Occupational fraud refers to the deliberate misuse or misappropriation of an organization's resources or assets by an employee for personal gain. It encompasses a range of illicit activities, including embezzlement, theft, bribery, payroll fraud, and financial statement fraud. This type of fraud is characterized by the abuse of the perpetrator's position of trust within the organization, leading to significant financial losses and reputational damage for the affected entity. Detecting and preventing occupational fraud requires robust internal controls, vigilant oversight, and a culture of ethical behavior within the organization.