Matthew Knowles was a keynote speaker at the Q1 Institute of Couriers Heads of Industry round table in January 2025, hosted at Guildhall in the City of London

Matthew spoke on copied, counterfeit goods and their route to the door. Fake automotive goods from tyres to brake pads made of sawdust and cardboard. Counterfeit air bags and driver danger at the heart of a wide detail of all things counterfeit finding their way via supply chains to express final mile and the consumer's door.

Matthew explained to the IOC fellows. ‘This illicit trade, which is second only to drugs trafficking for generating criminal proceeds, relies on a complex and transnational supply chain.

As well as data around transnational supply, Matthew focused on UK-based online selling groups (retail and wholesale) in geographical hotspots who exploit domestic courier services and offer next day delivery of illicit goods.

Moving to lithium batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters, Matthew also highlighted the dangers of counterfeit and unsafe electrical goods, which often lack vital safety features and components.

Matthew took the opportunity to propose a question to industry on how best the private sector, and relevant law enforcement and regulatory bodies, can assist the logistics sector with tackling and disrupting this supply.

Matthew is set to deliver more detail to the next IOC security group round table.