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Employees 'think fraud crimes are acceptable'

Published on 10 Jun 2009 under category: legal

New figures suggested fraud crimes could rise in the coming year, as a survey found half of staff think unethical behaviour is acceptable in the recession.

The research from consultancy firm Ernst and Young stated that financial crime, or fraud, may rise in the recession as employees look to gain extra money.

Of the 2,200 staff surveyed 47 per cent think unethical behaviour, including bribery and fraud crimes, are acceptable, while Turkey was found to be the worst country, with 53 per cent thinking it is justified.

The research of managers found a quarter think it is ok to pay out cash to win contracts and 13 per cent of top bosses think fiddling financial results is acceptable.

David Stulb, global fraud investigation and dispute services leader at Ernst & Young, said: "The findings of this survey show there is a disappointing tolerance of unethical behaviour amongst employees in companies across Europe."

The results are backed by comments from the City of London Police last month, which stated they expect a rise in white collar crime in the recession and will be cracking down on it.