Wealth & Finance July 2017

Wealth & Finance International 14 Professional Fraud Investigators Acting Globally he clients of Global Investigations are varied, from private clients to large companies. From celebrities living in the public eye to the man next door, the firm takes pride in be- ing able to assist all people at all times. Many of them using the firm’s services repeatedly over the years. The firm’s Jack Roberts tells us how it feels to be selected for the 2017 Leading Fraud Investigators’ Awards, plus how the firm is at the fore- front of technological advances in the industry. “We feel very privileged to be selected for this award. From small beginnings in 1994, Global Investigations has grown and adapted in this ever-changing technical age. This award is recognition of the hard work that has gone into the firm over the past 23 years. As well as proof that all our staff are highly trained and extremely hardworking, indeed their own years of training are shown in this award. “The modern age is moving so quickly where technology is involved, things such as cameras and listening devices are becoming smaller, information is becoming the new requirement and the methods which people use to evade detection in aspects of fraud are becoming easier to use, Global Investigations considers itself at the forefront of these advances, so this award shows the public proof that we are.” Following on from this, Jack is keen to detail the firm’s role as a leading fraud investigator. “Global have always been at the forefront of fraud investigations, and we have worked tirelessly for our clients in the UK and internationally. We have looked at hundreds and possibly thousands of characters of crimi- nals, whom are operating purely to the misery of others, so we see it as a constant compulsory battle to educate and apprehend whenever we can. “The subjects whom we deal with can sometimes appear to us more than once, with more than one client. We ensure diligence investiga- tions and cost effective methods are used, and will always offer some free guidance and a shoulder to lean on. But, more importantly, we offer effective deterrents and contributions to identify the culprits and bringing incriminatory action where it is needed.” Of course, it is vital that corporations should seek the advice and guid- ance of key professionals, should they suspect that they have been a victim of fraud or corruption. Jack offers his view on this and underlines how their investigations are very discreet. “We cannot stress this enough, if you think that you are a victim of fraud or corruption then contact us or a reputable agency and discover the truth immediately, do not ‘wait and see’. Our investigations are very discreet; we can confirm or deny activity in nearly all occasions without alerting the suspected party. “Criminals are very subtle in their activities; you may not realise that you have been targeted until it is too late. We recommend that to protect your- self from this - in the first place you should carry out the necessary due dili- gence on any prospective business partners, investments or purchases. It is an old and clichéd saying, but it is ‘better to be safe than sorry’ I believe.” Jack then shares some of the firm’s significant achievements from the past year, and outlines the vital role that staff play at Global Investigations. “We can’t speak too much of personal clients, but we have helped hundreds of clients through the last year. We have uncovered people in- volved in undertaking scams and criminal activity, plus we have worked alongside over many police forces providing intelligence to them, helping to ensure that prosecutions can be made and arrests asked for warranted. We are called in when our clients are exasperated with what can be done, and they need a professional team to help. “All the staff here at Global Investigations are integral to its success. We are a tight knit team, working closely together and operating nationwide, with staff as far based as the north of Scotland to the far south. Our London office is the main hub, where we work closely on larger projects. “Their own knowledge and experience gained, adds to the firm in a very important way. Many of the staff here are bi-lingual and multi-tasking. They are all highly trained, not only in their own field of specialism, but we ensure that they can take on varied roles job in other areas too. “Also, our customer service team is first class, response time is imme- diate, and I believe I have the best UK team. We have had many staff members with us for over 18 years, proving that we are a family who love our work and the success it brings.” Jack brings things to a close by highlighting the firm’s ambitions for the future as a key firm involved in the fraud sector today. “We would want to expand Global Investigations and our reach, we are based in Kingston upon Thames in Greater London, yet we work nation- ally and globally. Expanding the company internationally will allow us to improve our attendance times. Global Investigations are a private detective and investigations agency, specialising in fields such as technical and traditional surveillance, fraud detection and due diligence. Following their success in the 2017 Leading Fraud Investigators’ Awards, we interviewed the firm’s Jack Roberts to find out more. T 1705WF08