When investing in a new market, there is always an inherent risk. However, when you are doing business in an emerging market, this risk is amplified greatly, as is the feeling of uncertainty you may have before taking the plunge. There are a lot of reasons why emerging markets are attractive right now: with the globalized world, increasing your reach to be more international is a strategic and sometimes necessary move. Emerging markets can often offer you with economic opportunities that are unheard of domestically, and offer you somewhat uncharted territory to expand and grow. However, in doing this, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. You need to know what exists already in the market, what your contribution is going to signify, and, perhaps most importantly, who you are working with.
Emerging markets, including Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Hungary, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey, offer great opportunities. However, when it comes to entering into business with someone who already lives or works in the emerging market in question, or investing in these foreign stock markets, there are obvious questions that arise. First of all, this person is possibly not from the same culture, and does not conduct business the same way. Second, this person is assumed to be physically far from you, so the ability to work with them face-to-face may be impossible. Third, because of the different laws, processes, and infrastructure in the foreign country, it may be harder for you to “check out” the person properly before you begin working.
This is why so many people turn to private investigators to help them research their potential partners before entering into an emerging market. This blog post outlines 3 specific things that a private investigator can help you discover and understand before going into business with someone- things you probably cannot figure out for yourself.
Is Your Plan Really Possible? Sometimes we have an idea, and it seems possible, and even plausible, because we are working on incorrect context. Unfortunately, this is often the case with people who want to invest in emerging markets. We often think that we have an understanding of how life and business works in a foreign place, but in reality, we are acting on stereotypes or misconceptions. Something that a private investigator can help you do is to give you appropriate context to decide if an investment is actually a good idea. A PI that specializes in the region you are hoping to invest can give you an idea of how things work in the area, and how the reality might be different from your ideas or preconceptions. Common misconceptions could be: -What government of the country you are hoping to invest in is like, and how it might interfere with your plans. -Whether or not outside investors will be allowed to participate in the investment at all. -How the foreign currency operates and how it will hold up in the future.
Is the Deal What You Really Think It Is? Another issue when it comes to doing business in an emerging market is communication. In order to make a smart and productive decision, you need to have access to all of the necessary information to make sure you know exactly what you are getting into. This can be difficult in countries that have less resources available. An emerging market country may have loose accounting standards and less publicized information in general, which will make getting the information you need more difficult. In addition to that, the information may be in a different language, and will be according to the laws and codes of that specific country. All of these differences can add up and make it very difficult to get the information you need quickly and efficiently in a standard investment. Communication issues are prevalent even in situations where everything is correct, but in the case that you are faced with a fraudulent or corrupt investment, it is even more difficult to discover the fraud because of all of these practical differences between countries. This is why many people hire a private investigator before making a decision in an emerging market, to protect their assets and make sure they know exactly who and what they are working with.
Is the Market Really There For You? Lastly, many people make mistakes in emerging market deals because they overestimate the opportunity that is available in the market. Most of the time, this means that people are choosing the wrong time to invest. Emerging markets follow very different trends than stocks in developed countries, and you need to be sure that what looks like a good investment actually is. Getting stuck with an investment that quickly falls apart, or one that you have a hard time liquidating in the future, can be just as deadly to your prospects as getting involved in business with a corrupt investor. This is why it is always best to hire a private investigator that specializes in emerging market analysis before you invest. If you are looking for a PI to help you make your emerging market investment decisions, consider Lauth Investigations. You can learn more here!
Canadian Pharma Billionaire and Wife Murders Unsolved
Family Hires Team of Private Investigators
“Big Pharma Tycoon” Dr. Barry Sherman, Ph.D., 75, and his wife Honey, 70, were found dead in their Toronto, Canada home on December 15, 2017.
Media initially reported their deaths as a “murder-suicide,” but Sherman’s children all emphatically disagree with the initial police assessment.
Dr. Barry Sherman and his wife Honey
Apotex Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc. is Canada’s largest maker of generic drugs, earning the Shermans a fortune estimated at $4.7 billion, placing Barry Sherman as the 12th wealthiest person in Canada, according to Forbes Magazine.
Apotex was founded by Sherman in 1974 and grew from a two-person operation to employing over 11,000 people. The company sells approximately 300 generic drugs within 120 countries.
Dr. Sherman had a Ph.D. in astrophysics from MIT and had formerly been the Chairman of former Cangene Corp., a Canadian biotechnology firm specializing in hyper immunes, contract manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, and biodefense. It has been reported the company had several bioterrorism contracts with the United States before the company sold in 2014.
Honey Sherman had been active in service to the community and had been awarded a “Community Service Award” from Canadian senator Linda Frum.
“I am gutted by the loss of Honey and Barry Sherman. Our community is steeped in grief. I am heartbroken,” Frum posted on Twitter.
Sherman 12,440 square foot mansion in North York, Toronto
Described as “incredible philanthropists” and beloved members of Canada’s Jewish community, their deaths have shocked their neighborhood of North York, along with medical and political circles throughout the world.
Sherman’s Children Issue Press Release
Sherman’s four children say a murder-suicide made absolutely no sense and proceeded to issue a statement.
“Our parents shared an enthusiasm for life and commitment to their family and community. This is totally inconsistent with the rumors regrettably circulating in the media as to the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” the statement read.
“We are shocked and think it irresponsible that police sources have reportedly advised the media of a theory which neither their family, their friends nor their colleagues believe to be true,” the Sherman children said in the statement. “We urge the Toronto Police Service to conduct a thorough, intensive, and objective criminal investigation, and urge the media to refrain from further reporting as to the cause of these tragic deaths until the investigation is completed.”
Body being removed from Sherman’s Toronto home
The full story of what happened is not known but according to sources in various reports, the last time the couple was heard from was the evening of December 13th. They both arrived at their Old Colony neighborhood residence in two cars Wednesday evening after meeting with an architect for a home they were planning to build in Forest Hill, about a 20-mile drive south.
Barry, a self-admitted “workaholic”, didn’t show up at his office the following day but this didn’t cause immediate concern. The couple were found deceased in the downstairs indoor pool area of their home tied to a sturdy railing with two men’s leather belts, each around their necks. It is said they still had their winter coats and boots on.
A murder-suicide just didn’t correspond with their activities or mindset prior to their deaths. They were building a new home and celebrating the birth of a new grandchild. They were planning a wedding and booked airline tickets to fly to Florida for the holidays. Barry was about to become a member of the Order of Canada, an honor he valued.
Family Hires Criminal Lawyer and Private Investigators
Powerful criminal attorney, Brian Greenspan, has disapproved of the police handling of the investigation, demanding a second autopsy. The autopsy was conducted by a forensic pathologist on December 20, 2017, producing shocking results.
The forensic pathologist and former Toronto homicide detective found markings on the victim’s wrists consistent with being tied with a cord or plastic zip ties. However, when the bodies were found their wrists were not tied and no cords or rope were found at the scene.
The forensic pathologist also conducted a toxicology report, concluding no signs of drug use.
The Shermans were buried on December 21, 2017.
Greenspan has hired a private investigation team, including former homicide detectives, to ensure “no stone is left unturned” and work alongside police.
The team has concluded the couple had been strangled to death with two men’s leather belts around their necks and attached to the sturdy bar.
Police Theory Debunked
The Sherman’s real estate agent discovered the deceased couple in the basement of their $5.4 million home.
A Toronto Sun cited “sources close to the case” believe Honey may have been killed in another location of the house, then moved to the lower level of the home where their bodies were found.
Thomas Lauth, CEO of Lauth Investigations International, has 20 years of experience working alongside police agencies and prosecutors on unsolved murder cases. “In any homicide case, one must look at the circumstances from every viewpoint, even what may seem inconceivable,” Lauth said. “In addition to a thorough forensic examination of the crime scene, it becomes crucial to be able to analyze a crime scene for the unseen, and for anything that may create an “at risk” circumstance where someone is at higher risk to become a victim of crime be it their personal lives, business acquaintances, political activities, wealth, or all of the above.”
Political Lobbying
August 6, 2015, Barry and Honey hosted a private $1,500 per-head fundraiser for the Liberal Party at his home. The lavish event was attended by “movers and shakers” and dignitary Justin Trudeau, who became the Canadian prime minister two months later.
Reported in New Canadian Media “JDL protesters greet Trudeau at private fundraiser,” about 30 protesters organized by the Jewish Defense League of Canada, gathered outside the Sherman home to voice their displeasure of the reception given to the Liberal leader despite the Liberal party endorsing the nuclear deal with Iran.
“It is unprecedented to protest at the home of a Jewish leader,” acknowledged Meir Weinstein. If the Liberal party hadn’t backed an agreement deemed by the government of Israel to be dangerous, “we wouldn’t be here.” As Trudeau pulled up in his black van, protesters shouted, No Iran deal!” and the protest seemed to frighten attendees and community residents.
Justin Trudeau, Canada Prime Minister, friend of Barry Sherman
The Defense League was criticized for their protest and Weinstein eventually apologized for a “personal inconvenience” in a civil phone call to Sherman; however, the damage had been done.
A government watchdog group, Democracy Watch, filed a complaint against Sherman and Apotex, and in January 2017, an investigation was initiated by Canada’s Federal Lobby Commissioner to see if the fundraiser had violated government rules stating, “a lobbyist cannot lobby officials they assisted in getting elected.”
Sherman sued the Lobby Commissioner to shut down the investigation and called the investigation an “unanchored fishing expedition pursued in bad faith.”
Despite Sherman’s death the lobbying commission, Karen Shepherd, confirmed the investigation would proceed.
Could the Sherman’s be victims of a professional hit?
From all accounts, the couple was adored by family, friends and the community. Their relationship was solid and their life together peaceful and loving; however, everything needs to be considered when a murder occurs.
Barry had been sued by his cousins, the children of Lois Winter, who had helped him build his “pharma empire” in the early days. Kerry, Paul, Dana and Jeffrey Winter are four brothers who made allegations Sherman owed them 20 percent stake in Apotex based on sign contracts and verbal agreements signed when Sherman acquired their father’s company, Empire Companies, during the 1960s.
The case dragged on for nearly a decade, but a judge dismissed the claim against Sherman, in the months preceding their deaths.
The Sun article poses several questions that are certainly not out of the realm of possibility when one is worth over $4 billion and your professional life deals with the “cut-throat” business of pharmaceutical sales and even bioterrorism contracts.
As a pharmaceutical company, Sherman made his wealth by reverse engineering patented drugs from established drug companies. Sherman was also known as a “bulldog” who was not intimidated by others.
Motives? Maybe.
Former Toronto Police homicide detective, Tom Klatt of Klatt Investigations, has been brought on board to work in tandem with police and ensure “all out-of-the-box possibilities are looked at.” Klatt is a police veteran with more than 70 homicide investigations under his belt. Described as a consummate professional, very smart and a straight shooter.
Attorney Greenspan felt it necessary to hire a team of distinguished law enforcement officers to address the family’s concerns that no murder-suicide occurred as originally reported in the press.
The examination of Sherman’s death has now risen to the largest homicide investigations in Toronto history.
“Sometimes, it is necessary for a family to advocate for their loved ones,” Thomas Lauth says, reflecting upon his own experience working with police and prosecutors. “Hiring a team of investigators ensures everything that can be done is being done. It is necessary in the pursuit of justice.”
Jonathon Sherman cries as he speaks during a memorial service for his parents, Barry and Honey Sherman, as his sisters look on Thursday, December 21, 2017. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)
At the Sherman home, sewers have been swept for possible evidence, vehicles were removed and surveillance within the home and neighborhood has been secured. Again, sources have said a second crime scene within the home has been carefully analyzed.
Speaking at the funeral, Jonathan Sherman says of his parents, “Our parents never left anyone behind.”
Still so many questions remain but one thing for sure is the couple died of ligature neck compressions. They were found sitting with legs out straight and sources describe them both wearing jackets that were around their arms and pulled down behind their backs.
“A private investigator is a second set of eyes and ears in a murder investigation and we must remain cognizant that whoever murdered Barry and Honey Sherman, remains on the street and a danger to others, not to mention the importance of justice for the family,” said Lauth. “I am convinced if anything was missed in the initial police search, Klatt with his investigative skills, will find it.”
From the Desk of Kristen Justis, Director of Marketing and Customer Relations
ALIMONY INVESTIGATIONS
Alimony is defined as a husband or wife’s court-ordered provision for a spouse after separation or divorce. The purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to a spouse due to the change in their lifestyle upon the separation. While only 20 states still allow alimony, Lauth Investigations International, Inc. (Lauth) receives several clients due to provisions for alimony in a divorce.
Alimony States
Only 20 states allow for alimony and some are stricter than others on their provisions. The stricter states allow alimony to be a permanent obligation for life. Others allow receivers of alimony to receive further income should their ex marry another. Meaning, if the payor marries another, the new spouse will be obligated to pay some of their income to the receiver. Some states have a set formula giving the lower income spouse alimony of up to 40% of the higher income spouse’s salary. Below is the list of the states starting with the strictest states when it comes it alimony:
Colorado
New Mexico
California
Mississippi
New York
New Jersey
Florida
West Virginia
Vermont
Connecticut
Alabama
Delaware
Kansas
Tennessee
Utah
New Hamshire
Alaska
Nevada
Texas
Georgia
Every divorce and alimony decree are different. Some only requires alimony for a few years, while some require alimony to be permanent until death, others stipulate alimony ceases once the receiver of the alimony resides with a new companion, while some allows the new spouse of the payor has to pay a percentage into the alimony. The set time for alimony is clear cut for the ending of alimony payments. The alimony ending when the receiver resides with a new companion is far more difficult to document and prove to the Court.
Alimony Case Investigation
Lauth previously handled an investigation case for the payor of alimony as he believed his ex-wife to be living with a new spouse. This may seem like an easy thing to prove given our access to records on the internet and social media; however, people still have the means to be secretive and manipulative where money is concerned.
Trent, payor of alimony, resides in a state which ordered him to pay Mallory, receiver of alimony, $3,000 per month until Mallory began to reside with a new spouse. Since the divorce several years ago, Mallory moved out of state. Trent began to hear rumblings of Mallory living with a new spouse. He perused social media and saw her with a man several times; however, this did not prove they lived together. Trent began to do some research on his own.
Through his digging on the internet, Trent was able to confirm Mallory had purchased a home along with this new gentleman. Although it may appear they purchased the home to live together, this was not enough information for the Court to cease the alimony requirement. This is where Lauth comes in. Trent hired Lauth to get the full details of the living arrangement and use of the home in question.
The problem of just showing the two individuals purchasing the home together is they could be in business together to flip the home for sale, rent the home to others, starting a business in the home, etc. In order to receive a ruling for alimony to cease, all information must be concrete and prove fully the receiver is no longer in need of the spousal support as they have other forms of income.
The internet provides useful information; however, private investigators, such as Lauth, are able to answer all questions beyond a shadow of a doubt for clients. Lauth was able to locate the home, complete surveillance of the home, take pictures of Mallory and her significant other leaving the home consistently, and find further information on the use of the home. After given definitive proof from Lauth, Trent was able to show the Court Mallory no longer needs his spousal support. The Court ruled in his favor and he is now saving $3,000 per month.
Conclusion
When looking to get married, check out the laws in your state and consult an attorney. If there is an alimony law, attempt to establish a prenuptial agreement outlining your own parameters for alimony. If you are getting divorce, contact an attorney immediately and try to work with your ex-spouse on alternative agreements such as a one-time lump sum or a time period so the alimony is not a permanent requirement.
If you are paying or receiving alimony, ensure you stay aware of what the other is doing. On either side of the alimony, the actions of the other can cost or save a lot of money. The best way to stay aware is to work with a private investigator who can keep you updated without your name being involved and allowing you to get definitive answers to help you in Court.
Welcome to the New Year! While most of us are focusing on New Year’s resolutions for our bad habits, there is one habit most are overlooking: online behavior. Protecting yourself online is one of the most important habits you should be implementing into your daily life and teaching your children. Many of us do not know exactly where to begin in regards to online protection. Lauth Investigations International, Inc. works with clients, individuals and corporations, daily to ensure personal and professional protection online.
Sites like Facebook and Instagram allow us to share our life with the world via the internet; however, we should not get too used to sharing our lives with loved ones and forget to protect ourselves. Online privacy is essential to protect your family from all kinds of predators. Below are 5 easy ways to assist in personal protection from fraud, identity theft, and/or unwanted wandering eyes.
Use Password Creativity
Lack of password protection is one of the major ways people fall victim to identity theft or hacking. It’s important to make sure your passwords are complicated and secure in order to ensure your different accounts are safe. Whether it’s banking, social media, or online retailers, creative passwords are needed for security. Below are just a few practices to consider when managing your passwords:
Change your password every two months;
Never repeat a previous or current password;
Avoid obvious personal data, including dates and names;
Store your passwords away from your devices. Write them down in one location in an easy to access yet discreet location..
Keep Updated On Current Scams When it comes to protection and security, knowledge is power. Online scammers are continuously getting smarter and inventing new versions of buying and selling scams, dating scams, and inheritance scams. Be proactive when protecting yourself from being scammed, continue to be educated on new scams being utilized online. Lauth Investigations International, Inc. is a great resource providing weekly blogs on safety and personal protection, including but not limited to, fraud, identity theft, online scams, and more.Check out our article about dating scams here.
Social Media Privacy SettingsSocial media is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family and share special events and moments from your life. However, your social media page is also a gold mine for anyone trying to steal your identity, stalk you, or harass you in any way. Make sure your privacy settings on your social media accounts are up to date. Never share any posts about where you live, your daily routine, or your children’s names publicly. Limit the amount of information on your profile. Consistently review your friend list and “defriend” anyone who you don’t know personally. Oftentimes, our friend list fills up over the years with people we don’t really know leading to privacy breaches without us realizing it.
For more information on how mothers can protect their kids online, check out this blog article.
Use Encrypted MessagingOur messages are some of the most private things we store online, and yet they are often some of the least protected. If you are sending sensitive information through online messaging, consider what application you are using to send these messages. Whatsapp has a secure line which may be used for casual conversations you may want to protect. Signal, the secure messaging application recommended by Edward Snowden, is another application to consider. As of 2016, Facebook Messenger has implemented a “secret conversations” feature you can access by clicking on the “secret” button at the top of the “New Message” option.
Embrace 2 Factor Authentication2 factor authentication is a secure feature offered by most online resources requiring a back-up verification method, text message or email, in order to log on. If you’ve ever logged onto your email from a new computer and received a notification you need to enter a code in order to access your account, you have already used two factor authentication. Two Factor Authentication is one of the best ways to protect your account from hacking. It has been widely considered to be the way of the future when it comes to online security. Although it may slow you down due to the extra step when logging on, if you really need to ensure your information stays secure, 2 Factor Authentication is the best way.
Never give information or money up frontUltimately, the best way to avoid being scammed online is to be wary of anyone who asks you for money or security information up front. If you ever have doubt about a company who is trying to collect your information, you should be able to trace their information to a secure office and speak to a representative on the phone. Also, look at online reviews to see if other people have already complained about this company. Oftentimes, if a company is fraudulent, they have a paper trail of victims who have tried to warn other people through online complaints or reviews. Do your research before completing a transaction with anyone online, whether it be a dating site, a Craigslist purchase, or a stock investment.Almost everyone has embraced the online world, and it’s becoming next to impossible to keep all your personal information offline. Being smart about how you share and who you share with can keep you secure and allow you to take advantage of all the benefits of the internet without the risks.
Is Your Employee a Drug Trafficker? Opiates in the Workplace
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sales of prescription opioids quadrupled during 1999 to 2014. Referred to as an opioid crisis in America, it seems we all know someone battling an addiction to prescription medications.
Opioids include prescription pills (including Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Percocet), as well as Heroin and Fentanyl, a drug that can be injected, taken as a lozenge or through a skin patch.
Nationwide 1 in 4 people who are prescribed opioids will struggle with addiction. The depth of the problem is highlighted in a disturbing CDC post stating, “Almost all prescription drugs involved in overdoses come from prescriptions originally; very few come from pharmacy theft. However, once they are prescribed and dispensed, prescription drugs are frequently diverted to people using them without prescriptions. More than 3 out of 4 people who misuse prescription painkillers use drugs prescribed to someone else.
In addition to the personal toll to the addicts and the American family touched by opioid abuse, the CDC also estimates the total “economic burden” of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the cost of healthcare, loss of productivity, absenteeism, increased injuries, addiction treatment, theft, criminal justice involvement, and legal liabilities.
The Drug Enforcement Agency estimates employed persons who misuse opioids account for 64.5% of medically related absenteeism and 90.1% of disability costs.
The use of opioids in the workplace is a growing battle for American business. According to a National Safety Council (NCS) survey, 57% of employers perform drug tests. However, more than 40% do not test for synthetic opioids like oxycodone, one of the most abused narcotics on the market, making accurate national statistics unreliable.
An NCS survey also found 29% of employers reported impaired job performance due to use of painkillers, with 15% citing injuries due to drug use. Up to 70% of employers said their workforce has been negatively affected in one way or another.
The Impact of Drugs in the Workplace
Use of drugs impairs decision making and causes physical impairment, a deadly condition when at work. It causes an overall decline in employee morale, an unsafe working environment and increases employer liability.
It is estimated at least 1 of 6 employees use drugs at work and the toll on the workplace is costly in the following ways:
Addicts are 1/3 less productive than their counterparts
Five more times likely to cause accidents
Are absent up to 20 times more often
Five times more likely to request workers compensation
Contribute to 40% of all industrial work fatalities
Health care costs for addicts is three times higher than other employees
Admitted to selling drugs to coworkers
Admitted to stealing from employers and coworkers
It is estimated 70% of 14.8 million Americans who use illegal drugs are employed. It is safe to assume if you have drug abusers on the job, you probably also have drug dealers operating within your company.
As drug dependency increases, it is common for addicts to buy drugs from friends or coworkers and even steal from their company, co-workers and clients.
Experts have also found the number of heroin addicts have increased as it is common for an opioid user to transition to using heroin when they begin running out of pills and money. Heroin is significantly cheaper than opiates and easier to obtain. Heroin laced with Fentanyl is becoming increasingly popular because it can be 50 times stronger than heroin.
The drug dealer of today is no longer the shady guy driving a decked-out Cadillac, meeting his clients in a dark alley or an unlit street corner. Dealing drugs to coworkers is preferred over standing on the corner selling to strangers and for a drug trafficker, less risky.
At work, a dealer has an employed clientele able to afford the drugs, and someone they can establish trust with while selling under the radar of management in the restroom, parking lot, lunch-room or cubicle.
Oftentimes workplace dealers will sell drugs on credit or a “front” according to the book Undercover Investigations in the Workplace by Eugene Ferraro. Drugs are sold to an employee with the agreement of paying later, usually on payday. Co-workers make the perfect client for a drug dealer and quite a lucrative business, with one Oxycontin pill demanding up to $50-$80 each on the street according to a CNN Money article Prescription Drugs Worth Millions to Dealers.
According to Ferraro, “We have caught employees-dealers (earning less than $10 an hour from their employer) who never carried less than $10,000 cash to work.”
Paydays are usually the biggest days for drug trafficking activity. However, to pay for drugs, addicts often turn to their employers to fund their habits.
With addicts in the workplace, there is a higher incidence of theft of equipment, tools, products and part inventories where drug trafficking and abuse is occurring. Aside from being at increased risk, both abusers and drug dealers are more likely to become involved in additional criminal behavior, stealing from their employers and fellow employees.
What are the signs of drug trafficking and abuse in the workplace?
Are certain employees driving an expensive car far beyond the means of what they make working? Flaunting money? Are your employees leaving without notice to meet clients? High turnover and absenteeism and/or meeting in the bathroom or parking lot? What may appear on the surface to look like comradery, could be a sign of something more.
Robert Avery, 41, worked as the Parental Involvement Director at a Head Start program in Gadsen, Alabama. Instead of offering educational and health services to low-income children, Avery was arrested for selling the prescription drug “Roxycontin” to undercover agents from the program facility.
Even police departments are not immune. November 20, 2017, Jellico Police Department Dispatcher and Fireman Robert Rookard, was arrested in “Operation Thanksgiving Harvest” for selling drugs at work.
In August 2017, more than a dozen Atlanta USPS workers were rounded up for running an illegal drug distribution operation. Sixteen employees working at post offices across Metro Atlanta were arrested for accepting bribes in exchange for delivering kilogram packages of cocaine.
When the FBI received a tip that drug dealers were running packages of drugs through the mail system, they began an 18-month sting putting a fake drug dealer on the street to see how many postal workers they could get to sign up. In a bribery agreement, workers agreed to provide special addresses to the drug trafficker, intercepting and delivering the packages to the dealer, who just happened to be working with law enforcement. The number of postal workers who agreed to participate astounding.
While some companies may assume there is no liability for the actions of an employee, one company is feeling the devastating effects. According to the October 13, 2017, Chicago Tribune article, “Oak Park appeals board upholds pantry’s closure after employee accused of selling heroin,” it was reported The Village of Oak Park in Chicago closed the Austin Food Pantry after 55-year old store manager Edgar Lucas was arrested on 17 counts of heroin sales and possession at the establishment. Charges include 5 counts ofunlawful delivery of a controlled substance determined to be heroin. In the aftermath, the city revoked their business license.
In an appeal, the store owners stated they had no knowledge of the employee’s drug activities; however, Village of Oak Park trustees upheld the decision to permanently close the business. In a written ruling, trustee Cara Pavlick said Austin Pantry owners were “negligent, reckless and careless at a minimum in allowing their business to be operated as a place for the sale of illegal narcotics on numerous dates.”
Drug use and trafficking are often difficult to spot and many times even harder to prove. However, every employer and Human Resources department has a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all employees, immediately addressing any infraction or suspicion to reduce liability within the workplace and protect your company.
Private Investigators – A Weapon in Battle to Reduce Illegal Drug Use
An internal investigation sometimes involves drug-testing, some use dogs, and some use undercover operatives. Wall Street and other large corporations began using private investigations long ago with the demand ever increasing.
General Motors (GM) reported substance abuse by some of its 472,000 employees and their dependents cost the company $600 million in 1987. To combat the problem, GM instituted undercover operations at 10 mid-western plants and said it would not hesitate to use such investigations in the future. That was then, and drug use in the workplace has only increased.
While employers are encouraged to practice a covenant of good faith and dealing with all employees, protecting the workplace should be the primary goal, and often requires professional private investigators to work alongside law enforcement to ferret out drug use and other illegal activity.
Conducting a private investigation not only reflects your company as being proactive, careful documentation can help achieve a conviction and reduce liability.
Thomas Lauth, owner of Lauth Investigations International, specializes in undercover investigations for both blue-collar and white-collar companies. Having spent over 20 years in the field as a private detective, he believes diligence is key to combating workplace crime. “One can never be too careful or diligent when protecting their company. When working with clients, we tailor our investigation to the needs of each individual client.”
When hired by a client, Lauth’s investigative team provides an assessment and tailors the investigation to the needs of the specific case. Working with Human Resources, the business is profiled to determine the best course of action.
The most effective way to detect drug trafficking and abuse in the workplace is to conduct a covert investigation planting an investigator within the company. Typically, the investigator goes through the hiring process like any other employee, informing minimal staff, allowing the undercover private investigator to protect their identity and integrity of the investigation.
From there, the investigator fits in with employees, developing friendships to gain information about drug activity. In Lauth’s experience, “Many times, our investigators uncover additional illegal activities, resulting from the initial investigation,”
Periodic background checks can also assist companies in identifying employees who are high risk for illegal activity. “At Lauth Investigations, we recommend conducting background checks of all employees, newer employees as well as those who have worked for the company for several years. A lot can change after the hiring of an individual,” Lauth says.
For those who may be concerned office morale may be damaged, Lauth points out a background check can be conducted legally without the employee’s knowledge. “Background checks can reveal drug offenses, fraud, theft and other criminal activity on record with a police department or court and one of the most important steps a company can take to protect their company.”
Trent, payor of alimony, resides in a state which ordered him to pay Mallory, receiver of alimony, $3,000 per month until Mallory began to reside with a new spouse. Since the divorce several years ago, Mallory moved out of state. Trent began to hear rumblings of Mallory living with a new spouse. He perused social media and saw her with a man several times; however, this did not prove they lived together. Trent began to do some research on his own.
When looking to get married, check out the laws in your state and consult an attorney. If there is an alimony law, attempt to establish a prenuptial agreement outlining your own parameters for alimony. If you are getting divorce, contact an attorney immediately and try to work with your ex-spouse on alternative agreements such as a one-time lump sum or a time period so the alimony is not a permanent requirement.
Social media is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family and share special events and moments from your life. However, your social media page is also a gold mine for anyone trying to steal your identity, stalk you, or harass you in any way. Make sure your privacy settings on your social media accounts are up to date. Never share any posts about where you live, your daily routine, or your children’s names publicly. Limit the amount of information on your profile. Consistently review your friend list and “defriend” anyone who you don’t know personally. Oftentimes, our friend list fills up over the years with people we don’t really know leading to privacy breaches without us realizing it.
According to Ferraro, “We have caught employees-dealers (earning less than $10 an hour from their employer) who never carried less than $10,000 cash to work.” 
Even police departments are not immune. November 20, 2017, Jellico Police Department Dispatcher and Fireman Robert Rookard, was arrested in “