White-collar crimes cause ‘more financial harm’ than other offences

Céline Dostaler

White-collar crime, a term that encompasses frauds and thefts committed by business and government professionals, is not dependent on the threat of physical force or violence. Yet it is not a victimless crime, as a single scam can wipe out someone’s life savings or cost a group of investors dearly. As the Canadian Encyclopedia explains, “corporate crimes cause far more financial harm, and many more personal injuries (some leading to death) than do traditional crimes such as theft, robbery and assault.”

That is why the courts strive to impose harsh penalties for these crimes, as dictated by the Canadian Criminal Code or provincial and municipal laws. Depending on the offence, penalties include fines, paying the cost of prosecution, forfeitures, restitution and imprisonment. To read more, click here.