Midwest Anti-Illegal Trade Summit: A Collaborative Effort to Combat Illicit Trade

On October 15-16, 2025, the first-ever Midwest Anti-Illegal Trade Summit took place in Detroit, initiated by the coalition United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT). Over 75 participants gathered, including law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and private sector leaders, all united with a common goal: to combat illegal trade across the Midwest.

The summit served as an interactive platform where attendees shared ideas, best practices, and insights to better understand and tackle the complexities of illegal trade. It featured workshops, discussions, and case studies aimed at enhancing cooperation between public and private sectors. Through these interactions, participants learned about the latest strategies to disrupt illicit networks that result in an estimated $2.2 trillion in global illegal trade.

During the summit, USA-IT spokesperson Alysa Erichs emphasized the necessity of providing law enforcement with crucial tools to combat ever-adapting criminal tactics. "This summit is about equipping law enforcement with the tools they need to put away the bad guys. Criminals are quick to adapt to changing environments and will stop at nothing to make money," she stated.

The 30 subject matter experts included notable figures like Eric Sterbis from the Michigan Attorney General's Office and Ryan Themm from the Michigan Organized Retail Crime Association. They shed light on different facets of illegal trade, such as human trafficking, counterfeiting, and organized retail crime (ORC).

Michigan is often highlighted due to its strategic geographic position, serving as a corridor for illicit trade activities connected to neighboring Canada. For instance, counterfeit automotive parts contribute to a staggering $3 billion loss to the U.S. industry annually. Moreover, the state also sees significant tax revenue losses, with illegal tobacco and nicotine products responsible for about $120 million. Alarmingly, human trafficking remains a pressing concern, with Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio ranking among the top states for reported cases of human trafficking.

Sterbis stressed the importance of cross-jurisdictional information sharing, asserting that successful prosecutions rely on collaborative efforts across counties and states. He noted that the scope of illegal trade crime necessitates a unified approach to combat these activities effectively.

Furthermore, Ryan Themm pointed out the growing significance of technology in loss prevention. He remarked that future advancements in monitoring and tracking suspicious activities will help safeguard businesses and consumers, highlighting the pressing need for law enforcement to adapt continually.

USA-IT, launched in 2021 with support from Philip Morris International U.S., strives to raise awareness of harmful illegal trade practices while developing best practices and advocating for effective policy changes. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including law enforcement, brand enforcement experts, and civic organizations, to foster a more robust framework against illicit trade.

As the summit concluded, participants left with renewed motivation to collaborate and implement the insights discussed, armed with the knowledge that a united front could shine a light on the dark corridors of illegal trade. For those interested in learning more about USA-IT or getting involved, further information can be found at USAIT.org or via email at [email protected].