The Police University College is participating in a research project that examines illicit trade and measures to combat it in Finland's seaports. The aim is to produce up-to-date knowledge on crime in port environments and on the opportunities available to authorities and other stakeholders to prevent it.
The Seaport-FIN research project investigates illicit trade and efforts to combat it in Finland’s seaports. The study is based on interviews with authorities and port-sector stakeholders.
“A significant share of Finland’s foreign trade is transported by sea. Seaports are key logistical hubs, making them attractive operating environments for illicit trade and various forms of organised crime,” says Vesa Muttilainen, Project Manager and Senior Researcher at the Police University College.
The project analyses, among other things, methods used in criminal activities, the factors that enable them, and current prevention and enforcement practices, capabilities and operational constraints. Thematically, the project is linked to several of the Police University College’s previous research areas, including economic crime, organised crime and corruption.
The research is being carried out as part of the international project Illicit Trade at Estonia's Seaports, coordinated by the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences (EASS). The Finnish data will be compared with corresponding data collected in Estonia. This comparison will help identify common challenges and good practices in combating illicit trade across the Baltic Sea region.
“The objective is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena associated with illicit trade in Finnish ports and of how these challenges can be addressed more effectively.”
The findings will support the development of port security and risk assessment. They can be used to enhance authorities' operations, education and training, and security cooperation. In addition, the project will increase research-based knowledge about port-related crime and strengthen public discussion on the topic.
The project is coordinated by the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences (EASS). The University of Bologna in Italy participates in the project in an advisory capacity.
