Financial Crime World

Crime and Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Growing Concern

In recent years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen a significant decrease in the total number of registered criminal offenses. Between 2012 and 2016, the number decreased by 26.55%. This trend is particularly evident in property-related crimes, which saw a decline of 35.50% during the same period.

  • Decrease in Total Number of Registered Crimes: 26.55% decrease between 2012 and 2016
  • Decline in Property-Related Crimes: 35.50% decrease between 2012 and 2016

Organized Crime: A Growing Threat

Organized crime has become increasingly sophisticated, with a focus on “white-collar” crimes linked to corruption. These groups often have corrupt relationships with government officials, which helps them evade prosecution and launder their illicit profits.

  • Sophistication of Organized Crime: Focus on white-collar crimes linked to corruption
  • Corrupt Relationships with Government Officials: Helps organized crime groups evade prosecution and launder illicit profits

High-Threat Crimes: Corrupt Offenses on the Rise

Corrupt criminal offenses are rated as high threats, with an increasing trend. Examples include abuse of official position, bribery, and money laundering.

  • Abuse of Official Position: A corrupt offense that involves misuse of authority
  • Bribery: The act of offering or receiving something in exchange for favor or influence
  • Money Laundering: The process of making illicitly gained profits appear legitimate

Corruption: A Major Issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Corruption is a major issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with government officials often engaging in corrupt practices. The most common forms of corruption are abuse of official position or authority, misconduct in the service, and receiving bribes by officials.

  • Abuse of Official Position: Misuse of authority for personal gain
  • Misconduct in the Service: Engaging in activities that undermine the integrity of public services
  • Receiving Bribes by Officials: Accepting gifts or favors in exchange for favor or influence

Money Laundering: A Complex Issue

A large number of cases involve money laundering from various forms of abuse, including fictitious services contracts. These cases often involve significant amounts of money, with tens of millions of BAM (Bosnian mark) being “laundered” through corrupt criminal offenses committed by responsible persons in legal entities and civil servants.

  • Fictitious Services Contracts: A form of money laundering that involves creating false invoices or contracts
  • Significant Amounts of Money Involved: Tens of millions of BAM (Bosnian mark) being laundered through corrupt criminal offenses

Tax Evasion: A High-Threat Crime

Tax evasion and related crimes are rated as high threats, but the report does not provide specific details on these cases.

  • Tax Evasion: The act of avoiding or underpaying taxes
  • Related Crimes: Other offenses that involve tax evasion or the use of illicit funds to evade taxes