Prevention is everyone’s responsibility We shed light on combatting the shadow economy

Misuse of social security is linked to the grey economy ›

9.11.2026 

Misuse of social security is often linked to undeclared work, identity misuse and other forms of financial crime. It may involve isolated cases or systematic and professional activity. Misuse of social security causes losses to public finances, distorts competition and undermines trust in society.

Are you planning to buy a puppy or bring a pet into Finland from abroad? ›

15.10.2026  

Read up-to-date information on the grey economy in the pet trade and the import of animals. The information will help you make responsible choices and avoid risks associated with the pet trade.

Invoicing service companies’ finances under examination ›

21.9.2026 Tax Administration

The importance of invoicing service companies in working life is increasing, but some companies have financial problems and problems related to meeting their obligations. The report also highlights the insurance gaps of light entrepreneurs and the need to strengthen the supervision and reliability of the sector.

The big picture of the grey economy and economic crime

The website on the grey economy and economic crime www.grey-economy-crime.fi provides summarised information on the grey economy and economic crime in Finland. The website is maintained through the cooperation of the authorities engaged in combating the grey economy. Further information on the authorities is available under the section About this website.

The website will support the decision-making of authorities and political decision-makers. The information it provides will enhance society’s capabilities to react rapidly to the phenomena and harm associated with the grey economy and economic crime. In addition, the website will provide companies and citizens with information on how to act or protect themselves against such harm.

The big picture is a combination of various aspects

The website provides an overview of the topical phenomena of the grey economy and economic crime comprising the observations of a number of different authorities. In addition, the website offers both domestic and international estimates on the scope and amount of the grey economy and economic crime. The website also provides information on the impact of action taken to prevent the grey economy and economic crime based on the statistics of authorities, including company audits and their results. The website also follows the progress of various projects included in the operational programme concerning the grey economy and economic crime.

 

Key figures
Grey economy
Resources
Input and cases
The authorities’ resource monitoring tool shows, in a whole new way, the amount of available resources in annual work units, processed cases, and cases waiting for processing. The data are updated three times a year.
€1 billion
Value of undeclared work
The annual value of undeclared work is estimated to be €900–1,400 million in Finland. Undeclared work also causes losses of taxes and social insurance contributions totalling €300–480 million.
2 788 pcs
New economic crimes
Last year, the Police of Finland recorded a total of 2,788 new economic crimes. This is 6 % more than in 2024.
46 % no
Residence permit for entrepreneurs
The permit is granted in two stages: the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) makes an interim decision before the final decision is made by the Finnish Immigration Service.
€7,8 million
Falsified receipts
Using falsified receipts in accounting are a typical means of tax evasion in the shadow economy. Fraudsters use falsified receipts to free up funds for undeclared payroll or hidden dividends.

About this website

The website

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