Forensic Embezzlement Investigations

We investigate employee theft problems regardless of the stage of the discovery.  We can assist you by conducting the investigation, obtaining statements from witnesses and suspects, and assisting in cooperation with local authorities if requested.  All matters are conducted discretely and with confidentiality.  We also provide investigations training for internal security investigative personnel, Human Resources, and accounting.

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Embezzlement:  It conjures a mental image of someone who is quiet by nature and who may be generally overlooked.  All the while they are quietly, methodically diverting money into their pocket. 

We hear this term used by the media because it's sexy and it gives the impression that the person(s) involved are not an ordinary thieves.  Nothing can be further from the truth.  They are no different from anyone other employee theft:  they discovered a flaw in the system.  The flaw in the security and oversight of the process is usually discovered quite by accident but regardless they feel that they can exploit the flaw and not get caught.  The job of the security measures has been circumvented.

Internal theft occurs on all levels and it begins when the employee sees an opportunity.  Sometimes it is a mistake is discovered by the employee but no one ever catches it.  Regardless if the opportunity or the justification presents itself first, as long as there is a perception of low risk of detection, the theft will happen.  Detection comes from the most benign sources and unless there are checks and balances of anything to do with money, then the opportunity simply grows.

Opportunity is reduced when there is authorization required, a process is regularly reviewed or audited, or the employee is aware that there are automated processes in place that detect unusual behavior of certain financial activities.

Where employees generally find systemic weakness is when the usual second set of eyes is no longer paying attention.  They have gained a position of trust, they have circumvented the normal processes or they have truly found a vulnerable hole in the accepted processes.  They types of employee theft that occur are beyond comprehensive listing but the ways in which they come about are as described above. 

Call us to discuss how you can strengthen your internal controls to reduce your exposure to employee theft.  More articles on investigations. 

Also read "Embezzlement is rooted in a lack of oversight, psychological issues, experts say" from the Gainesville Times and a story about employee theft, fraud, and embezzlement in the Dentistry industry.