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fraud and misconduct investigations

Are ineffective fraud and misconduct investigations costing your business?  

Fraud and misconduct can quietly drain up to 5% of your revenue, according to the 2024 ACFE Report to the Nations. This alarming figure highlights the critical importance of efficient and effective fraud and misconduct investigations. Yet, many businesses struggle to manage this process internally, risking their reputation, legal standing, and bottom line.  

At Salient, we believe that no organisation should have to face these challenges alone. Let’s take a look at why getting your investigations right matters and how we can help. 

Common challenges in internal fraud and misconduct investigations 

Internal investigations, whether for fraud, data breaches, or employee misconduct, play a vital role in maintaining your organisation’s integrity and compliance. However, these processes are often hampered by various challenges that complicate their execution and undermined their effectiveness. Those challenges include: 

Lack of expertise 

Many organisations simply don’t have the forensic expertise or training needed to conduct robust and defensible digital investigations. This skills gap becomes even more critical in regions where there’s a shortage of external experts to step in and fill the void. 

Data privacy concerns 

Protecting the privacy of those involved is a delicate balance. Mishandling data or breaching confidentiality could not only compromise the investigation but also expose your organisation to legal risks. 

Limited resources 

Investigations are often seen as an additional burden rather than a critical function. With limited time, personnel, and funding, businesses may rush or underinvest in these procedures, risking incomplete or incorrect findings. 

Balancing workload 

Internal teams responsible for investigations frequently have other full-time workloads to juggle as well. Balancing the demands of their various responsibilities can lead to rushed or incomplete investigative work, delivering questionable results at a less-than-ideal pace. 

Accurate record-keeping 

Maintaining accurate and detailed records of investigations is a legal necessity, but it can be a drain on resources. Poor record-keeping not only weakens your case but may also lead to legal ramifications. 

Data security 

Investigative data is sensitive by nature and must be protected from unauthorised access or tampering. Ensuring robust security throughout the investigation process is essential to maintain the integrity of the evidence. 

What happens when fraud and misconduct investigations go wrong? 

When forensic investigations are inefficient or ineffective, the fallout can be substantial.  

Delays in resolving issues can disrupt business operations and diminish employee morale. Incomplete investigations may result in the recurrence of misconduct, putting the organisation at even greater risk. Legal liabilities also loom large, as mishandled evidence or non-compliance with legal standards can lead to fines or penalties. 

Beyond the immediate financial impact, reputational damage is also a real concern. Organisations that fail to handle investigations properly risk losing the trust of their employees, clients, and stakeholders. This erosion of confidence can lead to disengagement and lower productivity among staff, creating a negative cycle that affects long-term business success. 

How Salient can help 

The good news is that your organisation doesn’t have to manage the complex process of digital forensic investigations alone. A provider with the right skills and technology can help collect evidence, analyse data for insights and deliver results, faster and more effectively.  

At Salient, we achieve this through: 

Rapid, defensible forensic collection 

We provide in-country services for forensic collection and imaging of laptops, servers, mobile devices, and cloud-based data. Our processes are fast, thorough and defensible, ensuring the integrity of the evidence from start to finish. 

Secure evidence processing and review 

As part of our fully inclusive service, we process collected evidence into a secure platform to allow for analysis, review and ultimately production of defensible digital evidence in a court-ready format. 

Expert analysis and training 

We work alongside your internal teams and external legal counsel, offering full support in reviewing and analysing digital evidence. We also provide training to ensure resources are used to maximum effect, and that lessons learned can be leveraged in future investigations – with or without our help. 

Conducting fraud and misconduct investigations efficiently and effectively can protect your business from substantial financial losses, legal risks, and reputational damage. With our combination of skills and technology, Salient can help you navigate these challenges and provide results that stand up in court.  

Don’t let fraud or misconduct go unchecked – partner with us to protect your organisation’s future. Get in touch to learn more.