Old and new threats for business in Poland

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a short history of economic crime in Poland since 1989, the most significant criminal law regulations aimed at controlling this phenomenon and their efficiency and finally to explain the most dangerous threats for the Polish financial system. Design/methodology/approach - The paper analyses Polish legislation, statistics, criminal law, criminological and sociological literature and specialized press relations. Findings - In the course of the work it was found that in 15 years a completely criminal law and institutional framework of economic crime control has been created. This is a system generally completed and can be described as adequate to present situation. However, the attitude of potential victims – financial institutions and companies – is surprising. This is also a factor increasing risk. Originality/value - The paper can be useful for next comparative research in the spheres of economic crime control – both between new members and between Poland and “old” members of the European Union. It presents problems of adaptation two parties to new economic reality: state agencies and society. It shows that law regulations and organization structures are more flexible than personal attitude of public officers and businessmen.