Researchers Find Path to White Collar Crime Often a Gradual Process

Canadian business researchers have discovered what may well be the worst 12-step program ever. While the majority of such programs are designed with the intent of improving the lives of those who in the thrall of addictions to things like alcohol, narcotics and gambling, this one liberates its adherents from the tyranny of being an ethical human being.

According to a soon to be published article in the International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, white collar criminals, the likes of which have filled our headlines and captivated our imaginations over the past few years, tend to follow very a similar pattern as they cheat their way to ruin, a pattern that, from start to finish, is composed of 12 individual steps.

First, the perpetuator comes into a position of power enabling them to pull off the crime in the first place.

Second, they recognize their ability to do so.

Third, they begin drawing what the researchers call “drivers,” others inside, or associated with, the organization that turn a blind eye or even condone these activities.

Forth, those not already participating in the scheme recognize that they could stand to benefit from it.

Fifth, those who recognize the chance to benefit but are still reluctant to, you know, engage in fraud are drawn into the scheme by the instigator, usually by deceit.

Sixth, a distrust of those involved begins to emerge. Think of three bank robbers who refuse to go to sleep in the presence of the other two while the trio guards the loot. Why trust them? After all, they’re criminals!

Seventh, the instigator begins exploiting the fact that the accomplices are vulnerable, which usually forces complicity.

Eighth, bullying tactics intensify as more illegal goals are aimed for.

Ninth, the perpetrator starts getting more brazen in their crimes, almost addicted to their ill-gotten gains, such as New York attorney Marc Dreier, who, upon being convicted of running a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, confessed that he eventually found himself in a “quicksand of spending.” This seems to be when they start buying gold plated helicopters.

Tenth, it slowly dawns on the perpetrator that, maybe, what they’re doing may not be the most ethical of ways to conduct one’s self. Consequently, it may become increasingly difficult to look one’s self in the mirror every day.

Eleventh, one of the accomplices, or the perpetrator him or herself, finally cracks and becomes a whistleblower. Things, at this point, are officially out of control.

Twelfth, the crime finally catches up with those involved, at which point they either deny everything ("I will die and go to hell if it's a Ponzi scheme. It's no Ponzi scheme") or admit guilt and seek forgiveness.