Business fraud, investment fraud and online scams
Fraud Investigations
Investigations into suspected business fraud, investment fraud and online scams. KEO examines the records, parties and financial relationships connected to the matter.
Matters we investigate
Financial loss takes different forms.
The starting point is the conduct in question: what was represented, what was paid or transferred, and what the records show about the use of those funds.
Business & workplace fraud
Enquiries into diverted payments, false invoices, misappropriation, undisclosed interests and transactions requiring explanation.
Relevant financial records are examined alongside company information and the roles of the people involved.
Investment fraud
Examination of investment offers, platforms, purported advisers and the entities used to receive funds.
The investigation compares representations with corporate records, correspondence and transaction evidence.
Online scams
Research into websites, identities, email addresses, telephone numbers and payment destinations connected to a suspected scam.
Digital and financial records are brought together to document the activity and relevant connections.
How the enquiries develop
Follow each lead back to its source.
The sequence of enquiries depends on the documents available and the findings obtained. Further work is discussed when it changes the agreed scope or cost.
-
Reconstruct the events
Review correspondence, agreements and payment records to establish the sequence of representations, instructions and transactions.
-
Examine the parties
Research the named people, companies, directors, websites and intermediaries connected to the matter.
-
Trace the recorded transactions
Map transfers shown in available records, identifying recipients and onward transactions where the documents provide those details.
-
Document the findings
Connect the events, parties and financial records in a report that identifies the source of each finding and the enquiries still unresolved.
Match the report to the assignment.
Depending on the agreed work and evidence available, reporting includes a chronology of events, profiles of relevant parties, company relationships, transaction schedules and supporting records.
Where instructed, findings are prepared for review by the client’s solicitor or submission to the relevant authorities.
Access to further financial records, including account ownership and onward transfers, depends on the records supplied or obtained through the appropriate legal process.
An investigation does not guarantee the recovery of funds. Recovery prospects depend on the location and availability of assets, the parties involved and the legal steps taken.
Preparing the initial brief
Start with the records you hold.
A brief summary is enough for the first enquiry. KEO will discuss the records needed and arrangements for providing them.
- Background and dates What happened, when you became concerned and the questions you need answered.
- Payments and transactions Amounts, dates, receiving account details and any transaction references.
- Correspondence and agreements Relevant messages, contracts, invoices, investment material and payment instructions.
- Identifying information Names, company details, websites, telephone numbers and email addresses used by the parties.
Contact KEO
Discuss the loss and the enquiries required.
Send a brief description of the matter, the countries involved and a suitable time to reach you.