Corporate Investigations and Forensic Services for Organisations
When allegations of fraud, theft, sabotage or compliance breaches arise, organisations need to establish the facts quickly and carefully. 3-core supports you with corporate investigations and forensic fact-finding: we define the questions, review the information available, test inconsistencies and document substantiated findings. This gives the responsible functions a clear basis for deciding what should happen next.
Well-run corporate investigations also reflect an organisation’s integrity in the way suspicion is handled. Our work connects Corporate Security and forensic analysis with Compliance, Internal Audit, HR and Legal. The steps that are appropriate and permissible are agreed for the specific case. An investigation starts with open questions, not with a presumption that an individual is at fault.
- Define the allegation, questions and investigation remit
- Review the facts and available records systematically
- Include digital and physical evidence within the agreed scope
- Present findings, uncertainties and next decisions transparently
When is external support for corporate investigations useful?
External support can be valuable when an incident spans several sites or functions, key information is missing, or a potential conflict of interest makes an internal review difficult. Typical examples include irregularities in procurement or sales, losses of goods or assets, indications of improper benefits, or suspected deliberate interference with facilities and processes.
For corporate investigations, we first distinguish what is known from what is assumed and clarify who owns the mandate. On that basis, the investigation scope, relevant parties, access permissions, information flows and handling of sensitive data are agreed. Where employee data or measures subject to employee-representation requirements are involved, the relevant internal functions address the applicable requirements.
Our corporate investigations and forensic services
3-core can deliver individual investigation workstreams or support the fact-finding process from initial scoping through to handover of the findings. The methods and level of detail depend on the allegation, the information available and the agreed terms of reference.
Investigating integrity breaches and employee misconduct
We support organisations dealing with allegations of fraud, theft, sabotage, corruption or other breaches of rules and business principles. We assess the information received, reconstruct relevant events and determine which documents, processes and responsibilities can help establish the facts. Findings are kept separate from assumptions; alternative explanations and remaining gaps are made visible.
Supporting Internal Audit special reviews
Where there are indications of fraud or other dishonest conduct, we can supplement Internal Audit with case-specific research and a structured reconstruction of events. Together, we define the review questions, interfaces and reporting format so that the work can connect with existing control and reporting arrangements.
Forensic and fraud investigations
Within corporate investigations, we bring together information from documents, transactions, processes and available statements. Timelines, the functions involved and unusual patterns help reconstruct what may have happened. The analysis focuses on what can be substantiated, which questions remain open and which further enquiries are most likely to add useful evidence.
Digital evidence and digital forensics
Where digital information is material to the case, we define the necessary scope with the responsible IT, Data Protection and Legal teams. The review and technical preservation of appropriate data sources are planned and documented for the specific case. This work supports corporate investigations; comprehensive cyber incident response or a general IT security assessment is a separate engagement.
Stakeholder research and asset tracing
We conduct case-specific research into relevant individuals, organisations, business relationships and potential assets. In matters involving economic crime, indications relating to payment flows, connections or the location of assets can support further enquiries, including where the case has a cross-border dimension. The reach and reliability of the work depend on the lawfully available sources and the relevant jurisdiction.
Intellectual property infringements and counterfeiting
Where there are indications of patent-related infringements, counterfeit products or unauthorised distribution channels, we support targeted fact-finding. Market monitoring, research and, where agreed, test purchases can help identify suppliers, distribution routes and possible connections. Legal conclusions on intellectual property rights or competition law remain with the relevant legal specialists.
Assessing threats and reputational risks
If an incident involves specific threats, deliberate harm or reputational risk, we structure the information available and assess the security implications. We coordinate the handover to protective security, communications or crisis-management functions where required. The focus of this service remains establishing the facts underlying the incident.
How we conduct corporate investigations
- Clarify the allegation and mandate. We record the trigger, the specific questions, existing information, urgent risks and the function responsible for commissioning the work.
- Define the investigation framework. Methods, timeframes, access permissions, data protection, involvement of internal functions and escalation points are agreed. Work starts only within the authorised scope.
- Secure and organise information. Available documents and data are identified and organised; provenance, handling and access are documented. Any necessary technical steps are coordinated with authorised functions.
- Analyse the facts. We examine chronology, relationships, inconsistencies and alternative explanations. Additional research or interviews are undertaken only within the agreed approval process.
- Hand over the findings. The report distinguishes factual findings, assessments and open issues. The responsible functions decide on any employment, civil, criminal or organisational action.
- Identify causes and improvements. Where requested, we help translate weaknesses identified in controls, processes or physical security into practical improvement measures.
What will you receive from corporate investigations?
Depending on scope, you may receive an investigation plan, a documented review of the relevant information, a clear chronology and a findings report with source references, open questions and recommended next enquiries. Where useful, we also provide an overview of weaknesses and possible protective or control measures.
The documentation is designed to support management decisions and, where required, further review. Whether individual findings can be used in legal or regulatory proceedings depends on how information was obtained, the context and the applicable legal assessment. Legal decisions and communications with authorities remain with the functions responsible for them.
Typical triggers for corporate investigations
Loss of goods and unusual access events
A site experiences repeated stock discrepancies while there are also indications of unclear access and handover processes. An investigation can bring together movement and process data, available records and responsibilities along a timeline. The objective is to establish which events can be substantiated and where security or control gaps exist.
Irregularities in procurement or billing
A report concerns possible collusion with a supplier or unusual payments. 3-core can structure the relevant transactions, roles, approvals and available background information. The findings set out anomalies and alternative explanations so that Internal Audit, Compliance and Legal can determine what further review is appropriate.
Suspected counterfeits in a distribution channel
An organisation identifies products of questionable origin in the market. Research into offers, suppliers and distribution routes, together with agreed test purchases, can reveal relevant connections. The results are documented for further specialist and legal assessment without prejudging origin or infringement.
Site Security Review
Protest Management Support
Development of Security and Emergency Processes
Frequently asked questions about corporate investigations
This service focuses on establishing the facts behind specific indications of misconduct or improper business practices. We support the review of the facts and any relevant security implications. Building an overall integrity culture or a compliance management system is a separate consulting engagement.
Corporate investigations can start with a specific trigger and a clear question. In the initial discussion, we distinguish the facts already available from the questions that remain open. The appropriate next steps depend on the case, the available information and the requirements that apply.
The composition depends on the matter and internal responsibilities. Corporate Security, Compliance, Internal Audit, Legal, HR and Data Protection are often involved. Access and information flows should be limited to the people who need them for the case.
Yes, where digital evidence is relevant to the agreed question and there is an appropriate lawful basis and suitable authority. Data sources, preservation, review and any technical support should be agreed in advance with the responsible functions.