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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

A woman smokes a joint during a rally against drug trafficking and in favour for the legalisation of self-cultivation of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes in Valparaiso city, about 121km northwest of Santiago, Chile.

While majority of world's trade is legal, a large part of it is illegal. Athorities all across the world, including in India, are continously taking steps to stop the flow of illegal businesses, but it continues to increase.

Let's take a look at eight illegal activities that generate most revenue in the world.

Source: The Economist

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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

A woman smokes a large marijuana joint at the Vancouver Art Gallery during the annual 4/20 day, which promotes the use of marijuana, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Drug trafficking

Global revenue in 2012: $320 billion

Overall rank in revenue: 1

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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

A police officer immerses a counterfeit dollar bill in liquid to show its quality during a media conference in Lima, Peru.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Global revenue in 2012: $250 billion

Overall rank in revenue: 2

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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

Human trafficking

Global revenue in 2012: $32 billion

Overall rank in revenue: 3

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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

A baby monkey, a lion cub and tiger cubs play at the Guaipo Manchurian Tiger Park in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. Photo is for representation purpose only.

Wildlife trafficking

Global revenue in 2012: $19 billion

Overall rank in revenue: 4

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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

A man carries petrol in a plastic bag in Brasilia, Brazil.

Oil trade

Global revenue in 2012: $11 billion

Overall rank in revenue: 5

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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

A man fishes in the waters of the Black Sea in Sochi, Russia.

Fishing

Global revenue in 2012: $10 billion

Overall rank in revenue: 6

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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

Logs cut from the Amazon rainforest are transported by barge to a shipping port, just off Marajo Island near the mouth of the Amazon River, in Brazil.

Logging

Global revenue in 2012: $10 billion

Overall rank in revenue: 7

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World's 8 biggest illegal businesses

Last updated on: May 7, 2013 12:19 IST

People cross a street after rainfall in central Auckland, New Zealand. Photo is for representation purpose only.

Human organs

Global revenue in 2012: $600 million

Overall rank in revenue: 8