The intersection of organised crime, human trafficking and the fashion industry

Abstract

As a global industry worth over a trillion dollars, the fashion industry has become a target for organised crime groups to perform their criminal activities. Major operations include human trafficking for forced labour and exploitation and counterfeiting products with the intent of making profit that is then laundered or funnelled into other organised criminal activities. This study will explore the infiltration of organised crime within the fashion industry through desk- based research, case studies, and interviews. Additionally, it will explore how law enforcement and fashion brands are responding to this type of crime and what more they can do to mitigate it. Findings reveal that the rise of technology, globalisation, and fast fashion has created vulnerabilities for exploitation within the fashion industry. Organised criminals take advantage of vulnerable populations, loose governments, and the complexity of the global supply chain to make profit through human trafficking, labour exploitation, and counterfeiting. The study shows that the consequences of buying fast fashion and counterfeit products run deeper than just harming brands but involve contributing the criminal organisations. The study targets human exploitation and counterfeiting in the context of the fashion industry and highlights the need for increased awareness, future targeted study, better legislation.