FICCI-CASCADE workshop for Police Officers on Strengthening Enforcement against Illicit Trade and Economic Offences in Delhi
February 27, 2026
NEW DELHI, 27 February 2026: FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) today organised a high-impact training workshop for police officers on ‘Strengthening Enforcement against Illicit Trade and Economic Offences’ - Academy for Smart Policing (ASP), Mother Teresa Crescent, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
The programme brought together officers of ACP rank and above from Delhi, along with industry representatives, to engage in meaningful deliberations on the escalating challenge of counterfeiting, smuggling, and other illicit trade activities that continue to erode economic growth, distort fair markets, and threaten public safety.
Mr Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, said, “Counterfeiting and smuggling inflict far-reaching damage on the economy and society. They impose substantial financial losses on legitimate businesses, undermine consumer confidence, and drain vital government revenues, thereby obstructing the nation’s growth and development. Equally alarming are the serious health and safety risks posed by illicit and unregulated products, which represent a direct threat to public well-being.”
A key highlight of the programme was the ‘Interactive Session on Industry Issues and Collaborative Actions Needed with Enforcement Agencies to Counter Economic Offences’, Mr. Ashish Paul, Vice President- Corporate Affairs, ITC Ltd. stated, “Counterfeit trade and smuggling drain India’s economic potential. If we could cut illicit trade by just 50%, it would unlock unprecedented economic growth, generate employment, and boost legitimate businesses, reinforcing India’s journey toward self-reliance. Generating awareness among young enforcement officials along with the discerning consumers is the need of the hour. It will strengthen enforcement mechanisms, promote informed decision-making and meaningfully contribute towards the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.”
Industry representatives from leading companies, including ITC Ltd., Amazon, and Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL), participated in the discussions and shared perspectives on emerging threats, digital risks, and the importance of coordinated enforcement to safeguard consumers and markets. Mr. Bala Krishnaswami, Policy Communications Lead, Amazon, reiterated the company’s commitment to ensuring a safe and trusted online marketplace through sustained efforts to mitigate fraud and abuse, thereby protecting consumers, brands, and sellers.
As per the report by FICCI CASCADE titled “Challenging Landscape of Illicit Trade: How Changing Factors of Consumption Affect Illicit Markets in 5 Key Industries in India”, the size of illicit market in the five key sectors- FMCG packaged goods, personal and household care goods, alcohol, tobacco, and textiles & apparel has been estimated at about Rs. 7.97 lakh crore. The report highlights that the illicit market size for textiles and apparel stands at Rs 4,03,915 crore, accounting for over 50 percent of the total illicit trade. Additionally, illicit markets for - FMCG (Packaged foods) and FMCG (Personal and Household Care Goods are estimated at Rs 2,23,875 crore and Rs 73,813 crore, respectively.
The report highlighted that illicit trade is undermining legitimate businesses, distorting market competition, and significantly reducing the government’s tax revenues in the five mentioned sectors. The impact of illicit trade is particularly severe in industries historically subjected to higher tax regimes, such as tobacco and alcohol.
FICCI CASCADE has been working closely over the years with government, industry, enforcement officials, legal fraternity, consumer organizations and the youth to create awareness about the detrimental impact of counterfeiting and smuggling. Among other activities, FICCI CASCADE has been regularly engaging with law enforcement agencies including police, customs and paramilitary organizations engaged in border protection in sensitizing them on the gravity of the problem.