Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE:PM) (Paris:PM) today
announced that it will contribute 15 million euros to INTERPOL to
support the agency’s global initiative to combat trans-border crime
involving illicit goods, including tobacco products.
Commenting on the announcement, PMI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Louis Camilleri said: “Counterfeit and contraband cigarettes present
a debilitating problem for business and government alike and so we are
delighted to announce our support of INTERPOL’s global efforts to combat
illegal trafficking.”
Global consumption of illicit cigarettes is estimated at 600 billion
cigarettes a year and represents the world’s most trafficked consumer
product. Unfortunately the problem is getting worse, for example a
recent study, conducted by KPMG LLP (KPMG), estimated that the annual
consumption of illicit cigarettes in the EU increased by 1.1 billion
units in 2011 versus 2010, to a record total of 65.3 billion units. KPMG
estimates the associated national and EU revenue loss to be
approximately 11.3 billion euros. This illegal trade damages not just
the tobacco sector but also fuels further criminality with proceeds
being used to fund other activities like drug smuggling, human
trafficking and terrorism.
“The eradication of illicit cigarettes and the criminality associated
with it requires a concerted and coordinated cross-border effort which
INTERPOL is ideally placed to lead,” added Artyom Chernis, PMI Vice
President for Illicit Trade Strategies and Prevention. “We look
forward to our cooperation and the positive results we are confident it
will yield.”
PMI’s contribution to INTERPOL’s Fund for A Safer World will be used for
coordination of information gathering, training programs for law
enforcement officials, development of product authentication standards
and the execution of public information campaigns.
Philip Morris International Inc.
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is the leading international
tobacco company, with seven of the world’s top 15 brands, including
Marlboro, the number one cigarette brand worldwide. PMI’s products are
sold in approximately 180 countries. In 2011, the company held an
estimated 16.0% share of the total international cigarette market
outside of the U.S., or 28.1% excluding the People’s Republic of China
and the U.S. For more information, see www.pmi.com.
PMI has committed significant resources over the years to combat the
illicit trade in cigarettes and has undertaken a broad series of
measures including implementation of a global tracking and tracing
system, comprehensive know-your-customer policies, consumer education
and collaboration with governments. For more information on PMI's
activities to combat the illicit trade in tobacco products, visit: www.pmi.com/illicittrade
For more information about the KMPG study of illicit cigarettes in the
EU, visit: www.pmi.com/STAR2011
