Fraud & Internal Investigations
We have been retained in a wide range of matters
We have been retained by clients ranging from
government agencies, Boards of SEC registrant corporations and the
Investigations/ White Collar Defense practice groups of major U.S. law firms to
investigate allegations and concerns relating to various issues including:
- Pyramid and Ponzi investment schemes
- Financial statement/management fraud
- Failed financial institutions
- Transaction fraud
- Fraudulent transfers
- Healthcare fraud and abuse
- SEC regulatory investigations
- Undisclosed related party transactions
- Embezzlement, kickbacks, internal theft
- Diversion of corporate opportunity
- Inventory shrinkage
- Bust-outs and bankruptcy frauds
- Money laundering and funds tracing
Financial fraud cases are complex
by nature because perpetrators of a fraud generally take steps to obscure and
hide their activities. "Cooking the
books" is nothing new - and some financial chefs are quite skilled and
creative.
Our technical knowledge and our
understanding of business operations enhance our ability to investigate,
summarize and report on investigative issues so that the client can have full
knowledge to support their reaction strategy.
The ongoing march of
"globalization" holds the promise of increasing opportunities for
companies transitioning towards, or who are in, international markets. Whether
it's selling products and services to emerging markets, or purchasing and manufacturing
products overseas, companies large and small now find themselves doing business
internationally. With these opportunities come substantial risks.
Both U.S. and global enforcement
of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws have escalated. As the fines and
penalties have increased, so too have the number and length of investigations.
Multinational companies must take care to stay compliant with the complex
regulatory requirements of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the
U.K. Bribery Act and similar statutes being enforced. Transactions and
activities that are considered ordinary and customary in domestic business
transactions can be criminal when conducted by U.S. companies. When potential
issues do arise, companies must act swiftly to surface the relevant facts,
develop an effective response and implement new controls.
Our team utilizes its knowledge
and experience in the areas of corporate investigations, anti-fraud consulting
and FCPA compliance to help clients navigate the challenges of the
international business environment and applicable regulations. Our team can
investigate and advise companies concerning global corruption, fraud,
regulatory issues and other threats. Our global reach and multi-lingual
practitioners allow us to conduct extensive fact-finding investigations
anywhere in the world, with service offerings in anti-corruption/anti-fraud
consulting, corporate investigations and FCPA consulting.
White Collar Defense
Government agencies have increasingly taken an aggressive posture toward businesses that are not in compliance with regulatory oversight and relevant industry statutes. Additionally, officers and directors of companies are increasingly subject to intense scrutiny for business decisions and the overall business practices of their company. In some instances, criminal investigations may run parallel with civil investigations and litigation. Legal counsel practicing in the area of White-Collar Criminal Defense often retain us to assist in the investigation of complex accounting issues, regulatory compliance, whistle blower allegations, questioned financial transactions and other issues requiring an in-depth investigation of both the business environment and the books and records of a company. Our team has also been hired as financial experts for the Department of Justice in their investigation of whistle blower allegations in defense contract situations. Our engagement experience includes matters involving allegations surrounding:
- Financial statement fraud
- Defense contractor violations
- Bank fraud
- Ponzi schemes
- Investment or securities fraud
- Real estate/mortgage fraud
- Healthcare fraud