ELITE CRIME includes acts committed by members of the upper classes, including these who head corporate and governmental organizations. The phrase perhaps best fits Edwin H. Sutherland's definition of white-collar cite as “a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation.”

Though the cases have been made that whitecollar crime encompasses more than just occupational malfeasance committed by persons of “high social status,” (note, for example, crimes committed by low-level employees), crimes committed by elite members of society may have the most damaging effect. Elite crimes may be committed for personal gain and/or for fostering the power, profitability, or influence of the organization.

White-collar crime is massively harmful financially, but also includes violence and reduction of civil liberties. ...