The latest Threat Assessment reveals that the distribution of counterfeit and pirated goods increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report is based on data gathered from across the EU and from Europol’s operational information. The data confirms that piracy and counterfeiting continue to pose a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of consumers, and to the European economy.

According to the latest data from the OECD and EUIPO, imports of counterfeit and pirated goods reached EUR 119 billion in 2019. This represented 5.8 % of all goods entering the EU. An increasing number of these goods are counterfeit medicines, food items, cosmetics and toys.

The report goes on to highlight the importance of the digital and online world to criminal organisations, and how they use it to directly contact consumers and source their components. They also use social media to their advantage. To access the full report, click here.