Counterfeiting: links to organised crime and terrorist funding

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight how terrorists are using counterfeiting to fund their operations. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides an overview of the links between counterfeiting and terrorism. Findings Terrorist groups have multiple sources of funding, both licit and illicit. It is to be expected that terrorist groups and their sympathisers will become even more involved in counterfeiting and piracy in the future. Originality/value The paper provides insight into why counterfeiting is attractive to terrorists and why they will look more to this source of income in the future.