ORC, Counterfeits & Terror
Counterfeits, theft and terror are the true hidden costs of illicit trade

Michigan State University curriculum is helping authorities, law firms and tech experts

It helps fund terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. One of the terrorists responsible for the deadly Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris used it to pay for his weapons. It’s part of the same network of narco-criminals bringing deadly fentanyl into the United States. And it’s happening in your community — perhaps right in your office or on your laptop.

It’s the growing market for illicit goods, which ranges from counterfeit products to intellectual property theft to consumer products stolen through organized retail crime.

American businesses lose $225 billion to $600 billion each year to IP theft. Counterfeit markets span everything from illegally copied movies, music and software to knockoff clothing and handbags — and even counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

While Hollywood often portrays counterfeiters as members of sprawling international criminal organizations, in reality, most groups are far smaller. At the same time, the involvement of criminal networks has turned shoplifting from a commercial nuisance into a growing danger.

The National Retail Federation reported that more than 73% of retailers say shoplifters are exhibiting more violence and aggression than the previous year, putting employees and customers at risk.

In response, law enforcement and the private sector are teaming up. Using a curriculum developed in conjunction with the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, local authorities, law firms and tech experts can get certified through the Certified Trade and Intellectual Property Specialist Program, or CTIPS.

During a recent Washington training session, Steven Oxman with CTIPS said the threat from bogus goods puts legitimate corporations in a tough spot.

Because China is a global leader in toy and electronics manufacturing, a large share of counterfeit goods also comes from there, Oxman said. He said Beijing has stepped up its efforts to curb illicit trade and added that it can still do more.

Meanwhile, Oxman said, U.S. businesses need to ramp up protections for their valuable intellectual property, particularly given the government’s focus on international trade and tariff negotiations. thenewsherald.com


98% Chance of Avoiding Jail for Theft?
UK: Shoplifters almost certain to avoid prison

Only 2pc of convicted store thieves sent to jail as retail crime soars to record levels

Suspected shoplifters investigated by police have a 98 per cent chance of avoiding prison, an analysis of statistics shows. Fewer than 12,000 convicted shoplifters were jailed in the year to June 2025, meaning those investigated had just a 2.2 per cent chance of being sent to jail, according to Home Office data.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: “These meagre figures are just not good enough. Police numbers are falling under Labour, and now they plan to ban prison sentences under a year meaning no one will go to jail for shoplifting at all and it will be open season for thieves.

“Shoplifting has increased by more than 10 per cent to record levels under Labour. We need 10,000 more police patrolling hot spots and live facial recognition used to catch and imprison prolific offenders. Then shoplifting will start to fall.”

Police have faced criticism for failing to tackle a surge in shoplifting, with three thefts committed every minute in the year to March 2025. Forces have been accused of ignoring the issue or criticising those trying to combat the problem.

In The Telegraph’s review of investigated shoplifting offences 19.1 per cent resulted in a charge. Most of the 529,994 store thefts reported to police and investigated were abandoned without a suspect being identified.

Just 43,477 shoplifters were sentenced for their crimes in the year to June 2025. Fewer than two per cent were jailed for more than a year. Most of those currently being jailed would avoid prison under Labour’s sentencing reforms being considered by Parliament. telegraph.co.uk


Retailers Applaud New State ORC Law
Oklahoma cracks down on organized retail theft with new law targeting crime rings
Business owners across Oklahoma are breathing a sigh of relief as new legislation targets organized retail theft rings that have cost local stores thousands of dollars.

According to local law enforcement, a multi-county theft ring targeted numerous stores late last year, resulting in $94,000 in losses at various Walmarts. For small business owners like Ryan, these crimes hit close to home, affecting not just profits but the ability to support employees and cover basic expenses.

In response to the growing problem, Oklahoma enacted HB 1592 in November 2025, establishing harsher punishments for organized retail theft.

The law targets crimes involving two or more people who are caught stealing, using shoplifting tools such as tag cutters, having a getaway car to flee, and attempting to sell stolen goods online.

Under the new legislation, thefts under $15,000 can carry up to five years in prison or up to one year in county jail, plus fines of up to $1,000. Theft of $15,000 or more can result in up to eight years in state prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

Ryan is optimistic that the new laws will provide much-needed protection for retailers of all sizes. kjrh.com


Canada's Theft Surge Continues
NSLC sees another sharp increase in thefts from stores

Q1 numbers show 350 more thefts compared to same period in 2024

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation had a 24 per cent increase in thefts across all retail stores in the province during the first quarter of 2025, according to numbers provided by the Crown corporation. That spike comes after the NSLC reported a 55 per cent increase in thefts in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The numbers from the NSLC indicate there were 350 more thefts between April 1 and June 29, 2025, than there were during the same period in 2024. Experts say it’s part of a growing national trend across the retail sector. According to the Retail Council of Canada, businesses and consumers are losing an estimated $9.1 billion every year to what it calls “coordinated, organized, and increasingly violent criminal activity.”

“We've been trying to raise the alarm over the last few years and it's really getting to that crisis point,” said Jim Cormier, the council's director for Atlantic Canada. cbc.ca


Will Federal ORC Legislation Be the Silver Bullet?
Organised Retail Crime surges in the US: Can CORCA solve it?
With organised retail crime (ORC) growing more sophisticated and violent, US retailers face rising losses despite heavier security spending.

Combating Organised Retail Crime Act (CORCA) signals a stronger federal response, but delays in passage and weak enforcement mean businesses must act now by strengthening prevention, reporting and collaboration to stay ahead of evolving criminal networks. fibre2fashion.com


New Orleans violent crime rate drops for third year in a row, new police data shows

Indianapolis violent crime in 2025 ticked down, police data shows

LPD: Crime dropped across most categories in 2025 as homicides rose