Truthology

What is behind Truthology: An Investigative Approach?

Experience shows that a poorly conceived and mismanaged investigation can deepen the impact of fraud on an organization.  Therefore, we pursue investigations based on the following approach:

Phased investigations – every investigation generally commences from allegations received, either from a known source or through an anonymous tip; the credibility of such tips is not always known at the onset of an investigation.   Before embarking on a deep dive and costly investigation, we conduct an initial scoping exercise to determine whether the allegations have any merit.  As the investigation unfolds, we develop and test fraud theories against available evidence, before expanding the investigation into the next phase.  This mitigates the cost of the investigation for our client.

Focus on the facts – when crisis strikes an organization such as fraud allegations, emotions are running wild; this can lead to irrational responses that can often impair an employee’s ability to remain objective and unbiased regarding a fellow colleague.  nagel + associates has the experience of sifting through expansive amounts of information/documentation in order to filter what’s relevant and responsive to the allegations.  We recognize that a well planned, properly executed investigation avoids “scope creep”, whereby new issues discovered during the fieldwork phase are added to the original investigation scope; this can cause unnecessary delineation from the original investigation objectives, increasing the cost and time required to complete the investigation—therefore, causing possible further disruption to the business.  We believe that focusing on the facts should get you to the truth.

Client involvement – nobody knows their own business better than the people who run the organization.  Therefore, while nagel + associates assumes a lead role and manages the day-to-day aspects of an investigation, we believe its critical to have our clients integrally involved in the planning and execution of the investigation:  They can point us in the right direction as far as evidence identification; and they know their systems and can direct us to the right people in terms of obtaining requested information, efficiently.

Bringing in the right expertise – we do not profess to be experts of everything—jack-of-all-trades, if you will.  Rather, we consider the specific circumstances of each investigation and tap into our extensive strategic relationships in order to bring in the right people that we believe are needed to address a particular situation.