A new survey says that white collar crime cost Irish business more than €2 billion last year, and that 34% of companies surveyed had taken disciplinary action against their own staff.
The survey looked at fraud, embezzlement and internet crime as well as cheque and credit card fraud.
Some of the country’s largest companies, with total sales of €8 billion, were surveyed.
The survey found almost half of companies believe the problem will worsen. Four fifths of firms say if it emerged they were the victims of these crimes it would damage their reputations.
One new area of concern is the internet, where fraudsters frequently masquerade as internet banks and send customers messages seeking their account details.
The survey, by accountants RSM Robson Rhodes in association with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said that almost half of companies had no insurance against economic crime.
Commenting on the report, the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, said: ‘The fiction that white collar crime is a victimless crime must be overcome.’
Mr McDowell said the negative effects of economic crime are suffered by everyone in the State.
