Project SWIFT

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Project SWIFT - Exposing forced labor in illicit trade

Worldwide, an estimated 28 million people are trapped in forced labor. Despite global commitments to eradicate it, forced labor continues to increase. TRACIT’s research has shown that illicit trade creates direct demand for forced and child labor. Criminal operators rely on vulnerable workers because they reduce costs and are easier to intimidate, control, and keep hidden.

Project SWIFT is a private sector-led initiative to address one of the worst crimes associated with illicit trade. It leverages existing brand protection efforts to expose and help stop criminal networks that use forced and child labor to produce and sell illicit goods.

Project documents

Overview

The Concept Note explains the rationale for Project SWIFT. The document outlines how brand protection work can reveal indicators of forced and child labor. It also introduces the project’s training and policy components, including engagement with government bodies and authorities to support the initiative.

Access the project's Concept Note here.

UK Pilot

The UK Pilot outlines the implementation plan for the validation of the project. It explains why the UK was chosen and presents the stakeholders already involved in the project. The document also proposes a scaling path once the concept behind Project SWIFT has proven effective.

Access the UK Pilot overview here.

Operational tools

Project SWIFT will provide practical tools to help participating companies and investigators recognize, document and escalate indicators of forced and child labor encountered during anti-counterfeiting operations.

Explore Project SWIFT's operational tools here.

Funding and partnership opportunities

Download the sponsorship brochure

Project SWIFT is designed to move from concept to implementation through committed partnerships. We are seeking sponsors who want to help build a practical model for exposing forced and child labor in illicit supply chains, starting with the UK pilot and expanding to other markets over time.

Sponsoring Project SWIFT is an opportunity to support measurable action against the human cost of illicit trade, strengthen public-private cooperation, and contribute to broader responsible business and SDG commitments.

Contact Jane Clark at [email protected] to know more.

"OECD-EUIPO analysis shows that labour exploitation is systematically associated with counterfeit trade, indicating it is a structural enabler of illicit activity and a core policy concern."

OECD, "Labour Exploitation and Illicit Trade: How Counterfeit Goods Fuel Forced Labour" (2026), Policy Brief.

Featured publication

The Human Cost of Illicit Trade

The TRACIT report documents the breadth of illicit trade occurring on online platforms and examines the structural weaknesses that allow such activities to persist.

Ressources

OECD Policy Brief - January 2026
Labour Exploitation and Illicit Trade: How Counterfeit Goods Fuel Forced Labour

OECD Report - January 2026
From Fakes to Forced Labour - Evidence of correlation between illicit trade in counterfeits and labour exploitation

ILO Guide - November 2025
ILO Indicators of Forced Labour