The maritime industry is not immune to criminal activities. In fact, crimes on the high seas are prevalent yet governments are finding it hard to provide lasting solutions. Piracy alone is costing the international economy between $7 to $12 billion annually. But piracy is not the only problem plaguing the marine economic sector.
International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the international trading and shipping industry crime prevention and combating agency under the ICC Commercial Crime Services, has recently issued a warning for fraudulent Nigerian oil product shipments. The documents of said illegal shipments may seem authentic, particularly the bill of lading, but on closer scrutiny would reveal significant troubling discrepancies. This type of maritime fraud usually adhere to most of the details stated in the bill of lading which was lawfully issued including: nature and quantity of shipment, shipping vessel and loading and discharge ports. However, the carriers and dates of shipment are different from those stated in the bill.
This issue addresses the importance of being extremely careful and meticulous even when transacting with liner shipping companies who have established trading records, not only in purchasing oil products from other countries, but with any shipment affair.
Sometimes, even if buyers and carriers are extremely meticulous, paper trail documentation can still be counterfeited. One of the best solutions to remedy this problem is by implementing advanced marine software solutions that would guarantee secure business transactions. Liner agencies processing documents through a liner shipping software will provide buyers with secure electronic documentation and reports. This will effectively minimize maritime fraud in the shipping businesses.
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