The strategic attributes of transnational smuggling: Logistics flexibility and operational stealth in the facilitation of illicit trade

The clandestine transportation of contraband cargo across national borders is commonly known as transnational smuggling. Illicit market actors utilize smuggling as a key strategic operation to get their illegal goods to market. Transaction costs unique to smuggling, such as concealment and evasion costs create specific attributes intrinsic to the operations strategy deployed by professional smugglers. Strategic and logistics flexibility, as well as operational stealth enable smuggling rings to mitigate the risk of detection and apprehension by law enforcement authorities. In recent years, illicit supply chain actors have adopted advanced technologies, alternative currencies, and online distribution channels in order to facilitate illicit trade. This paper explores the key strategic attributes of strategic, logistics flexibility and operational stealth which are characteristic of transnational smuggling operations.