What Is Red-Collar Crime?

Red-collar crime occurs when white-collar crime turns violent. It happens when someone involved in fraud, forgery, or financial scams resorts to violence to protect their secrets. These criminals often target whistleblowers, investigators, journalists, employees and even family members who uncover their illegal activities.

Instead of facing justice, they choose to intimidate, harm, or even kill those who threaten to expose them. Red-collar crime is not just about money—it’s about silencing the truth at any cost.

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Key Characteristics of Red-Collar Crimes:

• Motive:  Violence is a reaction to conceal an underlying financial crime and attempt to avoid consequences like jail time, loss of status and financial ruin.
• Offender: White-collar criminals like accountants, attorneys, or executives who perceives the threat of discovery.
• Victim: A single target, such as a whistleblower, journalist or family member who has detected the fraud.

Real-World Examples of Red-Collar Crime

While not always reported widely, red-collar crimes have occurred across industries and professions:

• Alex Murdaugh
  In 2021, South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife and son. Prosecutors argued the motive was to distract from and cover up his extensive financial crimes, including a decade-long scheme to steal millions of dollars from his law firm and clients. Murdaugh was reportedly confronted about his embezzlement just hours before the murders. He then hired a hit man to murder him but it didn’t go as planned. The shot to his head was superficial and he survived. 
• Lori Isenberg
  An Idaho woman and former executive director of a nonprofit, Lori Isenberg embezzled between $500,000 and $2.5 million. In 2018, as an investigation into her fraud was closing in, she took her husband out on a boat, drugged him with Benadryl, and pushed him into the water to drown. She was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. 
• Albert Walker
  In the 1990s, Canadian financial adviser Albert Walker embezzled millions from his clients and fled to England, where he stole the identity of his acquaintance Ronald Platt. When the real Ronald Platt returned to England three years later, Walker became fearful of being exposed. He convinced Platt to go on a sailing trip and drowned him, tying a ten-pound anchor to his body. Walker was convicted of murder in 1998 and later extradited back to Canada.

These are real incidents that illustrate just how far some white-collar criminals will go.

A Chilling Utah Case: Mark Hofmann’s Red-Collar Crimes

One of the most disturbing examples of red-collar crime happened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1985, committed by infamous forger Mark Hofmann.

 Hofmann became infamous for forging historical documents, including signatures of the Founding Fathers and papers related to the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Hofmann used these fake documents to gain influence within the church and manipulate its leadership. But behind the scenes, he was drowning in debt. As creditors closed in, Hofmann turned to violence to buy time—and silence suspicion.

Hofmann’s deadly plan: To build and plant tree bombs.

• Bomb 1: Killed Steve Christensen, a document collector and buyer of Hofmann’s forgeries.

• Bomb 2: Killed Kathy Sheets, wife of Christensen’s former boss.

• These attacks initially misled investigators, throwing them off Hofmann’s trail.

• Bomb 3: Accidentally exploded in Hofmann’s car, severely injuring him and finally exposing his web of forgeries, deception and murder.

This case is a textbook example of red-collar crime—when a white-collar criminal, facing exposure, chooses violence over accountability.

Why Red-Collar Crime Matters

Most people don’t expect violence in corporate environments. That’s exactly why red-collar crime is so dangerous—it catches people off guard.

Victims are often unsuspecting professionals, such as:

• Employees who speak up

• Journalists digging too deep

• Attorneys or investigators asking the right questions

They don’t understand they are in danger until it’s too late.

Understanding this risk can lead to better protection, earlier intervention, and safer workplaces.

Protecting Whistleblowers and Preventing Escalation

To stop red-collar crime before it happens, organizations must:

• Enforce strong whistleblower protection policies

• Monitor for signs of escalating behavior among suspects

• Encourage transparency and accountability in high-risk environments

• Invest in training for compliance teams and HR professionals

Raising awareness is the first defense. When fraud turns violent, lives—not just careers—are on the line.

Final Thoughts: Red-Collar Crime Is Hiding in Plain Sight

Red-collar crime is a hidden danger that blurs the line between white-collar fraud and violent crime. It’s a reminder that behind every forged check or fake contract could be someone desperate enough to kill.

Whether you’re a compliance officer, investigator, or someone working in finance or law, understanding red-collar crime can help save lives.