Work

Illegal grain market in Ukraine: Harvesting war opportunities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Based on empirical evidence, this research: highlights the timeline of changes in Ukrainian agricultural sector since the onset of the full-scale war in 2022 and the maritime blockade affecting exports; examines the relevant transformation of the illegal grain market amid these extraordinary turbulent circumstances; describes the key components of the heterogeneous illegal grain market, which includes the export of "black" grain through the grain corridor and trade in grain as a looted commodity from the occupied territories; identifies the role of organized crime and corruption in illegal transactions of wartime, considering the pre-existing models of the shadow economy functioning. The findings of this research may serve as a theoretical and methodological framework for studying scenarios of illicit economies in the context of armed conflicts and other systemic crises at both national and transnational levels.

Source: Journal of Economic Criminology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconc.2025.100160

Author: Tetiana Melnychuk

Institutions: Osnabrück University, National University Odesa Law Academy

Language: English

Topic: Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Zero hunger, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,540