White collar crimes

E. H. Sutherland, in 1941, pointed out that besides the traditional crimes involving violence, like murder, dacoity, etc. there are certain other anti social activities that an individual belonging to the upper strata of society commits in the course of his occupation or profession. These criminal activities are called as white collar crimes as opposed to the traditional crimes or the blue collar crimes.
A white collar criminal belongs to the upper socio-economic class and violates the criminal law in the course of his professional work. Such a person is educated and holds a position of respectability. Crimes such as misrepresentation, fraud in the conduct of business, infringement of intellectual property, etc come under the purview of white collar crimes. White collar crimes are different from the traditional crimes, not only in the mode of conduct but also because of their impact on the society at large. The impact of certain white collar crimes can be felt at places and times far remote from where they have been committed.
Various factors effecting the instances of white collar crimes are the competition in the business and professional world, changing economic and industrial scenario, developments in the fields of science and technology and business monopolies, etc.
In India, white collar crime can be observed in the form of hoarding, black marketing and adulteration of foodstuffs and drugs, tax evasion, underhand dealings, keeping false records, money laundering, fabricating records and evidences, etc. White collar crimes are a part of various different professions and are observed in business dealings, engineering works, medical profession, legal profession, computer related activities like hacking, stalking, internet security violation, phishing activities, money laundering, etc.
White collar crimes can be combated by creating public awareness regarding the same. Further, it is required to make stricter laws and special tribunals to deal with them. Stricter punishments are also required to deal with such criminals.