The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), which represent UK police forces, is demanding a crack down on the illicit trade in stolen tobacco and its resale on the black market, by calling for Tobacco Track and Trace (TT&T) technology to be made available in policing.

At present, tobacco products are scanned when moving through the supply chain, with the data stored. If the tobacco is stolen, then re-sold in another retail outlet, scanning the product will reveal the origin store the product should be sold in, exposing the tobacco as illegal.

This data is currently only available to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), but NBCC is calling for law enforcement to have access to it too, to improve ‘intelligence and investigation into the illegal sale of tobacco products’.

The NBCC has published research on the severity of tobacco theft and how TT&T technology can be a ‘game-changer’ in tackling the organised crime that supports it. The report also covers providing ‘law-abiding businesses with the protection that they deserve’, recommends awareness training for police about the technology and how to identify, investigate and prosecute organised criminals. The work was funded by the Home Office.

Increasing demand for illegal tobacco

Professor Emmeline Taylor, the report’s author, said: “Tobacco theft has emerged as a lucrative proposition for organised career criminals who exploit its relatively hidden nature. They operate with the knowledge that not only is there a low likelihood of detection, but if they are apprehended, the penalties will likely be minimal if they do not use or threaten violence during an offence.”

Taylor added that the increase in tax on tobacco products and the proposed generational ban will see a “dramatically” increased demand for stolen and counterfeit tobacco.

She continued: “Given access, TT&T will provide a vital tool to in preventing, identifying and prosecuting offenders which will protect law-abiding businesses and ensure that tobacco products are sold legally and responsibly.”

NBCC lead superintendent Patrick Holdaway commented: “If police were able to access the TT&T app and the database, they would be able to routinely check tobacco being sold by local retailers to ensure it was legitimate. This would undoubtedly act as deterrent to any retailers thinking about purchasing tobacco on the black market and reselling it.

“In turn that reduces the demand for criminals to steal it in the first place as they will have less people willing to buy it from them. The NBCC will work with the relevant partners and stakeholders to explore how the recommendations can be implemented.”

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