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Service 06 of 11

Independent Fraud Investigation Services

When a whistleblowing report or suspected fraud lands, you need a fast, discreet and independent response. We establish the facts and give you an evidence-based report you can act on.

Investigator examining documents with a magnifying glass
Approach
Discreet, independent and evidence-led
First step
Triage and terms of reference
Supports
Disciplinary, civil or criminal action
Also covers
Whistleblowing reports

Overview

What is an independent fraud investigation?

An independent fraud investigation establishes the facts when fraud, theft, misconduct or a whistleblowing concern is suspected. It is carried out by investigators who are independent of the people and processes involved, following a structured and documented approach.

A well-run investigation preserves evidence, treats everyone involved fairly and gives the board a reliable basis for disciplinary, legal or recovery action. It also identifies the control weaknesses that allowed the issue to happen.

What it stands for

IndependenceNo connection to the people or processes being investigated.
FairnessA proportionate process that respects everyone involved.
Evidence-led conclusionsFindings based on facts, not suspicion.

Who it’s for

When something may have gone wrong

How an organisation responds in the first days of a suspected fraud often decides the outcome. An independent investigation protects evidence, treats people fairly and gives the board facts, not assumptions.

  • Organisations that have received a whistleblowing report
  • Boards concerned about suspected fraud, theft or misconduct
  • Finance teams that have found unexplained losses or irregularities
  • Organisations needing independence from management

How it works

A discreet, structured investigation

  1. Stage 1

    Triage

    We assess the allegation, advise on immediate steps and agree terms of reference with you.

  2. Stage 2

    Secure

    We identify and preserve relevant documents, records and data before they can be lost.

  3. Stage 3

    Investigate

    We analyse transactions and records, establish the facts and carry out interviews.

  4. Stage 4

    Report

    We provide a clear, evidence-based report to support disciplinary, legal or recovery action.

Why it matters

When something goes wrong, the board needs facts, quickly, discreetly and fairly established.

What you receive

Facts you can act on

Every deliverable is tailored to your organisation and written for the people who will use it.

Terms of reference

Scope, approach and reporting lines.

Evidence log

What was collected, from where and when.

Data and document analysis

Transactions, records and patterns examined.

Interview records

Structured, fair and documented.

Investigation report

Findings set out clearly and objectively.

Lessons learned

Control improvements to prevent recurrence.

Benefits

The value we add

Facts, not assumptions

Decisions based on what actually happened.

Protected evidence

Records and data secured before they can be lost or altered.

Discretion

A confidential process that protects your reputation.

Recovery and action

Reports that support disciplinary, civil or criminal steps.

Reduced employment risk

A fair process lowers the risk of challenge later.

Prevention

Control lessons that stop it happening again.

Senior-led

Delivered by chartered and certified professionals (ACA, ACCA, CIA).

Fixed fee

Scope and price agreed in writing before work starts.

Standards-aligned

Methodology aligned to the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards.

Frequently asked questions

Independent Fraud Investigations: your questions

How much does a fraud investigation cost?

It depends on the nature of the allegation, the volume of records and the number of interviews. We agree the scope and fees in the terms of reference before starting.

How quickly can you start?

Contact us as soon as a concern arises. Early action protects evidence. We will discuss urgent first steps on the initial call.

Will the investigation be confidential?

Yes. We agree who receives information at the start and handle evidence and interviews discreetly.

Can your report be used in disciplinary or legal proceedings?

Our reports are prepared to support disciplinary, civil or criminal action. Where legal proceedings are likely, we work alongside your lawyers.

Do you handle whistleblowing reports?

Yes. We can independently investigate whistleblowing reports and help you set up or improve your whistleblowing arrangements.

Page last updated 2 November 2026

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