WHAT IS
undermining criminality?
We are proud of our beautiful island. But there lurks a danger you may not immediately see: undermining criminality. This means criminals use honest citizens, public officials and businesses for illegal activities such as money laundering, human trafficking and corruption. They put pressure on vulnerable people to help them. This is how they try to abuse our society for their own benefit.
HOW do you notice it?
The consequences are closer than you think. Money intended for our society ends up in the hands of criminals instead of where it is needed, such as in our schools and hospitals. Home and product prices rise as criminals launder money in the real estate market and other sectors. This makes it harder for ordinary people to make ends meet. Honest people are coerced into engaging in illegal activities. In addition, our children are more at risk of being approached to engage in criminal activities, negatively impacting their future prospects.
THESE ARE THE
consequences
FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions
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WHAT IS UNDERMINING CRIMINALITY?Undermining criminality is when criminals use honest people and businesses for illegal activities, such as corruption, money laundering and human trafficking. They often coerce vulnerable people into helping them. Sometimes criminals try to influence the government. This way they try to abuse our society for their own benefit. This creates more insecurity, economic damage and less trust in the government.
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WHAT FORMS OF UNDERMINING CRIMINALITY ARE THERE?There are various forms, such as corruption, money laundering, human trafficking, tax evasion and smuggling of illegal goods.
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WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM?Undermining criminality gives criminals more influence in our society and erodes trust in government. Honestly earned money ends up in the wrong hands, causing higher prices and less money to be available for important things like schools and healthcare. It also damages our country's reputation, especially if we are seen as a place where money laundering is easy. Young people are also more likely to end up getting involved in crime, reducing their chances for a good future.
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WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ECONOMY?Criminals siphon off honestly earned money, prices rise because they launder money in the housing market, for example, and honest businesses face unfair competition. This causes damage to the economy and reduces confidence in the market.
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WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESSES?Some companies are pressured or even threatened and intimidated into cooperating with criminals. In addition, honest businesses have to compete with criminal money, making it more difficult for them.
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WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING ABOUT THIS?The government wants citizens, businesses and public administrators to become more aware of undermining criminality and its negative impact on society. They want to better protect them and make them more resilient against criminal influences. Therefore, measures are being taken to better support public administrators. In addition, campaigns are being launched to raise awareness about undermining criminality.
CAMPAIGN toolkit
Would you like to help spread our campaign? We have put together a toolkit with campaign materials.