Amanda Whitfort Emiline Smith Karen Laidler Cassandra Cross Katie Lowe Li-Fung Cho

Illicit Economies in Asia: Changes, effects and futures

A Talk by Karen Laidler , Associate Professor Cassandra Cross , Amanda Whitfort , Emiline Smith , Katie Lowe and Li-Fung Cho

About this Talk

In a moderated discussion, panellists provide an overview of their research on the varied illicit economies in Asia, in particular that of fraud and deception (online romance fraud), trafficking of wildlife, cultural objects and drugs. Panellists discuss what is distinct to these economies in Asia but also how they are connected to the global illicit economy. In doing so, we review the shifts and changes at the regional and global levels. Insights are shared into possible future developments in the illicit economies and the role Asia may play. The discussion will conclude with panellist sharing their experiences of researching illicit economies in Asia and how framing research in relation to illicit economies may facilitate impact.

02 December 2021, 10:00 AM

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

About The Speakers

Karen Laidler

Karen Laidler

Director, Centre for Criminology, University of Hong Kong

Professor of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Criminology


Cassandra Cross

Associate Professor Cassandra Cross

Queensland University of Technology

Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) in the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice


Amanda Whitfort

Amanda Whitfort

Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong

Associate Professor in Law


Emiline Smith

Emiline Smith

Lecturer, University of Glasgow

Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Glasgow, specializing in the trafficking of cultural and natural resources


Katie Lowe

Katie Lowe

Post Doctoral Fellow, HKU

Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Criminology, University of Hong Kong


Li-Fung Cho

Li-Fung Cho

Lecturer, University of Hong Kong Department of Sociology

Lecturer at the University of Hong Kong Sociology Department