# Introduction

Figure 1 Judge’s gavel

When we think of crime, we often imagine individuals acting alone, but did you know some of the most serious offences take place within businesses and organisations that appear legitimate? Corporate fraud and criminal behaviour refer to illegal actions or serious misconduct carried out by people within companies, often hidden behind complex systems and professional reputations.

This course explores how fraud, insider dealing, bribery, money laundering, and other types of corporate wrongdoing occur. It also outlines what legal measures exist to prevent and respond to them. You’ll learn about different forms of financial and organisational crime, the warning signs to watch for, and the responsibilities companies have to prevent such behaviour.

You’ll examine real-world examples of corporate crime and consider the wider impact these offences can have. This course will equip you with the knowledge to think critically about corporate responsibility and crime.

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course B251 Business Law.

OpenLearn - Corporate fraud and criminal behaviour
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