Introduction

This book discusses the rise of international economic crime and recent U.S. and international strategies to combat such crime. It is organized into three main sections. The first discusses substantive crimes, particularly tax, money laundering and counterterrorism financial enforcement, transnational corruption, transnational organized crime, and export control and economic sanctions. The second part discusses procedural aspects of international white collar crime, namely extraterritorial jurisdiction, evidence gathering, extradition, and international prisoner transfer. The third part discusses the role of international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank Group, INTERPOL, and economic integration groups.

Although there is no recognized category of “business crimes” or white collar crimes, this book includes within substantive white collar crimes those mentioned earlier. The term “white collar crime” was coined by Edwin Sutherland in a speech to the American Sociological Society in 1939. Subsequently, he stated that it “may be defined approximately as a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation.” Thereafter, a variety of definitions have been applied to white collar crime.

Environment Giving Rise to International Economic Crimes

Contemporary transnational criminals take advantage of globalization, trade liberalization, and emerging new technologies to commit a diverse range of crimes and to move money, goods, services, and people instantaneously for purposes of pure economic gain, political violence, or both. A key component facilitating international white collar or economic crime is trade liberalization, especially free trade agreements (FTAs).