🎧 Host(s)

Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles

🎤 Guest

Mollie Sitkowski – Partner at Faegre Drinker

📅 Published Date

March 26, 2026

⏱️ Episode Length

~36 minutes

🧠 Episode Summary

In this episode of Simply Trade [CRIMES], we dive into a real-world trade case that highlights what can go wrong when compliance breaks down.

Joined by trade attorney Mollie Sitkowski, Lalo and Andy unpack the details behind the case—what happened, where things went sideways, and what trade professionals can learn from it.

From regulatory missteps to enforcement realities, this episode goes beyond theory and into the practical consequences companies face when trade compliance isn’t handled correctly.

If you’ve ever wondered how small decisions can escalate into major legal and financial exposure—this episode is for you.

🔑 Key Learnings

How real trade violations unfold in practice—not just in theory
The role of intent vs. negligence in enforcement actions
Common compliance gaps that can lead to significant penalties
How customs authorities evaluate and pursue cases
What companies should be doing to mitigate risk before issues arise

💡 Key Takeaways

Trade compliance failures often start with small oversights that compound over time
Documentation, classification, and internal controls are critical risk areas
Enforcement is not just about penalties—it’s about accountability and precedent
Having the right expertise (legal + compliance) can change the outcome significantly
Learning from real cases is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your program

⚖️ Case Breakdown

Overview of the case and key facts
What triggered enforcement attention
Where the compliance breakdown occurred
Legal arguments and outcomes
Broader implications for the trade community

🔗 Resources & Mentions

U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT)
Relevant customs regulations and enforcement frameworks

👏 Credits

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles
Guest: Mollie Sitkowski
Produced by Global Training Center

📲 Subscribe & Follow

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

🔗 Connect With Us

Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?

Have a case, insight, or experience worth sharing?
Join us on Simply Trade and be part of the conversation shaping the future of global trade.

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