Abuse of authority/trust in economic transactions (in professional sports) and the role of forensic accountants as expert witnesses in related criminal proceedings

Abstract

Abuse of authority in economic transactions is one of the most complex economic crimes prescribed by Criminal Code. As the title of the crime itself says, it can only be commited in economic transactions. Taking into account that the perpetrator of this criminal offense is always a responsible person in legal person, a responsible person in professional sports club (registered as joint-stock company or civil-law association) can also appear as one. From 01 January 2013 new Criminal Code enter into force which makes significant changes in the field of economic crimes, including, among other things, a new offence of abuse of trust in economic transactions.The role of forensic accountants, being expert witnesses in those criminal proceedings, is of exceptional importance, as they, within the scope of their expertise and specialized knowledge, answer important questions raised when determining facts.

Keywords

• Abuse of authority
• sports
• expert witness
• accounting