White Collar and Organized Crime Flashcards
White-Collar Crime
Violations of the criminal law committed by persons of respectability and high social status in the course of their occupation
White Collar crime stats
- White-collar crimes are far less likely to be investigated, arrested, or prosecuted than other types of offenders.
- White-collar crimes result in $300 billion in annual losses.
Occupational Crime
Any act punishable by law that is committed through opportunity created in the course of an occupation which is legal.
Environmental Crimes
Violations of the criminal law that, although typically committed by business or business officials, may also be committed by other individuals or organizational entities and that damage some protected or otherwise significant aspect of natural environment.
Terrorism and white-collar crime
- Terrorist activities frequently involve some form of white-collar crime because terrorists need money for daily living expenses.
- Terrorist groups also frequently send a portion of their money acquired from illegal activities back to their home country or pass it along to those who are higher up in the chain of command.
White-collar crime characteristics
They are not as dangerous as other forms of crime.
They provide relatively large rewards.
The rewards they produce may follow quickly from their commission.
Sanctions associated with them may be vague or rarely imposed.
May require only minimal effort for those with requisite skills to engage in them.
White-collar crime characteristics (continued)
High educational levels A commitment to the status quo Personal motivation to succeed Deference to others Attention to conventional appearance Other inherent aspects of social conformity
Culture Conflict Theory
A sociological perspective on crime that suggests that the root cause of criminality can be found in clash of values between variously socialized groups over what is acceptable or proper behavior.
Why are white-collar crimes difficult to investigate?
- White-collar criminals are better educated
- White collar criminals are better able to conceal their offenses
- Often the evidence involved is only understandable to financial or legal experts and can be difficult for jurors to understand
- Business executives are often able to hire excellent defense attorneys
Corporate Fraud Task Force
A U.S. Department of Justice organization created by George W. Bush to investigate corporate fraud.
Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force
An organization created by Obama administration to combat financial fraud.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002)
A federal law that set stiff penalties for corporate wrongdoings.
Organized Crime
Unlawful activities of the members of highly organized, disciplined association engaged in supplying illegal goods and services, including prostitution, gambling, loan-sharking, narcotics, and labor racketeering.
Organized Crime
Unlawful activities of the members of highly organized, disciplined association engaged in supplying illegal goods and services, including prostitution, gambling, loan-sharking, narcotics, and labor racketeering.
Mafia
Another name for Sicilian organized crime.
La Cosa Nostra
- Literally, “our thing.”
- A criminal organization of Sicilian origin.
Ethnic Succession
The continuing process whereby one immigrant or ethnic group succeeds another by assuming its position in society.
Activities of Organized Crime
- Racketeering
- Vice operations
- Theft/fence rings
- Gangs
- Terrorism
Criminal Enterprise
A group of individuals with an identifiable hierarchy, and extensive supporting networks, engaged in significant criminal activity.
Transnational Organized Crime
Unlawful activity undertaken and supported by organized criminal groups operating across national boundaries.
Hobbs Act
- The first federal legislation aimed specifically at curtailing the activities of organized crime.
- Federal violation to engage in any form of criminal behavior that interferes with interstate commerce.
Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act
A statue that was part of the federal Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and is intended to combat criminal conspiracies.
Asset Forfeiture
- A type of punishment provided under RICO.
- The authorized seizure of money, negotiable instruments, securities, or other things of value.
4 approaches to controlling organized crime
1) Increasing resources available to law enforcement
agencies
2) Increasing law enforcement authority
3) Reducing the economic lure of involvement in organized crime
4) Decreased criminal activity through decriminalization or legalization
