Internal Investigations
Organizations responding to crises or allegations of misconduct are subject to intense scrutiny from regulators. In response, organizations are increasingly conducting proactive and reactive internal investigations to mitigate exposure, inform decision-making, and engage with stakeholders. Gemean supports clients with these investigations by combining forensic accountants, and data analysts provide a unique streamline process required for any particular investigation. Our professionals assist companies, governments, and regulatory authorities worldwide with legal counsel in conducting internal investigations related to the accuracy of financial reporting, accounting re-statement exercises, corruption investigations, and culture, conduct, and ethics issues.
Fraud Investigations
Financial statement fraud, procurement fraud, expense fraud, and asset misappropriation all require a structured, methodical response. Gemean's forensic accounting and investigation professionals identify the nature and extent of fraudulent activity, quantify the financial impact, and produce findings that hold up under legal and regulatory scrutiny.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement cases often involve trusted individuals with long-standing access to financial systems. Our forensic accountant consultants reconstruct transaction histories, identify the methods used, trace misappropriated funds, and document findings in a format suitable for legal proceedings, regulatory reporting, and recovery efforts.
Ponzi Schemes
Investigating a Ponzi scheme requires the ability to reconstruct complex webs of financial transactions across multiple accounts, entities, and time periods. Gemean's financial forensic investigation team traces fund flows, identifies victims and their losses, and produces the detailed analysis needed to support recovery proceedings and regulatory enforcement.
Bribery Investigations
Internal bribery investigations demand both forensic accounting expertise and a thorough understanding of the regulatory environment. Gemean's forensic consultants investigate allegations under the FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and applicable local statutes, working under the direction of outside counsel to produce findings that are credible, well-documented, and structured for regulatory review.
TESTIMONIAL
Gemean understood the legal context as well as the forensic one. They knew what the regulators would focus on, what outside counsel needed, and how to structure the findings to serve both. That combination is not easy to find.
Why Clients Choose Us
Defensible Methodology
Counsel-Directed Process
Multi-Disciplinary Expertise
Rapid Mobilization
The integrity of the investigation
shapes the outcome
What triggers an internal investigation?
Internal investigations are typically triggered by a whistleblower complaint, an internal audit finding, a regulatory inquiry, or an allegation raised by an employee, customer, or third party. In some cases, organizations conduct proactive investigations to assess specific areas of concern before a formal allegation arises. Regardless of the trigger, the investigation needs to be structured, independent, and thorough from the outset.
How does Gemean structure an internal investigation?
Every investigation begins with rapid evidence preservation to ensure that relevant data, financial records, and communications are secured before anything can be altered or destroyed. From there, our forensic accounting consultants conduct a systematic review of the available evidence, develop findings under the direction of outside counsel, and produce a structured report suitable for use by boards, audit committees, and regulators.
Why is it important for outside counsel to direct the investigation?
Having outside counsel direct the investigation helps preserve attorney-client privilege over the findings and ensures the investigation is conducted within a legally defensible framework. Gemean operates under the direction of outside counsel on the majority of our engagements, providing the forensic accounting and fraud investigation expertise that drives the analysis while counsel manages the legal strategy.
What types of misconduct does Gemean investigate?
Our forensic consultants investigate a wide range of misconduct including fraud, embezzlement, Ponzi schemes, bribery and corruption, accounting restatements, financial reporting irregularities, and culture, conduct, and ethics matters. We also support organizations responding to government-mandated investigations and regulatory referrals.
How does Gemean handle cross-border internal investigations?
Many internal investigations involve activity across multiple jurisdictions, each with its own legal framework, data privacy requirements, and regulatory environment. Gemean has conducted forensic accounting investigations across more than 60 countries and understands how to navigate those complexities while producing findings that are legally defensible in the relevant forums.
How quickly can Gemean mobilize for an urgent matter?
Our forensic consultants are structured to begin an engagement within 24 hours. For organizations facing an active government inquiry or a time-sensitive internal situation, early engagement is one of the most important factors in how the matter develops.