Theft of goods in warehouses, distribution centres and during transport has become one of the biggest threats to the supply chain worldwide. In Europe, during 2023, there were a total of 1,736 thefts of goods declared with a value of more than 600 million euros.
For this reason, theft represents one of the greatest risks for manufacturing, storage and transport companies. In addition, there is a trend towards greater complexity and diversification of crimes related to the transport and international sale of goods.
Among these most common criminal practices, the following are included: falsification of documentation, manipulation of rates, identity theft of carriers and charges for services that have not been provided.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CRIMES?
In addition to theft, one of the most common criminal practices is that related to document forgery, in which transport documents such as delivery notes, invoices, consignment notes and certificates of origin are altered in order to seize all or part of the cargo.
Other common formulas are the various forms of fraud in which profit is obtained by carrying out various deceptions, such as the case of impersonating shippers or recipients of the merchandise, simulating the identity of prestigious companies in order to end up illegally appropriating the loads or compensation.
Likewise, criminals can pose as legitimate transport operators using stolen or falsified documentation, managing to collect and divert merchandise without the sender or recipient noticing. In addition, they use falsified documentation to justify fictitious transfers or storage and charging for services that were never performed.
HOW TO PREVENT THESE CRIMES?
Although, as in the case of home burglaries, it is practically impossible to completely avoid the possibility that someone can enter our home, there are numerous mechanisms that can deter criminals and minimize the risk of suffering these unpleasant situations.
The use of technologies such as GPS control not only provides carriers with the most convenient routes, but also allows real-time monitoring of the position and status of the merchandise. This helps to detect unauthorized deviations and suspicious routes that may be indicative of a possible scam or theft.
Additionally, we find more innovative systems, such as blockchain technology, which allows tracking at each stage of the transport of goods in an immutable and transparent manner, preventing fraud related to the falsification of documents through their digital registration.
On the other hand, the automation of processes, such as the creation of delivery notes and electronic invoicing, can reduce the margin of error and minimize the risk of document manipulation by fraudsters. This ensures strict control of transactions at all times.
Likewise, RFID devices and IoT sensors can constantly monitor the status of goods and alert in real time to unauthorized manipulation.
Likewise, training drivers, logistics operators and other stakeholders is essential to detect these practices and to know and apply the security protocols to be followed in suspicious situations.
WHAT MODIFICATIONS DO WE SUGGEST?
As a proposal, we believe that it would be more beneficial to establish a shared database that collects information on fraud patterns and tactics used by criminals. In this way, companies could anticipate identifying and preventing new risks and criminal trends.
Likewise, it would be useful to approve regulations that force companies to adopt security measures, such as the mandatory use of GPS, blockchain or IoT sensors, which would contribute to a significant reduction in the risks of suffering a crime.
Ultimately, the application of these measures can be a tedious and unattractive process for companies in the sector, compared to other investments that materialize in a direct profit.
However, its implementation will mean the reduction of a risk that is more incipient and common than we would like, and will also make it possible to provide greater security to the global supply chain.
