Long-term Insights Briefing

Fraud and corruption represent escalating global threats that undermine economic stability, erode public trust, and divert crucial resources. Over recent years, the volume and sophistication of these crimes have surged, driven by rapid technological advancements and increasingly complex methodologies. 

In New Zealand, fraud is now the most commonly experienced crime, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for individuals and businesses annually, with public sector losses potentially reaching billions. Traditional methods of detection, investigation, and prosecution are increasingly challenged by the scale and complexity of modern fraud and corruption.

Our Long-term Insights Briefing explores the evolving landscape of fraud and corruption detection, with key insights and best practices from international jurisdictions as well as the SFO’s own experience. It examines trends impacting fraud detection, three possible futures faced by New Zealand, and the strategic opportunities being explored by our international partners which can enhance detection capabilities.

We chose to focus on detection as a topic because fraud and corruption are hidden, insidious offences where wrongdoing often occurs over long periods of time without identification. Detection in this context is both particularly challenging and important. Effective detection of fraud and corruption is critical to identifying and responding to risks as early as possible. Insights from detection will naturally inform prevention efforts.

What is a Long-Term Insights Briefing?

The Public Service Act 2020 requires the Serious Fraud Office to produce a Long-Term Insights Briefing(external link) at least once every three years. These briefings are a way for government agencies, acting independently of their Ministers, to explore and report back on issues that matter for the future wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Next steps

We are inviting everyone to have their say on our briefing:

·    Do you agree with the fraud and corruption trends we’ve identified?

·       Do you believe the three future scenarios we’ve outlined (the digital fortress, the shadow economy, and the captured state) capture the risks and opportunities we face?

·       Is there anything important that you think we’ve missed?

Consultation ends on 19 September. Any feedback may be used to refine the final LTIB before it is presented to the House of Representatives.

Send your feedback to consultation@sfo.govt.nz or by post to:

Attn: SFO Strategy and Engagement Team

PO Box 7124
Victoria Street West
Auckland
1141
New Zealand