Economic crime remains a serious challenge to business leaders, government officials and private individuals in South Africa according to The PwC Global Economic Crime Survey 2016. In this survey it was found that the trend has remained unchanged from 2014, with 69% of South African respondents indicating that they had experienced some form of it in 24 months preceding the survey. When compared to the global statistics of 36%, South African’s are faced with the stark reality that economic crime is at a pandemic level!
Top ten countries reporting most economic crime:
- South Africa – 69%
- France – 68%
- Kenya – 61%
- Zambia – 61%
- Spain – 55%
- United Kingdom – 55%
- Australia – 52%
- Russian Federation – 48%
- Belgium – 45%
- Netherlands – 45%
The fact that included in the top ten reporting countries are what are considered to be developed countries brings home a clear message that this is a global issue and one that affects developed markets as much as it does emerging ones!
Breakdown of economic crime types experienced over the past 24 months:
“Today, more than ever before, a passive approach to detecting and preventing economic crime is a recipe for disaster” – Dion Shango, PwC CEO for Southern Africa
So how do business leaders, government officials and private individuals detect it?
The Good News!
This years survey showed an increased detection by means of whistleblowing hotlines over the last two years. This is a sign of growing confidence within society of being able to do the right thing without fear of reprisal. As the number one identifier in fraud, according to the ACFE Report to the Nations 2014 Survey, companies need to consider implementing an independent whistleblowing hotline service provider.
Contact us today for more information on our Whistleblowing Hotline and help us prevent crime, fraud and corruption.
Leave a Reply