Financial Crime Investigation Techniques Uncovered in Tuvalu
Financial crime investigations are a complex and multi-faceted process that requires the collection of evidence from various sources. A recent investigation in Tuvalu has shed light on the techniques used to gather information and build cases against suspects.
Creating a Subject Profile
At the heart of these investigations is the creation of a subject profile, which involves collecting and recording basic information about the target. This information is crucial in establishing links to foreign jurisdictions and is expected to be shared with counterpart agencies abroad.
Key Pieces of Information to Collect
- Personal Details: Name, date, and place of birth of the target
- Documentation: Copies of birth certificates, passports, and national identity cards
- Family Members: Names and dates of birth of spouses, children, parents, siblings, and other relatives
- Contact Information: Relevant telephone numbers, email addresses, and contact details
- Photographs: Recent photographs of targets and associates
- Biometric Data: Fingerprint card
- Criminal History: Results of a criminal record search
- Education and Employment: Academic records, employment history, and association memberships
Collecting Financial Information and Evidence
As investigations progress, practitioners must obtain information and financial data on the target and ensure that reliable evidence is secured for trial. This may involve collecting documents and leads from various sources, including:
- Government agencies
- Financial institutions
- Money service providers
- Law and accounting firms
- Trust and company service providers
- Real estate agents
- Art dealers
- Insurance companies
- Business competitors
- Travel programs
- Relatives
- Employees
- Associates of the target
Using Open-Source Investigations
Open-source investigations are also critical in financial crime investigations, as they provide publicly available information that can be gathered by any legal means. This includes:
Categories of Open-Source Information
- Official Public Records: Domestic and foreign government records
- Private Databases: Commercial or law enforcement databases
- Civil Litigation: Divorce, probate, and corporate filings
- Corporate Filings: Company registrations and corporate filings
- Intellectual Property: Patent and trademark applications
- Nonprofit Organizations: Registrations of nonprofit organizations
- Tax Filings: Tax returns and retirement plan information
- Asset Tracking Sites: Moveable-asset tracking sites
- Social Media: Social media postings
- News Media: Newspapers, trade journals, society or gossip tabloids, or websites
These sources can reveal assets held by targets, their families and associates, and associated businesses, as well as provide leads for further investigation.