Illicit trade's ancestor, smuggling, traces back to ancient times, and many a "thieves' market" survives in the world's commercial hubs.

NPR: Tracking the World's Black Market: 'Illicit'

Its aim was to make it easier to trace stolen metal and restrict the market in which thieves can operate.

BBC: Church lead thefts 'drop by 70%' in Cornwall

The problem with the so called free market is there are too, too many liars, thieves and charlatans out there to let them run free.

FORBES: Obama's Stark Progressivism Gives Voters Choice Of The Century