On July 7, 2025, Indiana Governor John Smith signed into law a series of bills aimed at cracking down on white collar crime in the state. The new legislation, which will go into effect on January 1, 2026, imposes harsher penalties for individuals convicted of financial crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering.Under the new laws, individuals found guilty of embezzling funds will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, with the possibility of additional time based on the amount of money stolen. Fraudsters who engage in schemes to defraud investors, consumers, or the government will now face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up from the previous minimum of 5 years.In addition to tougher sentencing guidelines, the new laws also give prosecutors expanded powers to investigate and prosecute white collar criminals. This includes the ability to issue subpoenas for financial records, seize assets acquired through illegal means, and pursue civil penalties against individuals and companies found to have engaged in financial crimes.Governor Smith praised the new legislation as a necessary step to protect Hoosiers from the devastating impact of white collar crime. "These laws send a clear message that Indiana will not tolerate individuals who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of others through deceit and manipulation," said Smith in a statement.The new laws were the result of a bipartisan effort in the Indiana General Assembly, with lawmakers from both parties coming together to address the growing prevalence of white collar crime in the state. State Representative Sarah Johnson, a co-sponsor of the legislation, emphasized the importance of holding white collar criminals accountable for their actions."White collar crime may not always result in the same level of physical harm as violent crimes, but the financial and emotional toll it takes on victims can be just as devastating," said Johnson. "These new laws will ensure that those who engage in financial misconduct are held responsible and face meaningful consequences."The enactment of these tougher penalties for white collar crime marks a significant development in Indiana criminal law and sends a clear message that financial crimes will not be taken lightly in the state. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are now gearing up to enforce the new laws and crack down on individuals who seek to profit through illegal means.