by admin_lauth | Jul 13, 2016 | News
Any time you hire an individual or company to provide a service whether it may be a simple home repair or as important as hiring someone to watch your children it is always a good idea to check the background of the business or individual you may be contemplating on hiring. This is also recommended as a good rule of thumb to also investigate the investigator when hiring a firm to assist you in any private investigation.
Commonly private investigators assist companies, individuals and attorneys with services that can identify, locate, analyze and verify information about personal, financial or legal matters. From providing employment verification to investigating identity theft, harassment and infidelity, private investigators also perform surveillance and conduct interviews when assisting attorneys in case preparation of civil and criminal cases.
Private investigators play an important role in ensuring facts are documented and presented in a legal manner acceptable by courts throughout the country.
Taking into consideration Federal and State Laws privacy laws, working with a licensed private investigator or firm is the first step to make certain that information and the manner it is obtained is legal, accurate and admissible in court. Many times private investigators must make judgment calls and it is vital that you are working with individuals of the highest integrity.
Most private investigators have worked in the criminal justice field and some even former law enforcement. Despite credentials, it is important to verify the individual or firm you are working with is also licensed to carry out the work to be performed. Though not every state requires a private investigator to be licensed, doing some of your own footwork can ensure you are protected and even save you time and money.
For states that do require private investigators to be licensed, most require the investigator to be over the age of eighteen, a combination of education or work experience in the field of criminal justice. They must also pass a criminal history background check. For those who carry firearms, they must meet additional requirements. To verify the license of a private investigator or firm contact your state licensing entity.
About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.
by admin_lauth | Jul 13, 2016 | News
When considering the welfare of the children, courts must be informed in order to rule on decisions to determine custody and parenting time. The court’s decision must be based upon credible information submitted to the court; to include interviews and potential testimony of litigants and witnesses.
Typically when thinking of custody we may immediately think “divorce” but there are many circumstances that may warrant representation when taking children’s lives into consideration.
- Legal separation or divorce
- Parental Death
- Parental Incompetence
- Domestic or sexual abuse allegations
- Paternity
- Third party care
- Child protection services involvement
- Juvenile Delinquency
Basic Definitions of Custody and Parenting Time
- Legal Custody is defined as the individual who has the right to make decisions on behalf of the child, including the child’s education, medical care, and even religious preference.
- Physical Custody is defined as the individual who makes decisions in regard to where the child lives and the child’s daily activities.
- Sole Custody is when an individual is the primary custodian and decision- maker in every aspect of the child’s life.
- Joint Legal Custody is defined as a situation where both parents/custodians share in the decision-making for how a child is raised, educated, receives health care and religious preference.
- Joint Physical Custody refers to the responsibility of the daily care and living arrangement being shared and handled in agreement with both parents/custodians.
- Parenting Time is commonly referred to as ‘visitation’ granted to noncustodial parent/custodian and usually by court order.
Grandparent’s Rights
Increasing numbers of grandparents are denied visitation to their grandchildren following a divorce. In response, laws have been passed in every state giving grandparents the right to petition the court for visitation in the event of divorce, parental incompetence or parental death. Grandparents may be granted visitation and at times even custody dependent upon the circumstances, if they can prove they share a substantial relationship with the child.
The Visitation Rights Enforcement Act of 1998, improved uniform visitation laws state by state, provisioning grandparent visitation. The law assured grandparents can visit grandchildren anywhere in the United States as long as they have been awarded visitation rights in one state. In a 2000 landmark case Troxel v. Granville the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state of Washington permitting grandparents visitation rights over the objection of the mother. The Supreme Court ruled ‘fit parents have the fundamental right to make decisions concerning care, custody and control’ of their children.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, representing the majority stated, “So long as a parent adequately cares for his or her children, there will normally be no reason for the state to inject itself into the private realm of the family to further question the ability of that parent to make the best decisions concerning the rearing of that parent’s children.” Basically this decision supports in most cases the custodial parents can alone determine visitation for their children.
In any case though, states can grant visitation rights to grandparents. It has encouraged grandparents to attempt to get along and build a supportive relationship with the custodial parent for the benefit of the child.
Child Support and Deadbeat Parent Investigations
Private investigation firms can also assist parents when attempting to enforce a child support order by locating the subject and verify employment, asset searches, and even document if the subject is working off the books by following the individual and document any work activities. This information can be presented to the court to expedite enforcement.
“Whether an individual is concerned for the safety of their children in another custodian’s care or attempting to enforce an order of the court, private investigators can be an invaluable tool in the successful conclusion of a dispute,” says Thomas Lauth, owner of Lauth Investigations International, headquartered in Indianapolics IN. “Hiring a private investigator is even cost-effective when evaluating hiring an attorney to represent the case. After all, utilizing any legal means to ensure the proper care of children is recommended and its value cannot be underestimated.”
Custody Evaluations
Commonly during custody disputes, the court will order a ‘custody evaluation’ that can include an assessment of the child’s emotional, physical, psychological well-being, even who the child prefers to live with. If siblings are involved they heavily consider the benefits of keeping them together and examine the bond the child has with the prospective custodial parent. These evaluations are vital to the decision-making process to make an informed decision consistent with the well-being of the child.
In addition, prospective custodians are also evaluated to include evaluating moral character and psychological stability, financial condition, potential substance abuse, willingness to provide personal care rather than relying on third-parties (relatives, grandparents or friends), if a step-parent may be involved in the care of a child, any suspected abuse or previous allegations of domestics or sexual abuse and many other factors that may be deemed important and could affect a child’s well-being.
When a Private Investigator Can Help Courts Make Informed Decisions
A licensed private investigator can be a vital tool before, during or even after a custody evaluation is conducted. In a case where one parent is concerned for the child’s safety while in the care of the other parent, a private investigator has the ability to document information and behavior of the other party; while in another circumstance a the court may decide custody against one party and information that can be obtained can show just cause for reevaluation. A private investigator can provide organized information on behalf of the client that can be used and admissible in court decisions.
Methods and Information That Can Be Obtained
A private investigator can obtain evidence regarding financial stability, emotional stability, criminal history and any aliases, residential history (moving many times disrupting child’s stability), activity with associates, leaving children unattended, taking the child to a third party while staying at boyfriend/girlfriend’s or excessive partying; any contradictions in information provided to a court evaluator. When contradictions surface it has the potential to discredit the other party.
Private investigators can follow a subject during scheduled visitation times to determine any improper activity or neglect while the child is in their care. They can also follow the subject during their off-time without the child and document daily activities, living conditions, lifestyles, and persons they are associating with.
Private investigators can also conduct interviews with acquaintances and other family members familiar with the behavior of the subject, conduct video and photographic surveillance of the subjects activities, places they frequent, dropping off the children with third parties, conduct background investigations on acquaintances and visitors by obtaining license plate numbers of vehicles that frequent the subject’s residence. Associations can be quite revealing when attempting to validate concerns for a child’s safety.
Trash pulls – When trash container is placed curbside on a trash pickup day it then becomes public property and private investigators are able to obtain and inventory items such as prescription bottles, empty alcohol containers, contraband refuse and paraphernalia related to substance abuse, pornography, financial purchases and transactions are just a few examples of evidence that can be used to present to the court and discredit another party.
Comprehensive Background Investigations Can Include the Following:
- True Name
- Aliases
- True Social Security Number
- Of Birth
- Previous 7 Year Residence Verification
- Previous 7 Year Employer Verification
- Previous 7 Year Criminal History
- Previous 7 Year Civil History
- Driving Record
- Professional License Verification
- Tax Liens
- Education
- Siblings
- Bankruptcies
- Media Confirmation
- Intensive Internet/Multi Search Engine Investigation
- Police Incident and Case History Report
- Verification of Subject’s Personal Conversational Declarations/Comments/Claims
- Background investigations
- Criminal history check
- Civil background check
- Judgment or property liens
- Bankruptcy
- Background checks of associates
Licensed private investigators are able to present findings that can be admissible in court and are also qualified to testify in court on behalf of their client.
About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.
by admin_lauth | Jul 13, 2016 | News
How to Find the Right Help?
What is Unclaimed Property?
So you get a call from someone who tells you there is a half-million dollars that belongs to you and is being held in a state trust. Next , they asks you to sign a contract to pay a small fee to receive assistance recovering the unclaimed property. Sound like a scam?
Recently, the Washington Post reported over $32 billion in unclaimed money in the United States. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, every state including District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have unclaimed property. Programs usually administered by the state treasury to actively attempt to find rightful owners of assets that have been lost or simply forgotten. Unclaimed money can end up in a state trust simply by an individual moving, not having their mail forwarded, having a death in the family, assets not documented in a will, misplaced documents or a safe deposit box that may have belonged to an individual and other family members who were not aware of it. The unclaimed funds do not become property of the state and remain in trust until a rightful owner or a legal heir claims the money. It is estimated 1 in 10 people have unclaimed money held in state trusts.
Source: Washington Post, National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, Missouri State Treasurer
As one of the original consumer protection programs, unclaimed property laws have existed since the 1940s. State laws require financial institutions, insurance companies, public agencies and businesses to report and turn over assets that belong to a customer, client or employee. If there is documented proof that no transactions have occurred or there has been lack of contact with the owner for five or more years. The property typically consists of cash in bank accounts, securities, bonds, escrow accounts, contents of safe deposit boxes, pensions, uncollected insurance policies, government and state refunds, utility deposits and even wages from previous employment.
Source: National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, Missouri State Treasurer
Contents of safe deposit boxes are usually held for one to three years after an individual has stopped paying rent on the box. If the contents are not claimed, the state can auction the items within one to five years and proceeds from the sale are recorded in the name of the safe deposit holder. The proceeds are then held in trust until the owner or heir is located. Everything from currency, stamps, diamond rings, watches, sports cards and other collectibles such as, coins, medals, even letters signed by Presidents have been found upon opening unclaimed safe deposit boxes. A 2010 law passed in Missouri prohibits the sale of unclaimed military medals which are held until claimed by the rightful owner or heir.
Source: National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, Missouri State Treasurer
Most states maintain websites that contain names of individuals that have property listed within their state and there is no time limit for filing a claim. Attempts to locate rightful owners of unclaimed property by the state can include publishing names in state newspapers in hopes an individual will respond. States also use various websites, cross-referencing public data, public awareness programs and the use of a national database to help locate heirs.
Source: Missouri State Treasurer, Arizona Department of Revenue – Unclaimed Property Unit
Recently, the state of Missouri returned a record $6.1 million in Unclaimed Property to a woman in Kansas City. Though the name of the recipient has not been released by the state, it was confirmed that the unclaimed property was made up of one security. Apparently her ancestors invested in an obscure company and stock was lost over the generations while growing in worth.
Source: Missouri State Treasurer, Washington Post, Kansas City Star
Recommendations – Using a Licensed Private Investigator to Assist in Unclaimed Property Recovery
Many times businesses or holders of unclaimed funds will hire companies, commonly referred to as heir-finders to locate the rightful owner of unclaimed assets. Prior to turning the unclaimed property over to the state as required by law, Heir-finders may also contact consumers to notify the individual they may be the rightful owner or heir of unclaimed funds. For the protection of consumers most states require heir-finders to be licensed private investigators.
Source: Unclaimed Money Finder, Missing Money.com, azunclaimed.gov
These companies usually charge a percentage of the total amount recovered. Even Good Morning America has reunited forgotten funds with the owners and touts a whopping $418,598 in recoveries.
Source: Good Morning America, Yahoo News, Unclaimed Money Finder, AZ-UCP
Though there are many free websites available for trying to locate unclaimed property or funds, not all missing money or property has been listed in government or state databases due to various reasons. The most common reason is due to a specific time frame which has not expired so the unclaimed property is not turned over to the state. A claim for money may have been filed by someone else so data may have been removed from the database pending proof of ownership; and in a few states, after 10 years, the state will transfer money to the state treasury.
Source: Good Morning America, Yahoo News, Unclaimed Money Finder, AZ-UCP
Benefits of Using a Private Investigation Firm to Represent You
Private investigators help people recover assets they would not have known existed. When considering representation when filing for Unclaimed Property, it’s beneficial to be working with professionals who are familiar with laws governing the state were the unclaimed property was located. They will be familiar with all the forms that will be filed, The proper identification, probate laws, court properties, co-claimants and joint claims, beneficiaries, un-redacted wills, death certificates, judicial authority, requirements for claiming personal property and business property, etc. Hiring a professional can ensure you receive all of the unclaimed funds you are entitled to and that your claim is handled with efficiency.
Source: National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, Arizona Department of Revenue – Unclaimed Property Unit, www.azunclaimed.gov, Utah State Treasurer
Heir Tracing – A Complex Matter of Facts
It is not uncommon when an individual passes away that their heirs (related or unrelated) are unaware that there is an existing inheritance. Typically required by Trust and Estate Officers or by attorneys, heir searches can be complex. Possible heirs will need to provide required legal documentation to establish their identities to the individual and prove that they are related as a family member. Heir searches may also be conducted on behalf of guardians, executors, private fiduciaries, conservators and trustees.
Source: National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, Arizona Department of Revenue – Unclaimed Property Unit, www.azunclaimed.gov, National Unclaimed Property
Searches for heirs can take a day or can become quite complicated taking an incredible amount of research on the Internet, in courthouses, libraries, census records, birth, death and adoption, marriage or divorce records. Investigators are not only researchers they become genealogists.
- Direct Search – A search could involve searching for one individual or expanded to search for the individual’s family members such as children, if the property owner is deceased.
- Multiple Search – A Multiple Search would include locating multiple related individuals if those initially located are found deceased.
- Heirs at Law – When attempting to identify heirs for a trust or estate, law requires heirs to be located in order of consanguinity
- Lineal Search – A Lineal Search must identify if the deceased have any living relatives such as; children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. If no living lineal relatives can be located, a lineal search can be conducted to one generation back, referred to as Level I Heirs.
- Level I Heirs –are comprised of; parents, siblings (whole or half), nieces, or nephews. If no heirs can be located probate law may require the search to be expanded to Level II Heirs.
- Level II Heirs – could include; grandparents, aunts, uncles, first cousins and usually requires both maternal and paternal searches.
- Level III Heirs – though not a common search this type includes; great-grandparents and their descendants.
Once you have confirmed the legitimacy of the heir-finder, a simple contract should be signed agreeing to the proposed fees up to 30% that will include all services conducted by the heir-finder. Beware of any company requesting a down-payment of services. Legitimate heir-finders will not expect payment until the property has been returned to rightful owner. In Arizona, the Department of Revenue requires a copy of the contract and payment is issued separately and directly to the heir-finder by the Arizona Department of Revenue. Claims are usually processed within 90 to 120 days.
Source: Arizona Department of Revenue – Unclaimed Property Unit , www.azunclaimed.gov
California Requirements
The state of California reports the return of $399.5 million in unclaimed property returned to owners during 2009-2010. California has made incredible strides in efforts to reunite unclaimed property with their rightful owners or heirs and is currently pursuing additional reforms to include:
- Restored interest paid on claims.
- Imposing strict penalties on banks, utility companies, insurance companies and other businesses that fail to comply with law and notify customers of unclaimed property they are holding.
- Allow the state to keep property deemed as having no commercial value for 7 years, instead of 18 months, allowing families to recover heirlooms, photos and other items of personal value.
California requires a signed full disclosure contract between the owner and the private investigator specifying where the property is coming from and has an agreement between the owner and investigator of the amount of payment due not to exceed 10% of the value of the property as stated in California Code of Civil Procedure – Section 1582. Fees charged by investigators should include all services connected with returning property to the rightful owner or heir. No fee restrictions exist for investigators filing for owners or heirs of County Probated Estates.
Source: California State Controller
Indiana Requirements
The state of Indiana reports approximately $361.1 million in unclaimed assets held in trust. Indiana does not require heir-finders to be licensed private investigators and according to Indiana law heir-finders can charge up to 10% of the total of unclaimed property. Again, it is advisable to never pay anyone in advance when entering a contract for representation.
Source: Indiana Unclaimed
How to Prevent Your Property from Becoming Abandoned?
- Keep good records of all bank accounts.
- Record stock certificates and cash,and all dividend checks received.
- Record all security deposits to include, utilities, rental properties. Telephone, etc.
- When moving be sure to notify all banking, broker, credit card companies, insurance companies, safe deposit box account are properly notified. Also send notification if you are to get married or divorced.
- Ensure you have a will and place it in a location it will be found in the event of emergency or inform a trusted friend or attorney of its location.
Source: Maine Treasurer, National Unclaimed Property Network, Utah State Treasurer
About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.
by admin_lauth | Jul 13, 2016 | News
How Corporate Due Diligence Investigations, Asset Searches, and Litigation Support Can Protect Your Company
Our Indianapolis Private Investigators at Lauth Investigations International work with national and global corporations and their corporate attorneys to provide a variety of investigative services. Our Indiana corporate investigators specialize in performing comprehensive due diligence investigations, corporate background screening, validation of assertions and representations, employee infidelity, asset searches, embezzlement and fraud investigations, and other complex internal investigations. At Lauth Investigations, our corporate investigative team works to provide comprehensive investigative services that help corporate officers assess risks and liability to strengthen internal controls, along with litigation support.
Corporate Veil
Unlike the structure of typical small businesses or a limited liability companies (LLC), corporate structures vary and created under the laws of a state to establish the corporation as a separate entity of its Board of Directors. Various forms of corporations exist and the actions of the corporate officers governed by the bylaws of the entity.
Generally accepted by law, corporations have responsibilities similar to that of an individual. Corporations can exercise rights against other individuals and entities, and the corporation held responsible for violations and criminal offenses, such as fraud.
Though not universal throughout the United States, one aspect of an incorporated entity is the “corporate veil” or limited liability protection in the event that a corporation fails. The term “corporate personhood” allows a corporation to exercise the same rights as an individual and in some states, provides limited liability to shareholders removing personal liability and insulating them from criminal liability, bankruptcy, corporate debt, and judgments against the corporation.
Corporate Litigation Support
Corporate litigation is a complex area of law that can include a variety of tort and contractual claims, such as breach of contract, misrepresentation of assets, fraud, trade secrets, worker’s compensation, infringement of intellectual property, and breach of fiduciary duties to name a few.
Lauth Investigations Litigation Support focuses on helping our clients resolve business disputes with the most comprehensive investigative and litigation support. Our litigation support investigators help uncover information and verify facts that will assist with pre-trial preparation, discovery, trial, and post-trial.
Corporate Disputes and Legal Considerations
- Employment Law Disputes
- Corporate Contract Negotiation
- Breach of Contract and General Contract Disputes
- Payment Disputes
- Non-Compete Agreements
- Property sell and purchasing
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Commercial Leasing Disputes
- Insurance Disputes
- Employee Fraud/Embezzlement
- Corporate Partnership Disputes
- Business Torts
Why Companies in Litigation Over 500K Should Conduct Asset Searches
When facing corporate litigation in excess of $500K, the decision makers of the corporation must take into consideration the cost of legal representation and other potential liability. If the defendant has assets, an evaluation of those assets, along with deliberating litigation costs are worthwhile.
A comprehensive asset search can quickly identify and locate a property that can be attached to satisfy a judgment or be used as a powerful negotiation tool between the parties prior to ever initiating a lawsuit.
Indianapolis private investigator Thomas Lauth, the owner of Lauth Investigations, recommends any corporation weighing the pros and cons of pursuing litigation that may result in a judgment in excess of $500K, should first have an all-inclusive asset search conducted to determine if a judgment can be collected.
Private investigators and investigative firms have the capability of assisting a corporation prior to initiating litigation by reviewing financial records, trace and discover fiscal misrepresentations, confirm accurate financial information and locate hidden assets enabling corporate representatives to make an informed decision whether to pursue litigation. If litigation is pursued, it becomes paramount to ensure the information collected is comprehensive and presented in an understandable and simplified form that will be admissible in court.
The Role of In-House Corporate Attorneys
Corporate lawyers typically have experience and knowledge in licensing, contract and tax law, corporate structure, zoning, security law, accounting, intellectual rights, bankruptcy and any other laws specific to the companies they represent.
An in-house corporate attorney advises corporations on the entity’s legal rights, duties, and responsibilities of the corporate officers, along with providing legal oversight on all commercial transactions and contracts.
Corporate attorneys act more as facilitators and negotiators in the role of corporate transactions, reviewing and drafting documents, structuring deals and attending meetings. A corporate attorney’s duties can vary from acting in an advisory capacity to negotiating corporate mergers and acquisitions.
The Role of an Outside Civil Litigation Attorney
An in-house corporate attorney, who primarily acts in an advisory and negotiation capacity, may determine that civil litigation is the only way to remedy a dispute.
A civil attorney deals specifically with disputes between corporations and /or individuals and is a branch of law focused on representing those whose compensation may be awarded. Civil litigation typically focuses on contracts, torts, and other disputes as mentioned above.
Civil law differs from other types of law and designed to ensure agreements and settle disputes are honored; in essence, to ‘right a wrong’ and ensure the victim is compensated.
In any type of case it is important for a corporation or attorney to conduct due diligence on the potential defendant before expending money and time in pursuing a claim that may never be repaid because the defendant has no assets, has minimized or successfully hidden assets.
The Role of Creditor Rights Attorney
Creditor Rights Attorneys represent creditors who are attempting to collect money borrowed and loans not repaid. Normally, the Fair Collections Practices Act protects debtors, yet it is still necessary for the creditor to make every attempt to obtain a judgment requiring the debtor to repay the loan. Debt falls into two categories; secured and unsecured.
Secured debt is a loan secured with collateral, meaning some type of property to ensure repayment, should the debtor fail to make payments. An unsecured loan is debt that has no property or collateral to secure the loan, therefore if the debtor defaults and the creditor must take alternative measures to collect the amounts owed.
Any repossession of secured personal property must follow State Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). Creditor Rights Attorneys assist creditors with creditor litigation, liens, domestic and foreign judgments, garnishments, and collection services.
Types of Services That Can Assist Corporations and Attorneys in Due Diligence Asset Searches
Asset search companies and licensed private investigative firms that specialize in providing comprehensive asset searches can provide invaluable assistance to attorneys and corporations such as financial institutions, debt recovery units, government agencies, and private individuals in recovering assets.
Corporate Summaries identify corporate EIN, DUNS, estimated sales, and income; to include the number of employees, operating locations, employee profiles and structure of the potential target corporation.
- Identify names of officers, directors, and management teams of potential target corporations.
- Identify potential target corporation’s clientele, nature of business and volume of business with each clientele.
- Identify potential target corporation’s vendors, suppliers, logistics and financial institutions.
- Credit and payment analysis for 12-36 months; this includes creditors and debt amounts.
- A search of court records.
- Identify all physical locations of the potential target corporation, tangible assets, and on-site physical confirmation of assets such as machinery and equipment.
- Analyze annual production capacity.
- Identify financial institutions, brokerage firms, and offshore assets.
- Domain names, website traffic and domain’s estimated value.
About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is the founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is a consultant and expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.
by admin_lauth | Jul 13, 2016 | News
How Corporate Private Investigators Root Out Illegal Activity in the Workplace and Illegal Workers?
At Lauth Investigations International headquartered in Indiana, our Indianapolis private investigators work with national and global corporations and specialize in internal crisis management investigations and business intelligence.
In the corporate world, there is a lot of room for treachery, especially as companies continue to grow globally. Over the years, corporate private investigators have been commonly utilized to perform corporate due diligence such as running background checks on potential hires and business partners. However, in the expanding world of business with too little regulation, corporate private investigators more frequently perform business intelligence investigations in an effort to protect companies by discovering deceptive practices, and performing damage control. Essentially, a corporate private investigator is responsible for identifying risks and adds an additional layer of protection to a company’s financial assets, credibility, and legal integrity.
Along with potential fraud in the corporate arena, many companies are facing government scrutiny. Prior to any corporation responding to a government inquiry, senior executives must begin gathering relevant facts to assess potential liability. Promptly hiring an experienced private investigator can help alleviate the pressure on the leadership of the corporation while the private investigator works in cooperation with the corporate legal team to help expedite findings and develop information sharing agreements that can earn cooperation credits.
Management & executive leaders in the corporate world know prevention is worth its weight in gold. This list of risks is endless so corporations know being proactive and developing strategies that protect the company, involve developing their corporate intelligence programs. Corporate private investigators are highly skilled in internal crisis management investigations and discover everything from employee malingering, employee infidelity, fraud, embezzlement, improper billing, contract fraud, illegal hiring of immigrant workers, divulgence of trade secrets, slanderous employees and competitors, and drug detection and misuse. In addition, private investigators can help corporations prepare for domestic and international mergers, acquisitions, board appointments, and leveraged buyouts.
No Company is Immune
Well-known companies like 3M Company, Hewlett Packard, Walt Disney Company, Allied Defense Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman Sachs Group, and even Halliburton Company can find themselves in the midst of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation that can result in administrative action or land them in federal court. The SEC is responsible for investigating evidence of violations brought about by tips, complaints, market surveillance activities, and whistleblowers. Typically, violations that can lead to an SEC investigation include:
- Theft of funds or securities
- Insider trading
- Selling unregistered securities
- Omissions or misrepresentation
- Manipulating market prices
During 2010, the federal government brought more Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement actions than any other year. As with SEC investigations, there are many ways companies can take a proactive approach to reduce incidents that have long-lasting and costly effects. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) issued a 2012 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse. Compiled from a study of 1,388 cases of occupational fraud that occurred worldwide, the report provides a global view and insight as to the prevalence of fraud and abuse in the workplace.
The Undocumented
According to the Center for Immigration Studies, illegal immigration and high levels of identity theft go hand in hand. In Arizona, 33 percent of all identity theft is job-related. Eight of ten states having the highest incidence of illegal aliens in their total population are among the top ten states in identity theft (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Nevada, New York, and Georgia).
When illegals come to the United States, they also look for employment and they will commit felonies to do so by using fraudulent documents obtained by identity theft.
The illegally employed send billions of dollars to their families still residing in their home countries instead of spending here in the U.S. and helping to stimulate the economy. For example, those residing in the U.S. transferred $2.8 billion to Mexico during 2008.
Bribery and corruption land U.S. corporations in the chicken coup
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the primary and largest investigative agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ICE is responsible for the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws that govern border patrol, customs, trade, and immigration. Meat processing plants throughout the country have been frequent targets of immigration officials in an effort to track down undocumented workers. One of the most publicized Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids occurred during 2008 at Columbia Farms, a poultry processing plant located in Greenville, NC. Approximately 330 illegal workers were arrested during the raid. The U.S. Department of Labor was investigating the plant for possible child labor violations following the arrests of the illegal immigrants, including six juveniles.
Tyson Foods, an Arkansas corporation and one of the largest producers of poultry, pork and beef products, has been subject of several allegations of corruption over the years. In 2002, two Tyson executives and four former managers were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to smuggle illegals from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras to work at its U.S. poultry plants.
The 2002 indictment connected 15 plants in nine states throughout the country as part of a conspiracy to smuggle at least 140 immigrants to plants located in Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia. In an effort to boost productivity and lower wage cost, Tyson paid $200 for each Mexican illegal delivered to their plants where they were provided false identification so they could work. Investigators presented audio and video surveillance that substantiated the allegations and fined $100 million, Tyson contended a few managers’ acted outside company policy at only 5 of its 57 poultry plants.
Again, in 2004, the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice fined Tyson $5 million for violations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for bribery of meat packing plant inspectors. Tyson had paid two veterinarian’s wives 30,700 pesos or $2,700 a month for years in order to prevent the veterinary inspectors from creating problems.
More and more we hear stories of companies hiring Human Resources employees who then bribe potential new hires with a bribery fee for employment. For example, an illegal immigrant produces fake identification, such as a work visa or green card and pays the HR employee $300.00 for a job to clean chicken cages.
Weeding out illegal activities in the workplace – Prevention is worth a pound of cure
Incidents of corruption and bribery have become common in the corporate world and more and more companies are hiring private investigators to conduct uncover investigations of those participating in illegal workplace activity. While “companies” do not commit crimes, employees do.
Highly skilled corporate private investigators are joining corporations throughout the country to help prevent human trafficking (including child trafficking), bribery, employee infidelity, MS-13 gang activity, fraud, identity theft, and drug trafficking that has become all too commonplace in various industries.
Clearly, prevention should be a priority within any corporation. Teamwork between corporate executives and corporate private investigators acting as undercover operatives, weed out illegal workplace activities crucial to ensuring crimes are detected and prosecuted.
Indianapolis private investigator Thomas Lauth, owner of Lauth Investigations, specializes in business intelligence and corporate investigations. A twenty-year private detective, Lauth has worked with many corporate clients over the last twenty years to include, Aldi Foods, Sysco, Pepsi, and Dollar General Stores.
“If we respond to concerns immediately and investigate thoroughly, we are able to prevent huge financial losses early on,” says Lauth. “In addition, with due diligence and comprehensive corporate investigations, we are able to assist in strengthening internal controls helping corporations save in the long run.”
About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the National Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is a consultant and expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.
by admin_lauth | Jul 12, 2016 | News
How can a private investigator help keep my child safe during divorce or child custody dispute?
All too common in today’s headlines are stories involving children who have been abused. While we worry about our children’s safety around strangers, we sometimes fail to take the proper precautions to keep children safe in their own environments. Private investigators specializing in child custody investigations work directly with an attorney to generate a formative case for impeachment. Child custody investigators are trained to investigate and detect child abuse, neglect, substance and alcohol abuse, and other behaviors that may endanger a child. The information gathered by a qualified child custody private investigator about a custodial or non-custodial parent during a legal custody investigation, can uncover behavior that places a child at risk of harm, while also documenting the incidents of concern. This is a critical step to ensuring that the information gathered during the child custody investigation can be presented in court if necessary. During cases of separation and divorce, no corner should be cut when considering the safety of a child, and a qualified private investigator can literally save a child’s life.
Why is it important to utilize a private investigator specializing in child custody investigations? Any separation or divorce is an emotional time during one’s life. At times, the situation can become volatile. While a parent’s first priority should be the child’s safety and emotional stability, it is not uncommon for parents to make false allegations to restrict the other parent’s access to the child. Unfortunately, children commonly become the pawns during a divorce and child custody case. Utilizing a private investigator specializing in custodial investigations can reduce incidents of false accusations, substantiate legitimate allegations, and ensure the child’s well-being is the first priority.
Ideally, a qualified and licensed private investigator is hired to conduct the child custody investigation and work directly with an attorney during the pre-filing phase. The private investigator and the attorney handling the case work together to ensure all concerns are addressed prior to filing the case in court. This also ensures as much information as possible is presented to the court during the initial phase of the child custody case.
Lauth Investigation International recognizes what is at stake during a child custody investigation
Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, Lauth Investigations International provides private investigation services nationwide. Lauth Investigations also has a Florida private investigator team and a Colorado private investigator team ready to respond when a child’s safety is at risk.
Each of our private investigation teams located in Indianapolis, IN, Denver, CO, and Miami, FL, specialize in the child endangerment cases and can be assigned within 24 hours.
When a child’s life is at risk, we know there is no time to waste.
What happens during a child custody investigation?
A child custody investigator can document critical information during exchanges and visitations to chronicle how the child is treated while in the care of the other parent. Gathering evidence supporting mistreatment or neglect of a child during a legal custody investigation can entail interviewing the other parent, questioning witnesses, and conducting background checks on all parties involved in the child’s care. In addition, an experienced private investigator will conduct an on-site assessment of the child’s home and can determine if the child is being cared for in a suitable environment by evaluating the cleanliness of the home and documenting those who reside in or frequently visit the home.
Also very common is utilizing video surveillance to document the parent’s behavior while the child is in their care, documenting those the parent associates with and who the parent may be exposing the child to, if the parent is participating in any illegal or reckless behavior, and any incidents of abuse such as keeping record of any bruises or injuries. Hiring a licensed child custody investigator ensures the investigation is conducted legally and the quality of evidence gathered can be used in a court of law. If required, the investigator will also provide expert court testimony.
Should I hire a child custody private investigator and what should I be doing?
- In court, judges commonly hear accusations from both sides. At times it becomes very difficult to determine who may be telling the truth and if concerns are warranted. Evidence presented in court by a licensed private investigator provides documented proof of allegations the court must take into consideration when making a ruling in a child custody case. It is especially important to present an accurate representation of a person’s character during any court case and even more important when children’s lives are impacted.
- If you suspect the other parent may be abusing your child emotionally or physically while in their care, it is important to substantiate those concerns. While hiring an investigator can guide and assist you, keeping a journal of any negative events, comments your child makes that are of concern, comments or threats the other parent makes to you, are helpful. Especially important, document any injuries the child has sustained in the care of the other parent by keeping written record and photographs of the injuries. Also, record any medical treatment received by a medical professional.
- If you suspect the other parent may be drinking excessively or involved in substance abuse while caring for the child, a private investigator can document the other parent’s actions by observing their daily activities, document those who come and go at the residence, and detect drug and alcohol abuse.
- If you suspect the other parent is neglectful, participating in any kind of criminal behavior, or associating with individuals who may have a criminal background, it is best to have a private investigator perform a comprehensive background check on the other parent, anyone that resides with the parent or has interaction with your child. It is important to keep in mind, most incidents of child abuse and child death, occur within the home of the child and injuries inflicted by those trusted to care for the child.
- If you are not certain who the other parent is associating with, a private investigator can conduct surveillance to document who is coming and going at the home, even documenting license plates to determine the identity of individuals permitted to be in close proximity or care for your child.
- If you are concerned about how a child custody investigation may affect your child, it is important to know professional private investigators are highly trained in child custody investigations to utilize investigative methods that minimize exposure of the child to the investigation. In fact, most investigations can be conducted without the child ever knowing, as the investigator is there to protect the child and serve in their best interest.
When children’s safety is in question, it is always best to be safe than sorry. If no questionable behavior is uncovered, everyone can feel secure knowing the child is in safe hands with two loving and responsible parents.
Our Indiana private investigators, along with our Colorado private investigator team, and Florida private investigator team, welcome any questions you may have. Please feel free to call us for a “no cost”consultation.
About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.
