Contrary to popular perception, corruption, collusion and conflicts of interest are not just issues that arise in government agencies and bodies. In an increasingly competitive and interconnected business world, it's becoming common for business operators and employees in positions of power to offer or receive improper benefits in exchange for favourable treatment.
Explore our comprehensive range of investigation services for conflict of interest and corrupt conduct matters.
Contrary to popular perception, corruption, collusion and conflicts of interest are not just issues that arise in government agencies and bodies. In an increasingly competitive and interconnected business world, it's becoming common for business operators and employees in positions of power to offer or receive improper benefits in exchange for favourable treatment.
Of course, bad elements in the public sector have been known to have engaged in this type of behaviour for many years but it's important to recognise that it also occurs in the private sector. Most levels of government have attempted to deal with the problem of corruption by instituting the tender process and similar mechanisms but corporations are often unprepared when it comes to preventing, recognising and solving such issues.
The good news is that it is possible in certain circumstances to identify conflicts of interest and instances of corruption and collusion regardless of where they occur. Anyone can investigate a suspected improper relationship however the investigative options available may depend on the role of the person instigating the investigation.
Most conflict cases dealt with by private investigators are for clients who could be said to be "external" to the conflict relationship. For example, the operator of a small business seeking a contract with a larger corporation or a government body may believe that a competitor has an improper relationship with the person responsible for awarding the contract. There are multiple other situations in which conflicts of this type arise. In these external investigations, an investigator will usually look for evidence of the existence of a relationship between the alleged wrongdoers. This is typically done by conducting what is effectively a background check for each person of interest and seeing whether there is correlating information revealed in the searches. Another option is surveillance of the parties to see whether they meet and/or socialise improperly.
The second type of investigation into a conflict could be categorised under the "internal" investigation umbrella, where the person initiating the investigation enjoys some level of control over an alleged culprit. This would typically come about in cases where a worker is alleged to have engaged in wrongdoing and the employer or government body who employs the worker decides to conduct an investigation. Often a whistleblower is involved. In this type of investigation the investigator has not only the options mentioned above but may also have additional investigative avenues to explore. For example, an employer looking into claims an employee improperly favoured one supplier over another may have access to relevant digital evidence (such as emails and smartphone metadata), documentary evidence and/or witnesses who can provide statements.
In cases involving governments officials, FOI requests may be contemplated.
Self-evidently, an internal investigation is usually more straightforward as there is usually access to more evidence. Direct evidence of wrongdoing will often lead to serious consequences and possibly to civil action or even to criminal charges. If evidence of an improper relationship alone is uncovered in an internal or external investigation, it may be sufficient for a contract to be rescinded (or otherwise unwound) or may lead to a broader review of the circumstances.
As with any type of investigation, for reasons of efficiency and effectiveness, it is optimal if one primary investigator manages the conduct of a conflict matter as a whole. One never knows where an investigation will end.
Lyonswood Investigations & Forensics is a firm with 36 years of broad-based investigation experience. We are skilled in background checks, surveillance, factual investigations, digital forensics and all the elements involved in conducting corruption, collusion and conflict of interest investigations.
“My cousin received my letter and phoned me within minutes of opening it and reading it. We have had some warm phone conversations. Some years ago she...
Hi Robert, I have read through the report and I am very happy with its findings. Regards Paul Sent from my iPhone
Good morning Lachlan, Well. I rang my brother last night and spoke to him for the first time in many, many years. This reunion has been a long time co...
Dear Robert, I thank you for your excellent work in finding both my sister and brother. We have already been in touch and are united at last. I cannot...
Hi Rob, how are you? Sorry for my late response. Thankyou for the letter. I forwarded it onto ***. I really am unsure of his plans for it. Rob, l want...
Hi Robert, I have read through the report and I am very happy with its findings. Regards Paul
Hi Thomas, Thank you so much for such an extensive investigation report you guys are amazing Thank you for everything Cheers Nathan
Hi Thomas, Thank you so much for such an extensive investigation report you guys are amazing Thank you for everything Cheers Nathan
Hi Lachlan, Thank you for your quick response. Based on the findings we feel there is no need to pursue this matter any further. Please advise me if t...
Dear Lachlan: Thank you very much. The family member confirmed that the finding is Mr. ******* Thank you again for your hard work and the family are t...
Hi Lachlan, When I first rang your firm I felt very nervous. Your office lady made me feel at ease – helpful, polite, very well mannered. I spoke to ...
Hi Lachlan, When I first rang your firm I felt very nervous. Your office lady made me feel at ease – helpful, polite, very well mannered. I spoke to y...
Thanks Lachlan. The Husband admitted his fraud in court yesterday. A job well done.
Hello, Thank you very much for the report it is exactly what I need. Am I able to send the report to my lawyer to see if we can use it for our next ...
Hello, Thank you very much for the report it is exactly what I need. Am I able to send the report to my lawyer to see if we can use it for our next co...
Hi Lachlan, hope you are keeping well. I just wanted circle back with you and let you know the family was able to establish contact with N***. We are ...
Dear Lachlan, Thank you very much for your excellent service. I am very pleased you were able to find him. I immediately remembered his surname when ...
Dear Lachlan, Thank you very much for your excellent service. I am very pleased you were able to find him. I immediately remembered his surname when I...
Hi Robert, Just letting you know that I have managed to find ****… She is back living in Brisbane. From her advertisement (found on page 17 of the rep...
For many years we had been receiving abusive letters through the Australian Post. The Police would say we will investigate this and absolutely nothing...
Thanks so much for your help with this Lachlan, sorry for the delay, I had meant to respond sooner but have been swept up in kids and Christmas and, w...
Hi Warren Thanks for the information you’ve passed along, your report regarding Nancy XXXXXXXX and invoice (which we will attend to promptly). I’ve ...
To everyone who was involved in my case, I would like to express my deepest thank you and appreciation for you quick, efficient and discreet work. Hop...
This is amazing. That you so much. This will significantly assist us in protecting many young people and their families. I and many others are so grat...
Well, I’m very impressed with you & your service. I am retired pretty much now. I don’t ‘need’ a job but your business appeals to me. If you nee...
Morning Lachlan, just wanted to follow up to say thank you for your services. The outcome you provided me was exceptional and this has been the smarte...
Mr. Jarvis Thanks a million!! Yes, It's him. You did it again. 10/10 is the score of your professional service. Kind regards
Dear Warren, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help, support and understanding. Your kind words were most appreciat...
Dear Warren, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help, support and understanding. Your kind words were most appreciate...
Dear Warren, I want to thank you for your professional help. Three of the four charges against me were dismissed yesterday and the Complainants were...
Dear Warren, I want to thank you for your professional help. Three of the four charges against me were dismissed yesterday and the Complainants were c...
Hi Lachlan, Thank you so much for the work you did in relation to finding ****. I have managed to contact him through the **** club and we are now ema...
Hi Lachlan, Thank you so much for the work you did in relation to finding ****. I have managed to contact him through the **** club and we are now ema...
Lachlan, Yes, I’d like to visit Australia one day and experience the climate, desert, outback, and the east and south coast cities. I understand that...
Dear Warren, Your further report and invoice now received. Our client will decline the claim so for the time being we need nothing further from you....
Dear Warren, Your further report and invoice now received. Our client will decline the claim so for the time being we need nothing further from you. I...
Hi Lachlan, thank you very much for finding out the information of his address. Unfortunately **** has left **** and when she gets over the hurt of hi...
Hi Lachlan, thank you very much for finding out the information of his address. Unfortunately **** has left **** and when she gets over the hurt of hi...
Hi Lachlan, Thank you for your work last year, the photos your investigator took were used in evidence and made for creating a very clear picture for...
Hi Lachlan. I just wanted to say thank you, the two addresses and the linkedin account you found were all linked to my Dad and he is over the moon to ...
Thank you Lachlan. It was a pretty tough night didn't sleep a wink. I must mention to you that Robert was fantastic, he can't be faulted, he was very ...
Hi Lachlan I’ve now had a good look at the attachment & you did a very thorough search & used all the information I gave you & I thank yo...
Hi Lachlan I've now had a good look at the attachment & you did a very thorough search & used all the information I gave you & I thank you...
Thank you very much Lachlan you're an absolute gem. We will sit down and discuss our next move and I will let you know. Once again thank you.
Good Morning Mr MALLARD, I have forwarded the document to our Crime Coordinator to make determination in regards to whether handwriting analysis is t...
Good Morning Mr MALLARD, I have forwarded the document to our Crime Coordinator to make determination in regards to whether handwriting analysis is to...
Thank you Lachlan. It was a pretty tough night didn’t sleep a wink. I must mention to you that Robert was fantastic, he can’t be faulted, he was ver...
Hi Warren Thanks for the information you've passed along, your report regarding Nancy XXXXXXXX and invoice (which we will attend to promptly). I've pa...
Hi Lachlan, Thank you for your work last year, the photos your investigator took were used in evidence and made for creating a very clear picture for ...
Well, I'm very impressed with you & your service. I am retired pretty much now. I don't 'need' a job but your business appeals to me. If you need ...
Lachlan, Yes, I'd like to visit Australia one day and experience the climate, desert, outback, and the east and south coast cities. I understand that ...
We investigate various types of conflicts of interest including financial relationships, business dealings, decision-making processes, and potential ethical violations. Our investigations are tailored to address your specific concerns.
Confidentiality is paramount in all our investigations. We operate with complete discretion, and all information is kept strictly confidential. Only authorized parties will have access to the findings.
Yes, all evidence gathered during our investigations is collected using legal methods and can be used in legal or disciplinary proceedings. We ensure that all evidence is properly documented and admissible.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your investigation needs. We provide obligation-free consultations and can help you determine the best approach for your situation.
Get In Touch
