What is a fraud or integrity investigation?

These two types of investigation have much in common. Both fall under the heading of truth-finding and are also closely related within that. The approach is therefore basically the same for both. However, there are also differences. For example, a  fraud investigation  almost always has a financial component, while a business  integrity investigation  can also relate to, for example, an unlawful (appearance of) conflict of interest, clientelism or abuse of authority (e.g. sharing secret information). In the first case, business economics investigations are also regularly carried out, in which cash flows are checked. For example, transactions/bank statements may be checked. So there are indeed differences between a fraud investigation and a (business) integrity investigation. Feitenonderzoek

How does a fraud or integrity investigation work?

In the case of a fraud or integrity report, the focus is  on finding the truth  . What exactly happened and who was aware of which facts at what time? These are the questions for which an answer is sought. This process often starts with a piece of desk research. First, all physically or digitally available information is analysed. Then, interviews are also held to allow all parties involved to speak. This results in a so-called factual report, accompanied by an objective conclusion that summarises the findings. This is tested against the relevant laws and regulations and (unwritten) standards, after which definitive conclusions can be drawn. Was the act indeed reprehensible or can the person in question be completely acquitted?

For whom we can carry out these studies

As already indicated, we at Strated Integrity have already gained a wealth of experience in conducting these investigations. Due to the confidential nature of many of these investigations, we cannot share everything about them here. However, we can provide some examples of projects that we have recently carried out:

•  Investigating the validity of a whistleblower letter with allegations against one director (G-24 municipality);
•  Investigation into the resale of confidential BRP data by a civil servant;
•  Investigation into possible conflict of interest regarding the sale of 10 hectares of municipal land;
•  Investigating a European tender procedure (G-4 municipality);
•  Investigation into the (un)lawful spending of party funds by a political party

Incidents at (semi-)public organisations

Within organisations with a (semi-)public function, many different types of incidents can occur. In the event of a suspicion of indecent behaviour or treatment, conflict of interest, a form of fraud, unreported activities, misconduct, abuse of a position of power, preferential treatment, leaking of information, nepotism or undesirable relationships, for example, an investigation is conducted into the behaviour of the relevant councillors, civil servants, aldermen, provincial executives, members of the provincial council or other employees of the organisation. In a large number of cases, this is done from Strated Integrity, but it can also be commissioned by a committee of experts or wise men, or the House for Whistleblowers.

What rules apply?

When conducting an investigation in connection with a fraud or integrity report, various rules and protocols naturally apply. It is of course not a formal criminal investigation, but the facts may give rise to filing a report. In many cases, employees have signed a statement/protocol. This indicates that they are obliged to cooperate in an investigation into fraud and integrity reports, for example.

Need for a fraud investigation or integrity investigation?

Our strength lies in our affinity with politically sensitive environments and the reliability that we can guarantee based on our accumulated experience. We are proud of our straight-to-the-point objective approach and the great assignments that we have been able to complete with it. Are you dealing with a fraud or integrity report? Or do you suspect an integrity violation within the organization? Then sound the alarm in time and contact us for We are ready to get started for you or to provide you with more information. Onderzoeksbureau Integriteit