Corporate Crime
Definition
Illegal acts committed by or on behalf of a corporate organisation for the organisation's benefit. Distinct from occupational crime because the wrongdoing is a product of organisational decision-making, not individual self-interest. Examples include price-fixing cartels, systematic environmental violations, and product safety fraud.
- Beneficiary
- The organisation, not the individual
- Distinguished from
- Occupational crime (individual self-interest)
- Source
- Organisational decision-making
- Examples
- Price-fixing cartels, environmental violations, product safety fraud
Common questions
Why does the corporate versus occupational distinction matter for an investigator?+
It changes who is culpable and where evidence of intent must be found: occupational crime is traced to an individual's personal gain, while corporate crime requires establishing that policy, incentives, or decisions at an organisational level directed or tolerated the conduct.
Can a single employee's actions still count as corporate crime?+
Yes, if the employee acted to further the organisation's interests under a policy or culture that encouraged or permitted the conduct, rather than purely for personal benefit, the act can still be classed as corporate rather than occupational crime.
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