Exploring the Characteristics of White-Collar Criminals: A Cross-Case Analysis

Abstract

Many countries have faced the issue of white collar crime long time ago. With concern to the crime, this study conducted to explore the characteristics of white-collar criminals in Malaysia. A qualitative method has been implemented in conducting this study by using case study approach. Ten selected officers from two agencies namely Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) have been interviewed to know their views and opinions towards this issue. To have a rich finding, a semi-structured interview was used as an instrument. Besides, a cross-case analysis also added to compare the similarities and differences of the results. From the interviewed, results revealed that, exploits his/her position, lack of religiosity, lack of integrity, lack of value, rule violator, smart and strategize, careless, does not know about the punishment, educated, ego, habit and professional were the characteristics mentioned by the participants. Among the characteristics, lack of integrity was noted and agreed by both agencies. The findings showed that the characteristics of individual involve in white collar crime were varied. It also become the factor contribute to white collar crime.