What is embezzlement?

Embezzlement is a crime that involves the illegal use of public or organisational funds for personal or improper purposes. In other words, embezzlement is the act of diverting public or private funds that have been entrusted to someone to be used for the benefit of another person or entity and falls under criminal law.

Embezzlement is a crime that can be committed by anyone who has access to public or private funds, including public officials, company directors, treasurers, accountants, among others. Embezzlement is considered a form of corruption and can have serious consequences for the economy and society at large.

When is embezzlement involved?

The offence of embezzlement occurs when someone who has access to public or private funds misuses them. This may include using the funds for personal purposes, transferring the funds to third parties without authorisation or conducting fraudulent transactions. In some cases, embezzlement may also involve falsifying documents or manipulating accounting records to conceal the offence.

The consequences of embezzlement can be serious for the economy and society at large. Embezzlement can affect the quality of public services, diminish confidence in institutions and the economy, and increase the cost of goods and services to citizens. In addition, embezzlement can have legal consequences for those who commit it, including fines, imprisonment and loss of employment.

To prevent embezzlement, it is important to establish systems of control and transparency in the management of public and private funds. This includes the implementation of internal controls and regular audits, as well as the promotion of a culture of integrity and transparency in the management of funds. It is also important to establish effective and dissuasive sanctions for those who commit the crime of embezzlement.

Who is affected by embezzlement?

Embezzlement affects society as a whole, as embezzled public or private funds are used for personal or improper purposes instead of being used for their original purpose. As a result, embezzlement can have negative effects on the economy, the quality of public services and trust in institutions.

In the economic sphere, embezzlement can generate additional costs for citizens and taxpayers, as public resources are used for purposes that are not in the public interest. In addition, embezzlement can generate imbalances in the distribution of resources, as some individuals or groups may obtain undue benefits to the detriment of the rest of society.

In the area of quality of public services, embezzlement can reduce the quality of services provided to the population, as resources that should have been used to improve the quality of services are used for personal or improper purposes. As a result, citizens may experience a decrease in access to basic public services, such as health, education and security.

In addition, embezzlement can affect citizens' trust in public and private institutions. Lack of transparency and the perception that public or private funds are used for personal or improper purposes can generate mistrust and affect soLciety's perception of the integrity of institutions and their representatives.

What is embezzlement of public funds?

Embezzlement of public funds is a crime that consists of the illegal or improper use of public funds by a public official or any other person who has access to these funds. It is an offence committed against the assets of the State and involves the misappropriation of public resources for personal or improper purposes.

The term "public funds" refers to public funds belonging to the State or to any public entity, such as municipalities, State institutions, among others. Embezzlement of public funds may involve various forms of fraud or corruption, such as manipulation of accounts, alteration of documents, issuing false invoices, contracting fictitious services, among others.

This offence is considered particularly serious, as public funds are resources that are intended to meet the needs of the population in areas such as health, education, security and other essential public services. Therefore, embezzlement of public funds can have negative consequences for the quality of life of the population and can lead to an imbalance in the distribution of public resources.

Embezzlement of public funds is considered a criminal offence in most countries of the world, and is punishable by penalties that may vary according to each country's legislation. In general, penalties usually include the return of the embezzled funds, the payment of fines and imprisonment.