Financial Crime World

Georgia’s Financial Investigations Unit: Cracking Down on Financial Crimes With Forensic Audits

In the core of Georgia’s law enforcement community, there is a vital yet frequently unacknowledged force - the Financial Investigations Unit (FIU). Situated at the heart of this law enforcement milieu, the FIU plays a pivotal role in supporting all Georgia law enforcement agencies. This elite team of forensic auditors offers indispensable financial analysis services and has the following distinct competencies:

  1. Accounting, auditing, computer, and investigative skills: FIU forensic auditors are equipped with comprehensive skillsets consisting of accounting, auditing, computer, and investigative abilities. They hold the prestigious Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification and undergo rigorous training to excel in complex financial investigations.
  2. Investigative specialties: FIU forensic auditors tackle various types of financial crimes, such as:
    • Theft
    • Embezzlement
    • Mortgage fraud
    • Insurance fraud
    • Drug investigations
    • Death and arson cases with a financial motive

Invaluable Services by the Georgia Financial Investigations Unit

The FIU’s wide range of services is a game-changer for law enforcement agencies:

  1. Consultation during financial investigations: FIU advisers offer expert knowledge to guide law enforcement on investigative measures.

  2. Forensic audits of financial records: FIU experts delve into the financial intricacies of individuals or businesses’ records for evidence.

  3. Asset identification: FIU team members trace assets and identify financially pertinent records for seizure during search warrant executions.

    • Public records searches: FIU facilitates searches of public records to uncover information related to the targets of the investigation.
    • Title examinations: FIU team members conduct title examinations to trace assets hidden under assumed names or in corporate entities.

  4. Financial Analysis Reports: FIU professionals compile detailed reports comprising spreadsheets, timelines, and charts, making it easier to interpret complex financial data.

  5. Court testimony: FIU experts serve as credible witnesses in court to validate the findings of their investigations.

The FIU’s Role as Georgia’s Coordinator for FinCEN

As the state’s FinCEN coordinator, FIU bridges the gap between Georgia law enforcement and the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. This crucial collaboration:

  1. Expands the reach of financial investigations: FIU’s partnership with FinCEN provides Georgia law enforcement agencies with access to a wealth of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) data.

  2. Increases Georgia’s fight against financial crimes: This collaboration fortifies Georgia’s stance against financial crimes by bolstering the national anti-financial crimes initiative.