Europe’s fake pesticide crisis: inside a $20 billion illegal trade

By&nbspEuronews

Published on
15/09/2026 – 15:00 GMT+2

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In northern Greece, cut-price illegal pesticides smuggled in by organised crime networks are tempting cash-strapped farmers, despite mounting evidence of the risks to health and the environment.

Up to 14% of Europe’s pesticide market may be counterfeit or illegal, rising to 25% in parts of Greece.

Farmers in Serres say the appeal is purely financial: illegal products can cost a sixth of the approved price. But scientists warn these unregulated substances, often smuggled from Turkey, contain carcinogenic chemicals banned across the EU.

Police describe organised international networks moving products by car, truck and even tourist bus. Since 2020, authorities have seized nearly 8,700 tonnes of banned pesticides, part of a trade worth an estimated $20 billion globally each year, according to TRACIT.

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Europe’s fake pesticide crisis: inside a $20 billion illegal trade

In northern Greece, cut-price illegal pesticides smuggled in by organised crime networks are tempting cash-strapped farmers, despite mounting evidence of the risks to health and the environment.

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