Catania, Sicily, Italy

Illicit Trade

when 3 July 2023 - 7 July 2023
language English
duration 1 week
credits 3 EC
fee EUR 650

Money laundering. Terrorist financing. Drug trafficking. Arms smuggling. Tax havens. Human smuggling and the modern-day slave trade. These are not just abstract terms, but billion-dollar industries forming part of the world’s ever-globalized economy and which overlap with and fuel terrorism, organized crime, conflicts, corruption, authoritarianism, environmental degradation and other security threats. With such industries often being cast in a veil of secrecy, the University of Groningen, in association with the University of Catania, announce the 2023 Summer School on Illicit Trade, aiming to shed light on the dark side of globalization.

The fourth edition of our Summer School will take place in Catania, Sicily, a region that has been historically linked to mafia activity, including the smuggling of contraband, human trafficking, and money laundering, as well as widespread corruption. Hence, participants will learn from local practitioners in the area with a unique perspective on illicit trade, in addition to internationally renowned experts in the field.

This exciting course is the first of its kind in teaching illicit trade in a holistic and practical manner; combining both essential theoretical knowledge with contemporary investigation skills. Participants will learn how criminals set up offshore companies and bank accounts; how they obscure the beneficial ownership of assets; how they exploit the loop-holes of dual-use goods legal systems, and identify vulnerabilities in particular jurisdictions. The program will also include a field trip to local institutions, providing participants with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities associated with combating illicit trade.

Course leader

Dr. Francesco Giumelli
Dr. Tim Wittig
Dr. Pim Geelhoud

Target group

The Summer School is designed for students in their final year in the undergraduate studies, masters students, PhD students in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Science and other relevant disciplines, who are interested in learning more about illicit trade. It is also addressed to professionals working in governmental institutions, local authorities, international and non-governmental organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of current illicit trade issues.

It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.

Course aim

After this course you will:
- Have foundational knowledge of the theory associated with illicit trade, including the different types of trafficking, how organizations and practitioners operate in this field, and how illicit trade is addressed in different jurisdictions.
- Be able to utilize important contemporary investigative techniques such as Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), and Network Analysis.
- Have practical insight on the workings of local organizations in their effort to combat illicit trade.
- Have access to a network of fellow peers, experts, and practitioners active in the field of illicit trade.

Credits info

3 EC
This Course also offers participants:

1. Certificate of participation
Upon attendance of all lectures and completion of the course activities and assignments, participants will receive a University of Groningen/University of Catania certificate of participation.

2. ECTS equivalence
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants can apply for recognition of 5 ECTS to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. Participants who wish to fulfill the equivalent work of 5 ECTS will need to deliver a written assignment to the University of Groningen within one month after the end of the Summer School. More detailed information can be requested at illicittrade@rug.nl.

Fee info

EUR 650: regular tuition fee, including digital course materials, lunch and one dinner
EUR 600: Early Bird, application before 7 May, including digital course materials, lunch and one dinner

Register for this course
on course website