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

Crimes in the food supply chain distort competition ›

19.1.2026 

Fraudulent practices can occur at all stages of the food supply chain, from primary production to retail. These crimes aim for financial gain and may include, for example, falsifying origin, selling uninspected meat, or using raw materials unsuitable for food. 

Researched Information on the Scope of the Shadow Economy ›

19.1.2026

The shadow economy is assessed in studies by measuring its total size, development, and specific areas such as undeclared work. In international studies, the size of the shadow economy has often been measured as a percentage of GDP, which indicates its impact on the national economy. 

A recent government proposal suggests better tools to combat the grey economy ›

4.12.2025 Finnish Tax Administration

The legislative proposal would strengthen the role of the Grey Economy Information Unit in supporting the authorities in the fight against the grey economy. The aims include improving the exchange of information between authorities and improving the functioning of the information unit.

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.

 

Key figures
Grey economy
Resources
Input and cases
The authorities’ resource monitoring tool shows, in a whole new way, the amount of available resources in annual work units, processed cases, and cases waiting for processing. The data are updated three times a year.
€1 billion
Value of undeclared work
The annual value of undeclared work is estimated to be €900–1,400 million in Finland. Undeclared work also causes losses of taxes and social insurance contributions totalling €300–480 million.
2 619 pcs
New economic crimes
Last year, the Police of Finland recorded a total of 2,619 new economic crimes. This is 10 % more than in 2023.
45 % no
Residence permit for entrepreneurs
The permit is granted in two stages: the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) makes an interim decision before the final decision is made by the Finnish Immigration Service.
€17 million
Falsified receipts
Using falsified receipts in accounting are a typical means of tax evasion in the shadow economy. Fraudsters use falsified receipts to free up funds for undeclared payroll or hidden dividends.

About this website

The website

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