What is a financial investigation?

A financial investigation is an analysis of where money comes from, how it moves, and how it is used.

Also known as forensic accounting, this type of investigation is used in corporate investigations, theft, embezzlement, money laundering, tax evasion, asset searches, criminal, and many other types of investigations.

What do financial investigations reveal?

  • Tax evasion
  • Public corruption
  • Health care fraud
  • Telemarketing fraud
  • Terrorist financing
  • Illegal activity 

What happens during a financial investigation?

In most cases, financial investigations revolve around collection and analysis. The collection aspect involves searching through a variety of financial documents. This could include bank account records, bank account information, real estate files, motor vehicle records, and computer files. With your permission, investigators may use computer forensics to find relevant information. They will then analyze the data they’ve found, looking into where money is and how it got there. Because financial investigators are a legal, unbiased source, the evidence they find can be used in court if necessary.

Do I need a financial investigation?

If you think that you have been the victim of fraud, identity theft, or other forms of theft, a financial investigation can clear doubt, provide proof, and, in some cases, recover your money. Financial investigations are commonly used in the following situations:

Corporate

  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Shareholder and partnership disputes
  • Business interruption and property claims losses
  • Business/employee fraud
  • Corporate internal investigations

Personal

  • Divorce litigation
  • Personal injury claims/motor vehicle accidents
  • Mediation and arbitration
  • Other types of civil litigations