A white-collar crime in Oklahoma is usually a nonviolent financial scheme committed by people in business sectors. Some examples of white-collar crime include money laundering and insider trading. Statistics put how prevalent these crimes are into perspective and offer a better understanding of offenders.
General white-collar crime information and figures
Figures show that 4,727 white-collar crimes were prosecuted in 2021 and account for 3% of yearly federal prosecutions. White-collar crime costs the U.S. around $300 billion yearly, and it cost businesses 5% of revenue annually.
The most common white-collar crime is a fraud, which makes up 63% of cases, followed by embezzlement. Financial statement fraud is the least common crime but the most expensive, causing an average loss of $954,000. The least expensive and most common type of white-collar fraud is asset misappropriation, causing an average loss of $100,000.
The FBI commonly investigates 42% of cases while the U.S. Postal Service, Secret Service, and IRS investigate 10%. The average penalty for insider trading is $5 million for individuals and a fine in addition to up to 20 years in jail.
Facts on offenders
The typical offender is a married white male between 41 and 60, accounting for 75% of all offenders. Data shows that 62% of offenders are married, 50% own homes, and many of them have a bachelor’s degree. Many offenders have never been charged with a crime, and around 15% didn’t present red flags before getting caught.
Half of the reported crimes were committed by those invited into the business, which includes partners, suppliers and vendors. A 2020 survey revealed an internal perpetrator committed 37% of the crimes with the most offenses committed by middle management.
A white-collar crime charge can result in hefty fines, supervised release, and long jail terms. However, the defense may fight charges with valid defenses, such as entrapment.
