Spain

A DECADE AGO, corruption was a serious problem in Spain, but acts of high-level corruption are far less evident today. Other forms of white-collar crime, however, are a serious problem in Spain. Media and domestic government reports routinely cite the proliferation of embezzlement, insider trading, consumer fraud, counterfeiting and tax evasion. Unfortunately, Spanish agencies that investigate white-collar crimes must compete for resources earmarked to prevent all forms of criminal behavior. Consequently, most government funds are budgeted to combat violent crimes, especially crimes linked to the influx of organized criminal networks into Spain over the past two decades.

The cultural and linguistic ties to Latin and South America and close proximity to Eastern Europe and Africa make Spain a haven for organized criminal gangs from disparate parts ...