Introduction:
If you have been the victim of fraud, quantifying the loss, identifying the perpetrators and developing a strategy for recovery are essential. Advancements in technology have enabled criminals to transfer funds around the world and hide behind complex offshore corporate structures.
Having conducted extensive multi-jurisdictional and cross border complex investigations, we are experts at assisting with commercial and high-end litigation.
We understand the difference between intelligence and evidence required for use in a Court of Law and have extensive knowledge of the legal system, enforcement regimes and cultural practices within those jurisdictions most commonly known for hiding assets.
How we work:
Preliminary Investigation:
Before we accept any case, we first require sufficient details to enable us to conduct our own preliminary investigation (at no cost to the client). Only then are we able to propose a coherent and phased strategy to meet both the client’s requirement and budget. We value integrity and if we believe that a case has little likelihood of a positive outcome (time and cost-efficient), we will advise accordingly.
Methodology:
We utilise an effective and proven methodology to undertake our investigative assignments. This methodology synthesises Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Human Source Intelligence (HUMINT).
The outcome of this combined methodology is a balanced and highly-effective approach that enables our clients to have access to high-level, strategically-actionable intelligence and information that helps them to further their personal and commercial aims.
OSINT
This involves the acquisition, analysis and assessment of information drawn from publicly available and proprietary (often referred to as 'closed-source') data sources.
Such information is drawn from a wide range of sources, including, but not limited to, corporate registries, local and international media archives, litigation and court databases, online discussion forums, social and professional networking websites, deep-web resources (such as closed discussion groups, activist data repositories and 'big data' information channels) and proprietary databases that contain information that is not available to the public.
Most assignments comprise a greater or lesser degree of OSINT research, which must be conducted to:
a. understand the historical and current status of the matter at hand;
b. identify issues of concern, risk issues, red flags and misinformation;
c. identify human sources and key motivation/pressure points; and
d. provide documentary evidence that can be used by the client to further their aims.
HUMINT
We have access to an extensive global network of investigators and human sources. The resources upon which we can call include lawyers, bankers, academics, industry analysts, former and current investigative journalists, fellow investigators, regulators, individuals with contacts at government level and individuals close to law enforcement.
On investigative assignments of this nature, we undertake a range of direct and indirect enquiries, under suitable cover and with a suitable pretext, with human sources who can comment authoritatively on the matters that are of interest to our clients.
We prioritise face-to-face meetings with key human sources, where possible. Extensive experience of similar assignments has shown that individuals who are interviewed in person reveal far more information than they might otherwise reveal through telecommunications or in writing.
Reporting:
Our clients are informed as actionable intelligence is discovered throughout the course of our investigation, therefore enabling them to retain full control over its direction.
Our final reports are always delivered in a concise, factual and court-ready format.
Where we work:
We operate globally, however; we have exceptional capabilities in Eastern Europe (specifically Russia and Ukraine), Cyprus and all other off-shore banking jurisdictions. (Click for a list of countries in which we have operated)
Case Studies:
1. Ukraine and Russia.
2. Cyprus.
3. Sovereign asset trace.
