Financial Crimes Investigation Techniques in Brazil: A Closer Look
In the fight against financial crimes, investigators in Brazil rely on a range of techniques to build cases and bring perpetrators to justice. This article will delve into the key methods used by Brazilian investigators to gather evidence and prosecute financial crimes.
Building the Subject Profile
A comprehensive subject profile is essential for any investigation. It serves as a foundation for gathering information and financial data on targets. Key steps in creating a subject profile include:
- Collecting and recording basic information about the target, including:
- Name
- Date and place of birth
- Aliases
- Contact details
- Gathering information about the target’s family members, business associates, and other relevant individuals
Gathering Financial Data
Once a subject profile is established, investigators must obtain reliable and admissible evidence to support their case. This involves:
- Collecting financial data on the target and their businesses, including:
- Assets and liabilities
- Income
- Expenses
- Documents and leads are gathered from various sources, including government agencies, financial institutions, law firms, and other relevant entities
The Importance of Open-Source Investigations
Open-source information is a critical component of financial crimes investigations in Brazil. This publicly available data can be used to reveal assets held by targets, their families, and associates, as well as associated businesses.
Categories of Open-Source Information
Open-source information includes:
- Official public records
- Private databases
- Civil litigation proceedings
- Corporate registrations
- Patent and trademark applications
- Nonprofit organization registrations
- Tax filings
- Social media postings
- Financial action task force reports
- Investigative reporting
- Nongovernmental organization reports
Linking Domestic and Foreign Jurisdictions
The use of one technique can provide leads or information that creates links to foreign jurisdictions. This highlights the importance of investigating beyond national borders.
Best Practices for Financial Crimes Investigation
To effectively investigate financial crimes in Brazil, investigators should:
- Utilize a comprehensive approach that incorporates subject profiling, gathering financial data, and open-source investigations
- Remain vigilant in linking domestic and foreign jurisdictions to ensure successful prosecution of cases
- Follow best practices and utilize these techniques effectively to bring perpetrators to justice and recover assets for victims