Journal of Financial Crime

Purpose – The paper aims to analyse economic crimes in the construction industry with special reference to dealing in receipts. First, its purpose is to obtain knowledge on the extent of economic crimes as well as dealing in receipts in the construction industry. Second, it seeks to find more detailed information about cases, suspects and companies involved with these crimes. Finally, it aims to assess financial losses to society.

Design/methodology/approach – This analysis is based on economic crime suspicions, which were recorded in the national police information system in 2007, and whose pre-trial investigation was concluded before the end of March 2009. Open source information was utilized as well.

Findings – In 2007, there were 1,590 economic crime suspicions and one-seventh was related to the construction industry. Results indicated that almost three-quarters of the economic crimes in the construction industry were related to dealing in receipts. Aggravated forms of crimes were most common.

Originality/value – This is the first register-based study analysing economic crimes in the Finnish construction industry. Also, internationally there are only a few studies focusing on the construction industry, even if it is one of the core areas of grey economy due to the high level of subcontracting.