Mr. Byrne has been working at JTI for over 12 years and has held various roles in Anti-Illicit Trade (AIT). He currently leads JTIs Global Illicit-Trade Operations (AITO) team of 40 professionals drawn from various backgrounds, including law enforcement and private industry, based in strategic locations worldwide. The team focuses on the primary threats from illegal trade including tackling counterfeit, supply chain security, illegal online sales and Illicit Whites or Non-Counterfeit Illicit Products (NCIPs). The team supports law enforcement agencies globally through provision of reliable and actionable information, product analysis, training and awareness. It engages with local, national and international law enforcement agencies such as police, customs OLAF, Europol, HMRC etc.

Mr. Byrne has expansive knowledge and expertise in the investigation of serious crimes. He spent 23 years with An Garda Siochana, the Irish police force, where he held a number of investigative roles. During his tenure, Mr. Byrne was seconded to the Criminal Assets Bureau, a multi-agency team comprised of Police, Customs, Tax officials and Social Security Officials, where he managed and oversaw numerous investigations concerning the tracing of illegal finances and proceeds derived from criminal activity and organized crime.