White-collar crime
White-collar crime is an informal label for non violent, financially motivated offences committed in a business or professional setting, such as fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, bribery and money laundering. The Criminal Code does not define it; the specific offences, such as fraud, are set out separately.
How BC law treats it
Fraud is an offence under s. 380 of the Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46, and charges are laid by police and approved by Crown counsel. The BC Securities Commission enforces the Securities Act, RSBC 1996, c 418 through administrative proceedings and may pursue quasi-criminal prosecutions, and victims can bring civil claims to recover losses.
What it means for your business
Internal controls, such as separating payment approval from bookkeeping, are the best protection against employee fraud.
Risks and common mistakes
Delaying action after discovering fraud can allow assets to be moved beyond reach before a freezing order is sought.
Fulcrum's litigation lawyers can help with these issues.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
