When it comes to international trade, commercial crime is unfortunately a growth industry. Cargo fraud, banking swindles, product counterfeiting, cybercrime, even ship hijackings and piracy – all are on the rise. Frauds are more complex and involve larger sums than ever before. New scams are constantly encountered.

To help companies identify the threats and take appropriate measures to foil the crooks, USCIB is teaming with ICC’s Commercial Crime Services to present unique West Coast seminars on fighting fraud in international trade, January 20, 2004, in San Francisco and on January 22 in Seattle. The seminars will be led by Capt. Pottengal Mukundan, the head of ICC’s Commercial Crime Services, based outside London.

“Trade and banking fraud affects all organizations regardless of their size or sophistication of operation,” says Capt. Mukundan. “Competition increases the pressure on margins and forces corporations to consider outsourcing key operational functions. While this saves costs, it separates the operators from client interface and the context of the commercial transaction.”

Moreover, he adds, there is increasing regulatory oversight in finance and shipping. The risk of inadvertently being associated with a fraud or other criminal activity can have a major impact on the reputation of the organization. “These seminars will identify some of the key vulnerabilities in trade, shipping and banking and suggests ways of countering the threats.”

ICC’s Commercial Crime Services help companies avoid the potentially ruinous consequences of falling victim to commercial crime. CCS maintain databases on criminal methods and activities, carries out investigations and works with law enforcement agencies.

For more information or to register, please contact USCIB West Coast representative Franca Gargiulo (415-922-2870 or franca.gargiulo@att.net).