← home page • Buzz@Bruss! Edition #4 • France – a prime example forthe syndrome of illicit tobacco trade
A new study ‘Fighting the Dark Underworld: How the illegal trade in tobacco threatens to overwhelm us’ sheds new light on the pervasiveness of organized crime within global society, focusing on four countries with high levels of illicit tobacco trade: Canada, Philippines, the United Kingdom and France.
In a separate supplement report, France, as the biggest EU member state is portrayed as a lighthouse example in two key respects: a) the unintended consequences of imbalanced fiscal policies have led to the emergence of, by far, the largest illegal tobacco market in Europe1; b) on the other hand, the government’s assertive imposition of strong fines, penalties and relentless prosecution are measures that many other countries would be advised to adopt.
Case study France
Focusing on the everyday impact of illegal tobacco trade
A determined drive by Government to tackle the issue and remove illegal tobacco sellers from the streets has been a cornerstone policy in the run up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The French government’s assertive imposition of strong fines, penalties and arrests of street sellers is supported by the city’s residents who increasingly feel their neighborhoods are made less safe when illegal tobacco sellers ply their trade.
Cracking down on the increasing number of underground factories in France, identifying, locating and seizing materials, machines and illegal product is also a key focus of the new clampdown policy. These are important steps in demonstrating to criminals that the Government is serious about curbing the growth in illegal tobacco. In the wake of the Olympics the challenge will be to ensure that policing and enforcement levels remain high.
The study, by Intrinsic Insight, examines the ‘dark underworld’ and how unstable geo-political environments, fragile economies and a lack of serious deterrents create ideal conditions for a surge in criminal activity and increased profits for criminal networks. The report highlights key indicators – found across the four countries – that are allowing illegal trade to flourish.
A combination of factors ranging from poor border controls and ineffective penalties to corruption, excessive taxation and legislation, are contributing to both the increase in demand for illicit products while making it easier for criminals to grow substantial criminal empires.
One euro for a tobacco trafficker is one euro for mafia networks and criminal organizations.
– M.G. Attal, former French Prime Minister –
– M.G. Attal, former French Prime Minister –
While the drivers fueling illegal trade are evident in each of the four countries, they have global impact. Given the borderless nature of illegal trade, in the future, countries that currently do not have an illicit tobacco problem should notice the triggers in order to avoid the onset and spread of criminality linked to illicit trade in their countries.
In the report, a multifaceted approach for tackling the ‘dark underworld’ is outlined in a 7-point plan designed to make life more difficult for criminals.
The study, commissioned by JTI, combines insight from a review of existing sector literature and expert qualitative in-depth interviews with academics, policy makers and law enforcement officials from across the four focus countries.
Additionally, the study includes new findings from 2,000 survey-based interviews conducted with the public and smokers across the markets represented.
Find the full study and the supplement report (case studies) for download here:
Study Report,
May 2024 (pdf – 1.7MB)
Study Report,
May 2024 (pdf – 1.7MB)
Supplement with case studies,
May 2024 (pdf – 1.9MB)
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