Catching the counterfeiters Forensic scientists spot the real from the fake Fake cigarettes can be almost impossible to tell from the real thing. But our team of specialists are trained to identify and forensically analyse counterfeit tobacco products. Our Anti-Illicit Trade Intelligence Unit (AITIU) conducts investigations around the world to help reduce tobacco trafficking. Working hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies worldwide, the Unit gathers and shares intelligence, monitors the destruction of seized products and machinery and analyses suspected counterfeits in our laboratories. Our Anti-Illicit Trade Intelligence Unit Laboratory was established in 1994 in response to the growing numbers of counterfeit cigarettes appearing on the black market. Based in Southampton in the UK, the lab team are mostly forensic scientists and are all experts in the authentication of BAT products. They provide a global service to law enforcement and customs authorities such as Europol, Interpol, local police and the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives) – to name just a few – identifying counterfeit cigarette products through forensic analysis. This analysis is focused on component packaging materials and is based on BAT’s materials specifications and standards. How to spot a counterfeit Print type Counterfeits are commonly printed in litho print. Use a magnifying lens to look at the print pattern under magnification. As well as identifying counterfeit product, the Lab’s experts can also pinpoint which illicit factories are counterfeiting our brands. Our scientists can profile entire illicit factories, determining how many machines they have and assessing their production capabilities without ever stepping inside the premises. Employing the same type of analysis ballistic experts use to prove a bullet was fired from a particular gun, our lab team can also prove that two counterfeit packs that may have been picked up in different countries have been manufactured on the same machine. Our AITIU lab team’s work is highly respected outside of BAT and they are sometimes called to act as expert witnesses in court proceedings. They also provide support at seizures and inspections, as well as providing training on how to recognise counterfeit cigarettes. 00:00 00:00 Anti-illicit trade intelligence unit See what our team of forensic scientists do in the labs in Southampton, UK Watch in higher quality on YouTube Download transcript (PDF 28kB) Innovation Changing the face of tobacco curing Catching the counterfeiters Benefiting from biotechnology Biodiversity Partnership paves the way Search BATS: LSE GBp 3735.50 (-17.50) About us Sustainable business Our industry Challenges and opportunities How we work From crop to consumer Our products Putting consumers first Innovation Tobacco and beyond Sustainability Investors Media Reporting Careers Contact us Worldwide Home Innovation Catching the counterfeiters Explore our world We are one of the world’s most international businesses and many of our Group companies have their own websites. @BATPress BAT Press Office @BATPress HMRC officers uncover first ever raw tobacco processing plant in Northern Ireland raid #illegaltobacco ➜ bbc.in/1CuvVh3 04 Feb Reply Retweet Favorite Alan O'Kelly @Alan_PJC Smugglers have closely examined how #plainpacks laws due to be introduced in Ire boosted illicit tobacco trade in Aus independent.ie/irish-news/pol… 02 Feb Reply Retweet Favorite Investors Current UK share price 3735.50p -17.50p 05/02/2015 06:43 Our reporting Contact us +44 (0) 20 7845 1000 British American Tobacco p.l.c. Globe House 4 Temple Place London WC2R 2PG © British American Tobacco Accessibility Conditions of use Financial information Privacy policy Cookie policy Site map