theguardian.com
Food Crime Targeting Small Producers
Organized crime targets small food producers due to supply chain vulnerabilities, resulting in significant financial losses.
English
United Kingdom
UkCrimeFraudSupply ChainTheftFood Industry
Neal's Yard DairyChapel And Swan SmokehouseMetropolitan PoliceNational Food Crime UnitScottish Food Crime And Incidents Unit
Dr Kreseda SmithChris SwalesStefan HauserDr Jonathan DaviesLouise Manning
- Who are the primary targets of these crimes?
- Criminals impersonate legitimate buyers, leading to significant financial losses for victims. This is exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and increased food prices.
- What is the main issue discussed in the text?
- Small food producers are increasingly targeted by organized crime due to vulnerabilities in their supply chains and lack of resources for due diligence.
- What factors are contributing to this increase in food crime?
- The rise in food crime involves both criminal gangs and insiders within legitimate businesses, sometimes collaborating.
- Can you provide specific examples of these food-related crimes?
- Examples include large-scale cheese theft, smoked salmon scams, and red wine heists, totaling hundreds of thousands of pounds in losses.
- What is the role of insiders or individuals within the food industry?
- Experts attribute the increase to supply chain pressures (pandemic, Brexit, war in Ukraine, climate change), making smaller businesses easier targets.