UK freight association supports national police-led survey to assess threats to the UK supply chain

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is urging its members and the wider logistics and supply chain community to participate in a new police-led survey examining the growing threat posed by serious organized acquisitive crime (SOAC) across the UK.

The survey, launched by Opal, the national intelligence unit dedicated to tackling serious organized acquisitive crime, aims to build a clearer picture of the scale, nature, and impact of criminal activity affecting supply chains. Insights gathered will help inform law enforcement strategies and strengthen collaboration between industry and policing.

Opal operates as the intelligence and coordination function for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) portfolio on Serious and Organized Acquisitive Crime, under the Crime Operations Coordination Committee. The unit focuses on offences that span multiple police force areas, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, and works to identify, develop, and coordinate intelligence both within the UK and in connection with international criminal activity.

BIFA is actively supporting this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing security, resilience, and best practice across the freight forwarding and logistics sector.

Steve Parker, director general of BIFA, said: “Criminal activity targeting the supply chain continues to evolve in both sophistication and scale. It is essential that our industry works closely with law enforcement to ensure that emerging threats are properly understood and addressed.

“We strongly encourage all BIFA members and industry stakeholders to complete this survey, as the data collected will play a crucial role in shaping effective responses and safeguarding the integrity of UK supply chains.”

The survey is open to businesses and professionals operating across all areas of the supply chain, including freight forwarders, haulers, warehouse operators, and port and airport stakeholders.

Participation will help Opal and policing partners to identify key trends and vulnerabilities in supply chain operations; and develop targeted intelligence on organized criminal groups.

It will also assist in enhancing prevention and enforcement strategies; whilst strengthening industry-police collaboration.

BIFA emphasizes that all responses will contribute to a more coordinated national approach to tackling supply chain crime and protecting legitimate trade.