Research and analysis

Understanding organised criminals’ behaviours and perceptions of risk and profit

Research to understand how individuals became involved in organised crime and their perceptions of risk and profit.

• From: HM Revenue & Customs
• Published: 27 August 2020

Documents

Understanding organised criminals’ behaviours and perceptions of risk and profit - methods paper

Ref: HMRC Research Report 493

PDF, 255 KB, 15 pages

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Details

Research was commissioned to understand how individuals became involved in organised crime and their perceptions of risk and profit, and to provide insight on the most effective deterrents to organised crime. The research aimed to help HMRC tailor activities and associated sanctions more effectively to maximise their deterrent effect.

The research encountered challenges centered on sample size and the recruitment process. The research agency, NatCen, worked closely with both HMRC and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to overcome these but it was not possible to recruit and interview as many participants as planned, which meant HMRC decided not to proceed.

The published report is a short paper outlining the methods used and challenges faced. While it contains no findings, it could be used to shape further research in this area in the future.

Published 27 August 2020