valued at $500 Billion to $3 Trillion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The formation and use of anonymous companies undermine the economic and financial interests of U.S. companies and markets according to a new report published Monday by the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition. The author, former Chair of the OECD Task Force on Countering Illicit Trade David M. Luna, found that criminals and counterfeiters are expanding their market share with fake products in storefront and on-line markets, contributing to a growing global illegal economy valued at between $500 billion and $3 trillion. Criminally-derived profits (or dirty money) related to corruption and money laundering constitute several trillion dollars more that further finances insecurity and instability around the world.