The Silent Predators: How Fraud and Corruption manipulate women into illicit acts

Coercing Women Into Corruption and Fraudulent Activities

“Fraud and corruption, like silent predators, infiltrate the fabric of society. Unfortunately, women are sometimes ensnared in their web, manipulated into participating in illicit acts”. A thought  that crossed my mind as  I read  an article about a former office assistant at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, who allegedly engaged in fraud by falsifying the import of 400 vehicles into Zimbabwe using the civil servants’ rebate. I found myself contemplating whether an ordinary office assistant could accomplish such a feat independently? I set aside my mantle in Forensic Accounting, donned the guise of a psychology scholar and dived  into the psychology of persuasion.

In a world where power dynamics often skew towards men, women can find themselves coerced into engaging in corrupt and fraudulent activities by the very men who are supposed to protect and care for them. This coercion can come from various relationships such as boyfriends, husbands, fathers, brothers and pastors  leading to a cycle of manipulation that is both toxic and damaging.

One of the most insidious forms of coercion occurs within romantic relationships. Women, deeply in love and trusting their partners, may find themselves manipulated into committing fraudulent acts at their behest. Whether it’s aiding in financial scams, forging documents, or engaging in other illegal activities, the pressure to please their partners often overrides their own moral compass.

Similarly, family ties can also be exploited by men to coerce women into committing fraud and corruption. Fathers and brothers, seen as authority figures and protectors, may use their influence to compel female family members to partake in illegal schemes. The emotional blackmail and sense of duty can make it incredibly difficult for women to resist, leading them down a path they never intended to tread.

Breaking free from this cycle of coercion and manipulation is essential for the empowerment and protection of women. Education and awareness about healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries are crucial in equipping women to recognize and resist coercive behavior. Providing support systems and avenues for women to safely seek help and report abuse is also vital in dismantling the structures that enable such exploitation.

Furthermore, holding perpetrators accountable for their actions is key in preventing future instances of coercion. Legal frameworks must be strengthened to ensure that those who manipulate and coerce women into corruption are met with swift and just consequences. By amplifying the voices of survivors and changing societal attitudes towards gender dynamics, we can create a world where women are no longer forced into complicity in corrupt activities by the men in their lives.

To enlighten this, Below I will  discuss the various ways women can be coerced or deceived, shedding light on the dark corners where corruption thrives.

 Coercion involves force, threats, or intimidation compelling women to engage in fraudulent or corrupt acts against their will.Imagine a woman trapped in an abusive marriage. Her husband, involved in organized crime, threatens her safety and that of their children. To protect them, she reluctantly launders money through her legitimate business, fearing the consequences of refusal.

 Financial Desperation Economic hardship renders women vulnerable to fraudulent schemes promising quick gains. A struggling businesswoman, drowning in debt, receives an offer from her husband’s shady associate. The promise of easy money blinds her to the illegal nature of the scheme—a Ponzi scheme disguised as an investment opportunity.

Exploitation of Trust Women in positions of trust  e.g government officials, business leaders are prime targets for manipulation. An honest female executive, respected for her integrity, unknowingly signs off on fraudulent transactions orchestrated by her cunning partner. His abuse of her trust tarnishes her reputation irreparably.

 Manipulation Through Relationships Partners, family members, or friends subtly coerce women into participating in illegal activities.A woman’s husband, charming and persuasive, convinces her to sign seemingly innocuous documents related to their joint business venture. Unbeknownst to her, these documents conceal hidden assets and facilitate tax evasion.

 Lack of Awareness: Ignorance of legal boundaries leads women unwittingly into fraudulent activities. A woman invests in her husband’s business, believing it’s a legitimate venture. Little does she know that he’s running a fraudulent operation, and her financial support inadvertently fuels the deception.

 Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Marginalized or disadvantaged women become pawns in corrupt games, offered bribes or incentives.A single mother, struggling to make ends meet, accepts bribes to facilitate fraudulent land deals. She remains oblivious to the legal implications, desperate to provide for her children.

 Emotional Manipulation: Perpetrators prey on emotions, persuading women to participate in illegal activities.An emotionally abusive partner plays mind games with his wife, convincing her to embezzle funds from her workplace. Fear of abandonment and emotional turmoil cloud her judgment.

 Conformity or Peer Pressure: Social pressure within certain circles pushes women toward corruption.A female executive, eager to fit in with her colleagues, compromises her ethics. She engages in fraudulent accounting practices to maintain her standing within the organization.

Cultural Norms and Expectations: Societal norms and gender roles unwittingly embroil women in corrupt practices. In a patriarchal society, a woman complies with her husband’s tax evasion strategies, believing it’s her duty to support his business—even if it skirts legality. Under pressure from their spouses, women may participate in tax evasion schemes by underreporting income or inflating expenses.

It’s essential to note that “This article does not aim to propagate conspiracy theories, undermine women’s intelligence, or implicate any other individual. Instead, its purpose is to educate women about corrupt and fraudulent activities.” By understanding these tactics, let’s  empower women to recognize the signs and resist coercion. Let’s work together to dismantle the invisible chains that bind them to corruption. It is time to break the silence surrounding this pervasive issue and work towards a future where women are empowered to assert their autonomy and agency without fear of manipulation or coercion. Only then can we truly strive towards a more equitable and just society for all.