Financial crimes refer to illegal activities that involve the manipulation of financial systems for personal gain. These crimes can include fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement, where individuals or organizations deceive others to obtain money or assets unlawfully. Such activities often exploit loopholes in laws and regulations, leading to significant financial losses for victims, including individuals, businesses, and governments. Authorities, such as the FBI and SEC, work to investigate and prosecute these crimes to maintain the integrity of financial markets and protect consumers.