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Criminal Markets

Intellectual Property Rights Crime

A wide range of counterfeit products, varying in quality and sophistication, have infiltrated the legitimate Canadian marketplace, in many cases without the awareness of the supplier or consumer. Counterfeit goods in Canada are smuggled in primarily from Asian countries, particularly China, although the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute reports that major production sites for global consumption are also located in Thailand, Turkey and Russia.

In an economic downturn, consumers may be more likely to seek out "lower risk" counterfeit items, such as clothing and media, in an attempt to save a few dollars. Organized crime groups will continue to capitalize on opportunities to expand the availability of counterfeit products through retail outlets, street vending operations and the Internet.

Criminal Market: Metal Theft