Prevention is everyone’s responsibility We shed light on combatting the shadow economy

Straw men hide shadow economy activities – don’t agree to be a straw man ›

9.3.2026 

Straw man arrangements are used in the shadow economy and criminal activity, but they are also common in artificial arrangements aimed at circumventing legislation or official supervision. Such arrangements can lead to consequences for the straw person, the actual operator and others who assist in carrying out the scheme. Preventing abuse is everyone’s responsibility.  

Two Projects Completed Under the Grey Economy Action Plan ›

16.3.2026

The completed projects have been assessed for their impact. The project examining the avoidance of enforcement received excellent evaluations. The project focusing on gang-related crime highlighted several useful development proposals for an evolving operational environment.  

Discounted payment arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic did not protect from bankruptcies ›

28.1.2026 Finnish Tax Administration

During the pandemic, payment relief granted without official discretion resulted in an estimated loss of EUR 33 million in tax revenue. Additionally, companies that applied for a payment arrangement were more likely than others to declare bankruptcy. Grey economy companies as well as financially solvent companies that had recognised an affordable financing opportunity took advantage of payment arrangements. 

The big picture of the grey economy and economic crime

The website on the grey economy and economic crime www.grey-economy-crime.fi provides summarised information on the grey economy and economic crime in Finland. The website is maintained through the cooperation of the authorities engaged in combating the grey economy. Further information on the authorities is available under the section About this website.

The website will support the decision-making of authorities and political decision-makers. The information it provides will enhance society’s capabilities to react rapidly to the phenomena and harm associated with the grey economy and economic crime. In addition, the website will provide companies and citizens with information on how to act or protect themselves against such harm.

The big picture is a combination of various aspects

The website provides an overview of the topical phenomena of the grey economy and economic crime comprising the observations of a number of different authorities. In addition, the website offers both domestic and international estimates on the scope and amount of the grey economy and economic crime. The website also provides information on the impact of action taken to prevent the grey economy and economic crime based on the statistics of authorities, including company audits and their results. The website also follows the progress of various projects included in the operational programme concerning the grey economy and economic crime.