Financial fraud is the intentional deception to gain undue financial advantage. It involves a broad spectrum of forms of deception, ranging from identity fraud and healthcare fraud to money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Its impact is significant: it disrupts economic transactions between citizens, businesses and governments, undermines trust in institutions and affects the integrity of systems such as financial markets and the healthcare system.

Combating financial fraud is a spearhead for investigative agencies such as the FIOD and the Openbaar Ministerie Service. Criminals are operating ever more professionally, internationally and digitally - a trend that has increased significantly since the corona crisis. As a result, data-driven investigation and international cooperation are gaining in importance. At the same time, the necessary exchange of data requires a careful balance between effectiveness and compliance with privacy legislation, including the AVG.

At the national level, measures such as incident alert systems (blacklists) are being used to register and share data on (legal) persons guilty of fraud. At the European level, there are additional legislative and regulatory processes, for example to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The introduction of the UBO register in the Netherlands in 2020 - which records ultimate stakeholders of organizations - is an important tool to make financial flows more transparent and break through criminal asset structures.

These developments make it clear that the fight against financial fraud is not only about detection and prosecution, but also about strengthening trust, protecting vital economic systems and handling data responsibly in an increasingly digital and cross-border world.