Illegal Trade Research Articles

Economic Importance of Consuming Homemade Turmeric: A Case of Kandy District in Sri Lanka

Turmeric or Curcuma longa L. is prized in Sri Lankan cuisine for its delicate flavor, distinct yellow color, and potent aroma. This great spice is highly praised in Ayurveda medicine for its anti- inflammatory properties as well. However, unlike the ancient time, cultivation of turmeric at household level at the recent past was not so significant and the country heavily relies on imported turmeric. Short-time after COVID 19 pandemic in the country, the government banned on non- essential imports including turmeric. Due to very high price and shortage of turmeric in the market and impact of black market of turmeric, while some people adopted to cultivate turmeric in small scale some people did it at large-scales. This study was conducted to study the present situation of consumption of homemade turmeric in Kandy district of the country and understand the economic importance of it. 150 turmeric cultivators were selected for the study. Data collection was conducted using questionnaire survey from June to August 2022. Data analyses were done using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. According to the results, it was discovered that after drying turmeric, convert into a powder and consumed by them. When economic importance are concerned, their average income was found as 11,095.238 rupees per season and average saving was found as 797.13 rupees per person per season. Also a positive relationship was found between consumption of homemade turmeric and its independent variables (family members, monthly income, interest for turmeric, and market price of turmeric) by the study. As a whole, the growers adopted to homemade turmeric as consumption of homemade turmeric is economically and hygienically very important. If there is a good market, most of the turmeric cultivators are willing to grow turmeric continuously. So, they expect proper knowledge related to do cultivation and processing of turmeric. It is very important to pay attention on this and provide proper training programs and good market price for turmeric, in order to enhance the turmeric production of the country in the future. 
 Keywords: Turmeric cultivation, Homemade Turmeric, Consumption, Economic importance

The determinants of compliance VAT gap

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the potential variables explaining the compliance value added tax (VAT) gap, which basically represents an estimate of the unpaid VAT in the economy. A major component of compliance VAT Gap is represented by tax fraud; there exist other causes too, like insolvencies, bankruptcies, optimizations practices and maladministration. The objective of our paper is to revisit the main determinants of the VAT compliance gap for the European Union (EU)-27 member states. Using econometric modeling, our study identifies the relationship between the VAT gap and various determinants of it.Design/methodology/approachOur work focuses on the shadow economy, final consumption, VAT revenues, standard VAT rates, differences between the standard and reduced rates, economic prosperity, press freedom, political stability and others, as determinants of European VAT compliance gaps, for the 2005–2020 time interval. The methods include panel data analysis through simple and multiple regression modeling, the combinatorial approach, fixed and random effects.FindingsOur study validates the direct impact of shadow economy and the indirect impact of VAT revenues, economic prosperity and press freedom, upon VAT compliance gaps. Upon subsampling of EU member states within old and new ones, our results estimate a larger positive impact of shadow economy upon old member states, compared to new ones.Practical implicationsThe policy implications include leverage effects of governments acting upon a reduction in shadow economy phenomena and boosts of economic development, political stability and press freedom, in order to attain the contraction of compliance VAT gaps.Originality/valueOur paper sheds light in a poorly explored scientific area, that of the determinants of VAT gap, especially in relationship with financial and economic crime phenomena.

Quality Assessment of Selected Essential Antimicrobial Drugs from Drug Retail Outlets of Selected Cities in Eastern Ethiopia.

The prevalence of substandard and falsified (SF) antimicrobial drugs is increasing around the globe. This poses a great concern for the healthcare system. The consumption of SF antimicrobial drugs has the potential to result in treatment failure, emergence and development of antimicrobial resistance, and ultimately a rise in mortality rate. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of four commonly used antimicrobials marketed in the cities of Dire Dawa and Jijiga and the town of Togo-Wuchale, which have high potential for illegal drug trade activities in Ethiopia because they are located near the border with Somalia. A total of 54 brands/samples of amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, and norfloxacin formulations were collected covertly from 43 facilities using a convenience sampling strategy from March 16 to March 29, 2022. The samples were first screened using Global Pharma Health Fund (GPHF)-Minilab protocols and then analyzed using U.S. Pharmacopoeial and British Pharmacopoeia official methods. The quality evaluation detected no falsified product; however, it showed that 14.3% of the samples failed the GPHF-Minilab screening test semiquantitatively. Overall, 22.2% of the products analyzed did not meet any of pharmacopoeial specifications assessed: 13%, 12.2%, and 11.1% of the products failed in assay, dissolution, and weight variation, respectively. Additionally, 56.3% of amoxicillin samples, 60% of amoxicillin/clavulanate, 20% of ciprofloxacin, and 54.5% of norfloxacin samples were found to be pharmaceutically nonequivalent with their respective comparator products regarding dissolution profiles. The study showed the presence of substandard antimicrobial medicines in the eastern Ethiopian market.

Effect of Digital Payments in Indian Economy

In our economic growth and development is based upon the financial sector. Development in the field of information technology has given more benefits to the banking sector. Modern technology has to be altered and replaced into digitalization. Post Demonetization will reduce the black money and cyber fraud, cyber crime and hacking etc. The impact of this policy is a step towards the modernization and globalization by making the economy cashless. In digital payment, banking sector plays a major role by providing digital instruments like debit cards, mobile banking, mobile wallets etc. This paper makes an attempt to adopt various technologies and study the impact of digital payments in Indian economy.

Determinants Of The VAT Gap In The European Union: An Empirical Evidence with Corruption Control As A Moderating Variable

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Shadow Economy, Economic Growth, Trade Openness, and Corruption Control on VAT Gap. Additionally, this study aims to examine the moderating effect of Corruption Control on the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable. The study was conducted using panel data regression with Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) model in 25 European Union countries for the 2003-2020 period. The research findings indicate that all independent variables simultaneously have a significant impact on VAT Gap. Partially, Shadow Economy has a positive effect on VAT Gap, while Economic Growth has a negative effect on VAT Gap. However, Trade Openness and Corruption Control do not significantly affect VAT Gap. Corruption Control only moderates the relationship between Shadow Economy and VAT Gap negatively. This suggests that effective corruption control measures in EU countries can reduce the negative impact of Shadow Economy on VAT revenue. Based on this research, policymakers are expected to implement comprehensive monitoring and auditing practices, simplify business regulations, and enhance education and support to mitigate the potential loss of value-added tax (VAT).

Joint detection of microsatellites and flanking sequences – SNPSTR markers for Athene noctua to fight illegal wildlife trade

Trade of wild-caught animals is illegal for many taxa and in many countries. Common regulatory procedures involve documentation and marking techniques. However, these procedures are subject to fraud and thus should be complemented by routine genetic testing in order to authenticate the captive-bred origin of animals intended for trade. A suitable class of genetic markers are SNPSTRs that combine a short tandem repeat (STR) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within one amplicon. This combined marker type can be used for genetic identification and for parentage analyses and in addition, provides insight into haplotype history. As a proof of principle, this study establishes a set of 20 SNPSTR markers for Athene noctua, one of the most trafficked owls in CITES Appendix II. These markers can be coamplified in a single multiplex reaction. Based on population data, the percentage of observed and expected heterozygosities of the markers ranged from 0.400 to 1.000 and 0.545 to 0.850, respectively. A combined probability of identity of 5.3 * 10−23 was achieved with the whole set, and combined parentage exclusion probabilities reached over 99.99%, even if the genotype of one parent was missing. A direct comparison of an owl family and an unrelated owl demonstrated the applicability of the SNPSTR set in parentage testing. The established SNPSTR set thus proved to be highly useful for identifying individuals and analysing parentage to determine wild or captive origin. We propose to implement SNPSTR-based routine certification in wildlife trade as a way to reveal animal laundering and misdeclaration of wild-caught animals.

Advances in Orchid Biology: Biotechnological Achievements, Translational Success, and Commercial Outcomes

Orchids constitute the largest and most diverse group of flowering plants and are classified in the family Orchidaceae. Exhibiting significance as the most exotic and ubiquitous flowering plant, the cultivation of orchids on a commercial level is gaining momentum worldwide. In addition to its ornamental and aesthetic value, the orchid industry has successfully generated employment for people in developing countries. Recent advances in biotechnological interventions in orchids have substantially contributed to the development of exotic varieties with novel traits, not to forget the inputs of traditional plant breeding methods and tissue culture approaches. In addition, the scientific developments in orchid biology have remarkably bridged the knowledge gaps in areas of orchid classification, phytochemistry, and cultivation strategies. This has facilitated the commercialization of novel varieties, opening new avenues in the orchid industry, and their global marketing as cut flowers and artificially propagated plants. Orchids constitute the first floriculture crops that revolutionized the orchid industry; however, they also hold several challenges in the natural propagation and conservation of several species that are on the verge of extinction. International organizations like CITES have come forward to address challenges associated with illegal global trade and indiscriminate use of orchid varieties, aiming for conservation and legal commercial goals. This thematic review is one-of-a-kind in providing comprehensive insights into the emerging momentum of orchid biology and how its globalization projects to considerably impact the orchid industry in the coming times. However, it is imperative to understand the challenges in the cultivation and conservation of orchid varieties and ensure legislative guidelines both on domestic and global levels to ensure a multipronged approach to the conservation and commercialization of orchids.

Informal employment and corruption: Differences across gender and industry

AbstractThis paper adds to the literature studying the substitution and complementarity between corruption and the shadow economy by focusing on the differential effects of various informal employment categories, by gender (informal employment by men vs. women) and across industries (informal employment in the agriculture vs. non‐agriculture sectors). Using cross‐national data, we find evidence of complementarity between corruption and informal employment, after accounting for possible simultaneity. This complementarity holds across different informal employment categories, with some quantitative differences. These findings have policy relevance for the coordination of anti‐corruption and anti‐underground‐economy policies, and whether such policies should be sector specific.

Enhancing Effective Judicial Response to Human Trafficking in Nigeria

Human trafficking is a horrifying form of organised crime that violates victim’s human rights. Despite international and domestic efforts, the threat is not abating. People are bought and sold, forced to work in the black market or sex industry, and frequently face threats and violence. It is one of the most heinous crimes in the modern world. The criminal justice system, which consists of the police, courts, and prisons, work in synergy to handle the social repercussions of crimes with the goal of preserving peoples’ right to safety and the exercise of their human rights. There is no disputing that courts’ interpretation of the law plays a critical role in safeguarding the rights of victims of human trafficking as well as deciding the guilt and punishment of traffickers. In order to reduce human trafficking in Nigeria, this study examines the crucial role of the judiciary. The paper posits that in addition to knowing the legislation, judges must also be aware of the context of each case involving human trafficking. The paper’s recommendations for strengthening judicial intervention against human trafficking are included in the conclusion.

Demonetization of Currency Notes in India

Banking has been a part of the economy which leads to a whole structure of banking services to the public. It is a way of getting utility services and other services from one person to another without any struggles. In the present era, the effects of demonetization has a significant place, now itself many of the people were carrying and holding old currency notes even in the form of black money or as a result of speculation or hoarding activities. Some of people are not aware of the procedures for exchanging these old ones by new currency notes. The main importance of this topic is to eliminate evil of corruption and demolish the usage of black money. By this work it is pointing out upto what extend the Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Ltd can control these activities and it is relevant to not how they manage their affairs during the time of demonetization. The main aim of the study included what extend the bank had served the ultimate goal of demonization and was they successful in implementing the procedures in the bank. The participation of employees, customers and other faculties in the bank, their feedbacks and opinion about the scheme and how they crossed the risk at the time of demonization.

Notes on the Courtship and Captive Reproduction of the Southern Vietnam Box Turtle, Cuora picturata, at the Turtle Conservation Center in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam.

Endemic to only three known provinces in South Central Vietnam, Cuora picturata have faced extensive collection pressures for the food, medicinal, and pet trades. Further exacerbating their decline is the lack of protected areas where wild populations exist, with only one known population occurring within a protected area. With threats to wild populations persisting, the development of an assurance colony has been prioritized for C. picturata. The Asian Turtle Program of Indo-Myanmar Conservation has been operating the Turtle Conservation Center (TCC) in Cuc Phuong National Park since 1998. From 2020 to 2022, 24 C. picturata were acquired by the TCC from the illegal trade. With no ideal repatriation plan, these animals provided an opportunity for developing a captive assurance colony at the TCC to safeguard the species from extinction. As semi-aquatic species, box turtles in the genus Cuora are a unique group that shows variations in habitat use and behavior between species. Herein, we documented some specific courtship behaviors not yet described for C. picturata, providing insight into the unique reproductive behaviors of this species.

“Whitewashing” the activities of real estate agencies as one of the directions for ensuring the economic security of public legal entities in the budgetary and tax sphere

The subject of the study is the relationships that arise in the process of ensuring fiscal security by public legal entities. Fiscal security is considered in the article from the perspective of its duality (budgetary security and tax security) in the context of the shadow sector, taking into account the risks of cartel collusion and concealment of part of the income and property from taxation. The nature of the formation of the shadow sector is explored, which is defined as a deep reserve that should be gradually mobilized into the budget system, while encouraging taxpayers to conscientiously fulfill their tax obligations, which will subsequently form a completely different level of tax culture. The article presents the author's logical model of leveling the shadow economy of public legal entities in order to ensure their fiscal security based on digital tools of public administration. The research is based on the following methods of scientific knowledge: comparison, analysis, synthesis of theoretical material. The author has developed an algorithm for comparing open Internet data with Federal Tax Service data in order to identify hidden income. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development of the category “fiscal security”, the theoretical justification of the directions for its provision by public legal entities in the context of the “whitewashing” of the economy in the context of the use of digital tools of public administration.

Financial inclusion and underground economy nexus in West Africa: evidence from dynamic heterogeneous panel techniques

Financial inclusion and underground economy nexus in West Africa: evidence from dynamic heterogeneous panel techniques

Size of the underground economy and tax evasion in : DGE, CDA and MIMIC approach

size of the underground economy and tax evasion in : DGE, CDA and MIMIC approach

Perlindungan Harimau Sumatera Menurut Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora (Cites) 1963

Introduction: The illegal trade in protected animals is increasing in places where laws are not respected, as if they weren't there. This is reflected in the decrease in the number of wildlife and the increase in the number of legal and illegal wildlife traders whose criminals do not face severe sanctions. The number of Sumatran tigers is decreasing, reaching around 400 individuals. In various parts of Sumatra, these endangered and protected animals continue to be hunted and traded for their organs. Apparently, in the near future, they succeeded in capturing or blocking the Medan tiger skin trade.Purposes of the Research: This writing aims to know and understand the Regulations regarding the protection of endangered species based on the 1963 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Implementation of CITES 1963 in Indonesia to protect the Sumatran Tiger.Methods of the Research: Normative research method with the type of research is qualitative analysis. The problem approach used is the statute approach, the conceptual approach and the case approach. The sources of legal materials used are Primary legal materials, Secondary legal materials, and Tertiary legal materials and are used as a technique for collecting legal materials, then processing and analyzing legal materials through methods of interpretation, harmonization, systematic and legal discovery.Results of the Research: The results of the study show that the arrangements regarding the protection of endangered species based on the 1963 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are that as a whole, CITES is a convention that applies as a general guide to regulate matters relating to trade of all kinds. Wild plants and animals that live in nature. Specifically regarding the protection of Sumatran tigers as implementation of CITES 1963 is the enactment of Presidential Decree No. 43 of 1978 concerning Ratifying the Convention On International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Law No. 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Natural Resources, Biology and Their Ecosystems, Regulations Government Number 8 of 1999 Utilization of Wild Plants and Animals, Minister of Forestry Regulation Number P.42/Menhut-II/2007 concerning Sumatran Tiger Conservation Plans and Actions.

Transnational Crime of Illicit Drugs in Southeast Asia

The cooperation of the actors in harmonizing their views on the drug phenomenon is needed. Over the last decade, the dynamics that define the regional security environment in Southeast Asia have changed dramatically. In this study, a descriptive qualitative methodological approach was adopted to explore an in-depth understanding of cross-border crime in the illegal drug trade in Southeast Asia. The conclusions of this analysis will help enrich our understanding of cross-border illegal drug transactions in the region, as well as provide a basis for formulating better policy recommendations to effectively address this challenge. ASEAN needs to strengthen its commitment of cooperation and continuously make efforts were tireless in the fight against drugs.

Microbial characterization of street food collected from Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Ingesting tainted food is one of the methods of microbe transmission to humans. Most people in Bangladesh consume cheap foods prepared by unlicensed vendors. A total of 18 samples, including fuchka, chola, sugarcane juice, and other products, were randomly collected and analyzed for bacterial contamination. Each and every sample examined found to be contaminated with a variety of bacterial species. The total viable count (TVC) in different street food samples ranged from 0.45×103 CFU/g to 3.37×107CFU/g. Resistance to Imipenem, Meropenem, and Amikacin was quite low in Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Vibrio spp., Staphylococcus aureus. Higher resistance to azithromycin and ciprofloxacin have been observed, and S. aureus exhibited a 67% resistance to methicillin. According to this study, Dhaka's street food in Bangladesh contains potentially pathogenic microorganisms. This necessitates careful observation of the microbiological safety of street food, and campaigns should be launched to educate the public about the poor and unhygienic quality of street food available in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Trade of skulls as novelty and aquarium objects are an additional threat to porcupines

The commercial exploitation of wildlife affects many species, including porcupines that are traded for meat, as pets, and for medicinal purposes. Here we report on a novel trade in Sunda Porcupine Hystrix javanica skulls in Bali specifically for curios and as aquarium novelty objects. Since 2018, the species is protected within Indonesia and the sale of skulls is illegal. Between December 2022 and November 2023, we visited wildlife shops in seven towns, and conducted a survey of online sellers. We recorded 44 porcupine skulls in 11 shops and 10 skulls online. Skulls sold as curios were intricately carved and were priced at USD 61, whereas skulls sold as hiding caves for aquarium fish were not carved and priced at USD 22. Porcupine skulls were sourced from Bali and Java. Especially the carved skulls are marketed primarily for international tourists and may be inadvertently taken abroad. The novel trade in skulls adds to a multitude of threats faced by porcupines, and there is a need for improved regulations and enforcement against illegal trade. Appropriate mitigation measures need to be developed to protect porcupines from unsustainable and illegal exploitation and will require the full operation of the commercial sector, local and national governments, the tourism industry and the Indonesian public.

Some Criminological Features of Crime in Migration Sphere

Relevance. In recent years illegal migration also remains relevant, accompanied by criminal networks created by foreign citizens and stateless persons and the maintenance of an underground economy, including smuggling and illegal employment, which can cause social and economic problems. Compliance with legislation in the field of preventing and combating migrant crime helps maintain law-abiding and compliance with laws and regulations, as well as law and order and public safety in the country. The purpose of the study is to supplement scientific knowledge in terms of determining the general level of crime of foreigners and stateless persons in modern Russia, to identify factors that contribute to the commission of crimes by migrants. Objectives: to assess the current state (general level) of migration crime and compare it with the level among the local population; establish quantitative and qualitative characteristics of crime in the migration sphere; identify specific properties, as well as changes in crime in the migration sphere. Methodology. When writing a scientific article, general scientific methods related to universal methods were used: dialectical, historical, system-structural, generalization method and particular methods: extrapolation method, factor analysis, forecasting, document research, content analysis of the press, biographical and statistical.The results of the study made it possible to: determine the current level of crime among migrants in Russia and identify the main types of crimes that are most often committed by migrants; provide new comparative data on the crime of migrants in comparison with the general population of Russia and a number of regions; identify previously overlooked and new risk factors, as well as the socio-economic vulnerability of migrants. Conclusion. Modern Russian society is faced not only with large-scale migration processes, but also with qualitative and quantitative changes in crime in the migration sphere. This phenomenon signals a possible increase in the near future in the increased public danger of the acts of migrants, and if organizational and legal measures are not taken to neutralize this type of crime, then the trend of increasing crimes by foreign citizens and stateless persons will increase in the near future.

Immediate Economic Effects of Pandemic on Inclusive Growth and Underground Economics: A Case Study Indonesia

The informal sector had become an essential pillar that takes over the economy of Indonesia. While the pandemic is dragging the economy to a low level, the informal sector needs more attention from the government. Bad governance of the informal sector will lead to the creation of an underground economy that impedes economic potential. In contrast, good governance will create more massive economic growth, which will lead to the development of the formal sector. The informal sector supports the economy of low and middle-income countries than the high-income country. That statement is also shown by the data that the informal sector support 8.33% of Indonesian gross domestic product (GDP). This research aims to measure the impact of the pandemic on the inclusive and underground economy from two different perspectives, owners and workers in the underground economy system. This research was conducted by using descriptive and quantitative analysis involving a dummy variable to capture the difference between before and during the pandemic. Using time-series data, this research shows that there are significant effects of the pandemic on the changing of income, consumption, and saving for both owners and workers. Moreover, some informal activists shift to different jobs to keep the proper way of living during the pandemic. The changing of four different aspects, certainly brings society’s prosperousness to a low level.
 Keywords: inclusive growth, pandemic era, underground economy