Common White Collar Crime and Prosecution
In the U.S., white collar crimes are rampant and more complex than ever as offenders use state of the art technology in their crooked dealings. Worse, it takes time to prosecute them for those crimes. Thus, talented investigators are required to handle these crimes. A prosecution team requires advanced tools and equipment to investigate and prosecute white collar crimes.
Hardest hit is the mortgage industry due to the housing market’s instability creating a favorable environment for white collar crime to thrive. Also, the following contributed to increased crime rates:
- Lack of informational sharing
- Foreclosure rescue
- Modification frauds
- Rent skimming
Examples of White Collar Crime
White collar crimes that have become common include:
- Bankruptcy fraud
- Securities
- Government procurement contracts
- Health care fraud
- Piracy/intellectual property offenses
- Insurance fraud
- Telemarketing Fraud
Most white collar offences are prosecuted by federal courts.
White collar offences are complicated and may need lots of resources to prosecute. Some cases may:
- Be difficult;
- Require investigators and prosecutors with special expertise.
In most cases, the local district attorney’s office may not have the resources to prosecute some complex white collar cases.
Cases involving huge losses may require federal authorities. Thus, white collar cases may be tried in states or the federal courts. Some cases are naturally tried in federal courts even if they violate state laws. The following offenses remain in the federal government:
- Bank fraud
- Commodities fraud
- Securities fraud
- Federal funds fraud
- Fraud by federal contractors
- Bribery involving federal government employees
- Income tax offenses
Investigating Federal White Collar Crimes
Government law investigation agencies are responsible for all white collar crimes. More than one agency may be involved in the investigation of white collar crime and prosecution. When a case is within more than two agencies’ range:
- Mortgage and bank fraud are investigated by the FBI.
- Taxation matters, money laundering and procurement fraud are IRS’s responsibility but other agencies like the FBI can investigate fraud.
- S. Postal inspectors investigate mail fraud.
Finally, immigration and customs law enforcers investigate counterfeit goods’ importation.
