Three Who Made Crime Pay (Press, 14 September 1977)

A report published on 14 September 1977 highlights the prevalence and impact of white-collar crime in the United States, particularly focusing on computer-related theft, which is estimated to cost American businesses billions annually. Experts suggest that for every crime that is reported, many more go unaddressed, often to protect a company’s reputation. The story provides examples of notorious cases of individuals who have committed such crimes and how they navigated their illicit activities. One prominent figure is Richard Rees, a 26-year-old Brink's guard who, a year earlier, absconded with over $500,000. Rees embarked on a lavish, ten-month escapade that left him with only $390 from the stolen loot. He recounted his experience in a letter to a newspaper columnist, outlining his extravagant lifestyle filled with parties and gifts for a woman he met during his travels. His downfall came when he began to attract unwanted attention from hired gunmen sent by the woman, leading him to ultimately court capture. Rees was apprehended by the FBI in New Mexico and is now facing a lengthy prison sentence, although interest in his story has led to potential movie deals. Another case mentioned is that of D. B. Cooper, who infamously hijacked a plane in 1971, demanded a ransom of $200,000, and then parachuted into the night. Despite extensive searches, Cooper was never found, and the statute of limitations has since expired, leaving him considered a free man. However, the Internal Revenue Service pursues him for tax evasion, as the stolen cash would have accumulated significant tax liabilities. Eldon Royce represents a different category of criminal ingenuity. He excelled in computer theft by manipulating company finances to embezzle more than $1 million over six years via fraudulent entries in cost items and reducing income items. He remained undetected until the complexities of his scheme overwhelmed him, leading to his exposure. Royce received a ten-year prison sentence after admitting he spent all the money. The article concludes with a warning that as society moves towards cashless transactions and increased use of credit cards, opportunities for fraudulent activities may expand further. The misuse of false identification is noted to be a significant issue, with losses exceeding $10 billion annually attributed to this form of white-collar crime. The observations in the report paint a picture of a criminal landscape where crime does indeed appear to pay, at least for a time, reflecting a concerning trend in American society.

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