Facts are useful when debating the extent of fraud. Within the world of corporate fraud, a useful source for some facts is KPMG’s 2013 summary report on corporate fraud. According to the web page for the study:
“Global profiles of the fraudster contains KPMG International’s analysis of 596 fraudsters member firms investigated between 2011 and 2013 with insights into the relationship between the attributes of fraudsters, their motivations and the environments in which they flourish.
KPMG International gathered data from fraud investigations conducted by KPMG member firms’ forensic specialists in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMA), the Americas, and Asia-Pacific regions between August 2011 and February 2013.
The survey examined ‘white-collar’ crime investigations conducted across the three regions where we were able to identify the perpetrator and could provide detailed contextual information on the crime.
We have developed a series of themes in order to understand the changing relationship among the fraudster, his/her environment and the frauds committed. And after taking into account the insights of our investigation leaders around the world, we conclude that the type of fraud and the type of fraudster are continually changing.”