Our Private Investigators include ex-police, ex-government investigators, international fraud specialists, ex-undercover agents,intelligence analysts and experienced field operatives. Phone 1300 966 103, email us at [email protected], for 24/7 contact. Free quotes. Discretion Assured.

The corporate world does not like to air 'dirty laundry' in public. This is understandable.  Perception is more important than reality, and reputation is highly prized by industry.

A business may involve private investigators to examine if a fraud or theft has taken place, or inappropriate activity has been conducted. Where allegations are raised they must be investigated, for corporate bodies their are due diligence considerations.

An independent investigation is a far more robust undertaking, generally without allegations of bias or favoritism. Unlike a law enforcement or government body, the investigator reports back to business, and allows the business to make an informed decision, how to proceed. Private Investigators are sometimes utilised to head off a formal investigation, or demonstrate that the company is capable of self management of difficult circumstances.

Allegations of impropriety often involve the executive or senior member of staff.  If not handled correctly they may result in senior management stepping down or being let go, without certain benefits. An example of this is the David Jones sexual impropriety allegations, against senior management.

It may be that an allegation are not substantiated, however, if they are substantiated there is an obligation to act. The person involved may be given the option of leaving quietly or alternatively publicly named, subjected to civil action or criminal charge. For the person subject of the allegations the associated public fanfair which may preclude future employment; there is a risk with dealing with a complaint quietly, but continuing to keep the same senior manager, as history is a good guide to future actions. Should a similar incident arise, allegations may be raised about a failure of corporate governance in dealing with the earlier incident/s.

The saying any publicity is good publicity isn't applicable to these circumstances. Should an allegation come out, then the reputational damage, and public outcry, a media beat up, erupt, it may be worse than dealing with the issue promptly, and neatly. We offer a discreet service to companies, to cater to these conditions.

Within the Senior ranks of executives an 'indiscretion' may be dealt with quietly, as it is preferable that the executive be moved on, than any dirty laundry be washed in public. In the lower ranks of a company the offender may be made an example of.

You can see similar actions within Government, where a senior public servant is 'retired' to avoid Government embarrassment, where as a junior public servant is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. You can also see it where the Government elects not to prosecute bankers for thousands of breaches, permitting terrorist funding transactions, that would see a private person spending many years in jail. We have a two speed justice system, and this is apparently acceptable. We have to work with this.

Private investigators do not have the luxury of viewing this in terms of right, or wrong. This is simple the reality, the standard set by Government, by Ministers, for the differing treatment of those viewed as having power, and those viewed as the great unwashed. We need to be aware of this, when advising clients. There are times when being right is not enough.

This is also why a background check, a CV check, for senior management is more difficult. This includes within the public service. The incompetent may get a glowing reference, to 'move them on'. The competent may get a bland reference, as their supervisors are not fussed on them moving. For some positions a person is selected based on their familiarity with others, being in the right club, having attended the right school, or socialised well on the golf course.

Some managers are moved on, just ahead of a scandal. Where someone keeps moving sideways from one job to the next, their competence, and loyalty may be questioned. At time research shows them to be quite competent, however they have family issues, a partner who causes them problems. We get to see a variety of unusual resumes, including those that 'hide' time in prison, and convictions for fraud, or stealing as a servant.

We conduct Corporate Investigations including heading off civil action, or establishing the facts of an allegation. We are aware that the result of an investigation may be used in different ways. Contact us for a free quote.