More than three-quarters of cargo thefts in Gulf countries occur in logistics centers and warehouses, according to a new report from the TT Club and BSI.

Designed as a risk mitigation tool for transport operators, the International Freight Forwarding Insurer and Business and Standards Improvement Company report comes during a seasonal peak in freight movements.

The main findings of “Cargo-related crime in the Gulf countries and regional free trade zones” are as follows: 76% of cargo thefts originate from warehouses and storage facilities; crime hot spots are in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia; high value goods such as electronics are targeted; insider help and corruption play a major role; and illicit smuggling is widespread in free zones (FTAs).

The report highlights that warehouse thefts and supply chain corruption are strengths, with a focus on higher risk areas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) . The role of special economic zones in the Middle East also influences regional disparities in cargo theft.

Free zones (FTAs) are an important feature of the regional economy and represent potential vulnerabilities for supply chains by facilitating high volumes of trade under streamlined customs procedures that can provide opportunities for criminals to trade. to act. Additionally, as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies return to pre-pandemic levels and data provided by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) projects trade growth, it is possible that criminals also seek to exploit these higher volumes of goods. debit to introduce illicit drugs and counterfeit products into shipments.

The report also contains valuable advice on risk mitigation. These guidelines are intended to prevent the introduction of drugs into consignments; reduce thefts from facilities and tackle counterfeit smuggling, all of which are of particular concern in the Middle East region.

Mike Yarwood of the TT Club said, “Our reports are intended to alert supply chain players to the changing and developing trends in the risk of cargo theft during intermodal transport. The unique combination of data from BSI on criminal activity and TT Club insurance claims files provides valuable information to operators.

“Regular updates of this nature are essential as criminal gangs are constantly changing their points of attack. The current prevalence of supply chain congestion, delays, disruptions and, in the Middle East region, especially crowded warehouses, makes this information essential. “