Global Corporate Growth Warrant Increased Use of PI Firms

by admin_lauth | Jul 13, 2016 | News

How Corporate Private Investigators Root Out Illegal Activity in the Workplace and Illegal Workers?

At Lauth Investigations International headquartered in Indiana, our Indianapolis private investigators work with national and global corporations and specialize in internal crisis management investigations and business intelligence.

In the corporate world, there is a lot of room for treachery, especially as companies continue to grow globally. Over the years, corporate private investigators have been commonly utilized to perform corporate due diligence such as running background checks on potential hires and business partners. However, in the expanding world of business with too little regulation, corporate private investigators more frequently perform business intelligence investigations in an effort to protect companies by discovering deceptive practices, and performing damage control. Essentially, a corporate private investigator is responsible for identifying risks and adds an additional layer of protection to a company’s financial assets, credibility, and legal integrity.

Along with potential fraud in the corporate arena, many companies are facing government scrutiny. Prior to any corporation responding to a government inquiry, senior executives must begin gathering relevant facts to assess potential liability. Promptly hiring an experienced private investigator can help alleviate the pressure on the leadership of the corporation while the private investigator works in cooperation with the corporate legal team to help expedite findings and develop information sharing agreements that can earn cooperation credits.

Management & executive leaders in the corporate world know prevention is worth its weight in gold. This list of risks is endless so corporations know being proactive and developing strategies that protect the company, involve developing their corporate intelligence programs. Corporate private investigators are highly skilled in internal crisis management investigations and discover everything from employee malingering, employee infidelity, fraud, embezzlement, improper billing, contract fraud, illegal hiring of immigrant workers, divulgence of trade secrets, slanderous employees and competitors, and drug detection and misuse. In addition, private investigators can help corporations prepare for domestic and international mergers, acquisitions, board appointments, and leveraged buyouts.

No Company is Immune

Well-known companies like 3M Company, Hewlett Packard, Walt Disney Company, Allied Defense Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman Sachs Group, and even Halliburton Company can find themselves in the midst of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation that can result in administrative action or land them in federal court. The SEC is responsible for investigating evidence of violations brought about by tips, complaints, market surveillance activities, and whistleblowers. Typically, violations that can lead to an SEC investigation include:

• Theft of funds or securities
• Insider trading
• Selling unregistered securities
• Omissions or misrepresentation
• Manipulating market prices

During 2010, the federal government brought more Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement actions than any other year. As with SEC investigations, there are many ways companies can take a proactive approach to reduce incidents that have long-lasting and costly effects. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) issued a 2012 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse. Compiled from a study of 1,388 cases of occupational fraud that occurred worldwide, the report provides a global view and insight as to the prevalence of fraud and abuse in the workplace.

The Undocumented

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, illegal immigration and high levels of identity theft go hand in hand. In Arizona, 33 percent of all identity theft is job-related. Eight of ten states having the highest incidence of illegal aliens in their total population are among the top ten states in identity theft (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Nevada, New York, and Georgia).

When illegals come to the United States, they also look for employment and they will commit felonies to do so by using fraudulent documents obtained by identity theft.

The illegally employed send billions of dollars to their families still residing in their home countries instead of spending here in the U.S. and helping to stimulate the economy. For example, those residing in the U.S. transferred $2.8 billion to Mexico during 2008.

Bribery and corruption land U.S. corporations in the chicken coup

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the primary and largest investigative agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ICE is responsible for the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws that govern border patrol, customs, trade, and immigration. Meat processing plants throughout the country have been frequent targets of immigration officials in an effort to track down undocumented workers. One of the most publicized Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids occurred during 2008 at Columbia Farms, a poultry processing plant located in Greenville, NC. Approximately 330 illegal workers were arrested during the raid. The U.S. Department of Labor was investigating the plant for possible child labor violations following the arrests of the illegal immigrants, including six juveniles.

Tyson Foods, an Arkansas corporation and one of the largest producers of poultry, pork and beef products, has been subject of several allegations of corruption over the years. In 2002, two Tyson executives and four former managers were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to smuggle illegals from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras to work at its U.S. poultry plants.

The 2002 indictment connected 15 plants in nine states throughout the country as part of a conspiracy to smuggle at least 140 immigrants to plants located in Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia. In an effort to boost productivity and lower wage cost, Tyson paid $200 for each Mexican illegal delivered to their plants where they were provided false identification so they could work. Investigators presented audio and video surveillance that substantiated the allegations and fined $100 million, Tyson contended a few managers’ acted outside company policy at only 5 of its 57 poultry plants.

Again, in 2004, the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice fined Tyson $5 million for violations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for bribery of meat packing plant inspectors. Tyson had paid two veterinarian’s wives 30,700 pesos or $2,700 a month for years in order to prevent the veterinary inspectors from creating problems.

More and more we hear stories of companies hiring Human Resources employees who then bribe potential new hires with a bribery fee for employment. For example, an illegal immigrant produces fake identification, such as a work visa or green card and pays the HR employee $300.00 for a job to clean chicken cages.

Weeding out illegal activities in the workplace – Prevention is worth a pound of cure

Incidents of corruption and bribery have become common in the corporate world and more and more companies are hiring private investigators to conduct uncover investigations of those participating in illegal workplace activity. While “companies” do not commit crimes, employees do.

Highly skilled corporate private investigators are joining corporations throughout the country to help prevent human trafficking (including child trafficking), bribery, employee infidelity, MS-13 gang activity, fraud, identity theft, and drug trafficking that has become all too commonplace in various industries.

Clearly, prevention should be a priority within any corporation. Teamwork between corporate executives and corporate private investigators acting as undercover operatives, weed out illegal workplace activities crucial to ensuring crimes are detected and prosecuted.

Indianapolis private investigator Thomas Lauth, owner of Lauth Investigations, specializes in business intelligence and corporate investigations. A twenty-year private detective, Lauth has worked with many corporate clients over the last twenty years to include, Aldi Foods, Sysco, Pepsi, and Dollar General Stores.

“If we respond to concerns immediately and investigate thoroughly, we are able to prevent huge financial losses early on,” says Lauth. “In addition, with due diligence and comprehensive corporate investigations, we are able to assist in strengthening internal controls helping corporations save in the long run.”

About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the National Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is a consultant and expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.

Indianapolis Private Investigators Focused on the Safety of Children

by admin_lauth | Jul 12, 2016 | News

How can a private investigator help keep my child safe during divorce or child custody dispute?

All too common in today’s headlines are stories involving children who have been abused. While we worry about our children’s safety around strangers, we sometimes fail to take the proper precautions to keep children safe in their own environments. Private investigators specializing in child custody investigations work directly with an attorney to generate a formative case for impeachment. Child custody investigators are trained to investigate and detect child abuse, neglect, substance and alcohol abuse, and other behaviors that may endanger a child. The information gathered by a qualified child custody private investigator about a custodial or non-custodial parent during a legal custody investigation, can uncover behavior that places a child at risk of harm, while also documenting the incidents of concern. This is a critical step to ensuring that the information gathered during the child custody investigation can be presented in court if necessary. During cases of separation and divorce, no corner should be cut when considering the safety of a child, and a qualified private investigator can literally save a child’s life.

Why is it important to utilize a private investigator specializing in child custody investigations? Any separation or divorce is an emotional time during one’s life. At times, the situation can become volatile. While a parent’s first priority should be the child’s safety and emotional stability, it is not uncommon for parents to make false allegations to restrict the other parent’s access to the child. Unfortunately, children commonly become the pawns during a divorce and child custody case. Utilizing a private investigator specializing in custodial investigations can reduce incidents of false accusations, substantiate legitimate allegations, and ensure the child’s well-being is the first priority.

Ideally, a qualified and licensed private investigator is hired to conduct the child custody investigation and work directly with an attorney during the pre-filing phase. The private investigator and the attorney handling the case work together to ensure all concerns are addressed prior to filing the case in court. This also ensures as much information as possible is presented to the court during the initial phase of the child custody case.

Lauth Investigation International recognizes what is at stake during a child custody investigation

Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, Lauth Investigations International provides private investigation services nationwide. Lauth Investigations also has a Florida private investigator team and a Colorado private investigator team ready to respond when a child’s safety is at risk.

Each of our private investigation teams located in Indianapolis, IN, Denver, CO, and Miami, FL, specialize in the child endangerment cases and can be assigned within 24 hours.

When a child’s life is at risk, we know there is no time to waste.

What happens during a child custody investigation?

A child custody investigator can document critical information during exchanges and visitations to chronicle how the child is treated while in the care of the other parent. Gathering evidence supporting mistreatment or neglect of a child during a legal custody investigation can entail interviewing the other parent, questioning witnesses, and conducting background checks on all parties involved in the child’s care. In addition, an experienced private investigator will conduct an on-site assessment of the child’s home and can determine if the child is being cared for in a suitable environment by evaluating the cleanliness of the home and documenting those who reside in or frequently visit the home.

Also very common is utilizing video surveillance to document the parent’s behavior while the child is in their care, documenting those the parent associates with and who the parent may be exposing the child to, if the parent is participating in any illegal or reckless behavior, and any incidents of abuse such as keeping record of any bruises or injuries. Hiring a licensed child custody investigator ensures the investigation is conducted legally and the quality of evidence gathered can be used in a court of law. If required, the investigator will also provide expert court testimony.

Should I hire a child custody private investigator and what should I be doing?

• In court, judges commonly hear accusations from both sides. At times it becomes very difficult to determine who may be telling the truth and if concerns are warranted. Evidence presented in court by a licensed private investigator provides documented proof of allegations the court must take into consideration when making a ruling in a child custody case. It is especially important to present an accurate representation of a person’s character during any court case and even more important when children’s lives are impacted.
• If you suspect the other parent may be abusing your child emotionally or physically while in their care, it is important to substantiate those concerns. While hiring an investigator can guide and assist you, keeping a journal of any negative events, comments your child makes that are of concern, comments or threats the other parent makes to you, are helpful. Especially important, document any injuries the child has sustained in the care of the other parent by keeping written record and photographs of the injuries. Also, record any medical treatment received by a medical professional.
• If you suspect the other parent may be drinking excessively or involved in substance abuse while caring for the child, a private investigator can document the other parent’s actions by observing their daily activities, document those who come and go at the residence, and detect drug and alcohol abuse.
• If you suspect the other parent is neglectful, participating in any kind of criminal behavior, or associating with individuals who may have a criminal background, it is best to have a private investigator perform a comprehensive background check on the other parent, anyone that resides with the parent or has interaction with your child. It is important to keep in mind, most incidents of child abuse and child death, occur within the home of the child and injuries inflicted by those trusted to care for the child.
• If you are not certain who the other parent is associating with, a private investigator can conduct surveillance to document who is coming and going at the home, even documenting license plates to determine the identity of individuals permitted to be in close proximity or care for your child.
• If you are concerned about how a child custody investigation may affect your child, it is important to know professional private investigators are highly trained in child custody investigations to utilize investigative methods that minimize exposure of the child to the investigation. In fact, most investigations can be conducted without the child ever knowing, as the investigator is there to protect the child and serve in their best interest.

When children’s safety is in question, it is always best to be safe than sorry. If no questionable behavior is uncovered, everyone can feel secure knowing the child is in safe hands with two loving and responsible parents.

Our Indiana private investigators, along with our Colorado private investigator team, and Florida private investigator team, welcome any questions you may have. Please feel free to call us for a “no cost”consultation.

About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.