Transnational organized crime continues to pose a global threat that transcends borders, sectors, and economies. From counterfeit goods trafficking to complex Organized Retail Crime (ORC) schemes, these networks impact businesses, governments, and consumers worldwide.
In fact, transnational organized crime accounts for 1.5% of global GDP (around $870 billion annually), according to the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). In this context, technology stands as the most effective ally in combating new criminal methods that exploit logistical loopholes and global digitalization.
RFID plays a critical role in fighting ORC. By matching RFID reads at the Point of Exit with video recordings of theft events, retailers can identify exactly which products have been stolen and hold perpetrators accountable. Without RFID, thefts can be detected, but the specific items taken remain unknown, making recovery and claims impossible.
At Checkpoint Systems, we’ve spent decades innovating to protect the supply chain, products, and retail profitability against these threats. In this article, we’ll explore how to protect and prevent theft, how smart labeling works, and how our experience helps address this global issue.
Protecting Retail and Supply Chains Worldwide
In an increasingly interconnected world, transnational organized crime poses a direct threat to legitimate trade and international supply chains. Organized theft, counterfeiting, and product diversion not only generate billions in losses but also undermine consumer trust and jeopardize brand integrity.
Faced with this reality, technology becomes an essential tool to protect products, enhance traceability, and ensure safer business operations worldwide.
RFID and EAS Solutions That Prevent Theft and Diversion
The retail sector is one of the most profitable targets for transnational organized crime. Organized theft groups don’t just steal products in stores—they operate at scale, reselling stolen or counterfeit goods across countries and online platforms. To counter this global threat, advanced Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology solutions act comprehensively, from the factory to the point of sale.
EAS systems, such as RF, deter and detect item theft, significantly reducing shrink. Meanwhile, RFID technology allows every item to be identified, tracked, and managed in real time, offering total inventory management and helping brands prevent product diversion or unauthorized channel entry. The combination of both technologies creates a powerful duo, deterring organized crime while enabling precise identification of stolen items and their location, allowing targeted reinforcement of security measures.
Checkpoint Systems’ Shieldtag™ further strengthens this protection. It’s a transparent coating that envelops the anti-theft label without affecting the brand’s image or product design, making it up to ten times harder to remove. This powerful adhesive and precision die-cutting technology are specifically engineered to resist tampering and removal attempts, offering retailers an additional layer of defense against professional theft.
Additionally, SWAT Solution™ redefines retail theft prevention by enhancing existing RF labels with advanced capabilities. SWAT is an entry-level benefit denial solution that makes stolen products unsuitable for resale: when the RF label is removed, it leaves a visible, persistent mark that resists the typical cleaning and removal techniques used by ORC teams. While the mark could only be removed with considerable effort, attempts to erase it generally cause additional damage, compromising the product’s value.
By applying SWAT to RF labels, the solution not only safeguards inventory but also deters the resale of stolen goods, but also enables the repatriation of stolen products when police raid criminals’ warehouses, helping create a more secure and traceable retail ecosystem..
Furthermore, there are systems capable of detecting illegal magnet use in fitting rooms, alerting staff in real time and reducing professional theft losses. Other advanced solutions identify booster bags, metal-lined bags used by criminals to bypass traditional alarm systems.
Ensuring Transparency and Product Authenticity
In an increasingly globalized and digital marketplace, supply chain transparency has become essential to protect both brands and consumers. The rise of e-commerce and logistical complexity has opened new opportunities for transnational organized crime to introduce counterfeit or diverted goods into the market. Ensuring product authenticity and traceability is therefore a key element in defending against these illicit practices.
Smart Labelling and Real-Time Visibility Across the Supply Chain
Transnational organized crime goes beyond theft. Counterfeiting and product diversion represent a growing threat to brand integrity and consumer safety. That’s why product transparency and authenticity are now fundamental pillars in the fight against organized crime.
Checkpoint Systems’ RFID and smart labeling solutions give each item a unique and verifiable identity. Through intelligent labeling, manufacturers and distributors can monitor the product’s entire journey, from production line to store,  guaranteeing full traceability and authenticity. This real-time control not only prevents counterfeit insertion but also provides precise data on inventory, turnover, and replenishment, optimizing operational efficiency and minimizing losses.
In a world where criminal networks operate with speed and sophistication, accurate information and total supply chain visibility are the best defense.
Checkpoint’s Commitment to Safer Global Trade
At Checkpoint Systems, we believe technology should serve as a tool for safer, more transparent, and more sustainable commerce. Our mission is to help businesses protect their products, profits, and reputation against the threats of transnational organized crime.
Through our end-to-end solutions, we support retailers at every step—from design and installation to optimization and maintenance. Beyond technology, we foster collaboration with retailers, law enforcement, and industry associations to build a global ecosystem of prevention and response.
Because protecting legitimate trade means protecting economic growth, jobs, and consumer trust.
