illicit markets

Illicit markets are illegal trading environments where goods or services are bought and sold outside the legal framework. These markets involve activities like drug trade, smuggling, counterfeit products, or illegal weapons. Because these transactions violate laws, they lack regulation, oversight, and consumer protections, making them riskier for buyers and sellers. Authorities pursue these markets to prevent crime and protect public safety. Despite legal restrictions, illicit markets persist due to high demand for illegal goods, economic incentives, or gaps in regulation, creating shadow economies that operate parallel to the legitimate market system.