The key to successfully dealing with illegal trade is Interagency Cooperation as well as cooperation with the private sector.

The Interagency Market Control Unit (DIMEA) is in constant communication and direct cooperation with competent Law Enforcement Authorities of the country (Hellenic Police, Municipal Police, Coast Guard etc.) and abroad (OLAF, EUIPO), as the purpose of the Service is the orderly functioning of the market, including the protection of Intellectual Property rights (IPR) through the application of existing legislation, concerning the imposition of fines, criminal prosecution and confiscation – destruction of counterfeit/forged products found.

According to ongoing studies by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and EUROPOL regarding Intellectual Property crimes and their interconnection with other crimes, linked to the illegal trafficking of goods and services, they demonstrate a wide range of criminal activities across the territory.

Role of DIMEA: Strengthening cooperation and coordination to jointly tackle illegal trade, in order to:

• develop a common strategy to deal with illegal trade throughout the Greek territory,
• ensure the full implementation of the relevant legislation on trading and handling of goods
• ensure the smooth and legal functioning of the market based on the interests of consumers and healthy entrepreneurship

Involved bodies to tackle illegal trade:

• Finally, on the basis of an MoU, DIMEA also cooperates with the Industrial Property Organization (OBI), with the aim of training the involved entities for enforcement of the relative legislation in Intellectual Property matters and raising awareness and informing the public.