International conference on the future of the postage stamp “How to effectively combat illegal issues,” -What the international philatelic community can do. Tunis, May By Dickson Rayori - PAPU 1

Outline Introduction Definition of subject Illegal activities on stamps International philatelic community Facts on stamps environment Concerted actions by the IPC Conclusion 2

Introduction The primary role of a stamp is prepayment of postage. Other roles: Paper ambassadors representing countries Bearers of celebratory images Bearers of a country’s cultural heritage, history, natural resources, Statements of sovereignty Brand images of postal administrations Bearers of private advertising Marketing tools Collectable items and souvenirs for hobbyists 3

Illegal stamp issues: Refers to the production, distribution and marketing, in the names of the countries concerned, of abusive, illegal and unauthorized stamps which also undermine the sovereignty of the countries and the revenue potential for their postal service 4

The stamp has been a target of illegal activities for a long time targeting mostly Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia: Illegal issues Abusive issues/ pornography Loss of revenue for postal administrations estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars Attack on the culture and national image of countries Used for money laundering Risk to international security Undermining the noble traditions and roles of philately in society Threatening the decency of the hobby Perpetration of illegal activities 5

Who are they? Philatelists (collectors) Printers Agents Dealers Philatelic journalists Catalogue editors Auctioneers Organizers of international Stamp exhibitions WADP FIP What can the international philatelic community do? 6

Facts on illegal issues Fact # 1. Illegal issues are multi-million dollar business, causing huge losses to postal administrations/countries concerned Fact # 2. The problem is global; and international collaboration and solidarity among the philatelic community stands the best chance of success in combating the crime. 7

Fact # 3. Transactions on illegal issues are mostly done on the internet; the offending websites are well known but their physical addresses remain illusive Fact # 4 The crime is perpetrated in foreign jurisdictions with unfamiliar legal settings, creating a nightmare for victims who may not have the resources, skills and knowledge to respond effectively. Facts cont’d 8

Fact # 5 The fraudsters target small poor countries, invariably developing countries that generally lack clear stamp production policies and programmes Fact # 6 The countries concerned in many instances, and for reasons that are not clear, do not normally participate in international conferences and workshops on illegal issues Facts cont’d 9

International intervention Sensitization/communication among the stakeholders to be more vigilant and exchange of information on suspicious stamp themes and images on the global scale is key: International conferences and workshops such as this one Direct contact with stamp collectors via the internet, during international stamp exhibitions, etc. Development of websites, online bulletins by philatelic journalists and others to counter the illegal activities Solicit the help of catalogue editors to sensitize collectors, legal authorities on this threat 10

International intervention cont’d Assistance to postal administrations in monitoring dealers and agents to ensure the integrity of contractual agreements Re-look at legal mechanisms in countries where fraudsters operate to determine whether any loopholes exist and how these can be sealed and punitive action taken against them The role of WADP and FIP Stakeholders to be more vigilant to block fraudsters through all possible media including internet, catalogues, press releases, stamps themselves, etc. 11

Conclusion The UPU, WADP and FIP are doing commendable work to combat illegal issues, but the problem is far from being resolved Illegal issues pose a serious problem to the revenues and image of UPU member countries, especially from Africa There is need for development of an effectively coordinated action plan by stakeholders to urgently address the problem 12

Conclusion cont’d If necessary, use legal mechanism to fight the crime The physical addresses/location of perpetrators can be established through cooperation and support of postal administrations of UPU member countries Illegal issues are a scourge for postal administrations that must be tackled urgently 13

THANK YOU 14