The First 48 hours of a fraud investigation – An expert panel view

Within any investigation the first 48 hours can be critical to a successful outcome.

A good investigator will consider what appropriate methodologies and processes need to be in place to ensure that the investigation will meet the required standards, is robust and will withstand scrutiny in the event that the matter evolves into any type of proceeding.

The ACFE Brisbane Chapter is pleased to invite you to our upcoming event where we have pulled together a panel of experts to discuss various considerations any investigator should contemplate during the first 48 hours of commencing the investigation.

The panelists will include backgrounds and perspectives varying from legal, law enforcement, regulator and digital forensics. This is your chance to hear from the experts on key risks, challenges and considerations when approaching a fraud investigation.

The event will be hosted at KordaMentha’s offices in Brisbane and will be open to virtual attendance. We are encouraging as many members to attend in person so that we can meet and network over a couple of drinks and nibbles.

The MC for the night will be Chris Howard (current Vice-President of the ACFE Brisbane Chapter).

First 48 Hours of an investigation expert panel

Jennifer Veiga, Special Counsel, Director of National Workplace Investigations Unit, MinterEllison

Jennifer leads MinterEllison’s Investigations Unit. The Investigations Unit is a national unit consisting of over 70 workplace investigators spread throughout Australia. The function of the Investigations Unit is to undertake and advise clients regarding their workplace investigative needs. Jennifer is also a senior workplace investigator having investigated matters before the Crime and Corruption Commission Queensland, allegations involving senior executives and matters with significant reputational risk to the client. Jennifer’s investigation experience covers a range of issues including fraud, probity and conflict of interest, workplace misconduct, and whistleblower complaints. She regularly works with subject matter and forensic experts. Jennifer has considerable experience in advising on and undertaking workplace investigations with public sector organisations and private sector businesses including defence, mining and resources, construction, higher education, health and transport.

Andrew Howard, Partner, Forensic Services, BDO

Andrew Howard is a Partner in the Forensic Services division of BDO and has over 20 years’ experience working in Australia and the United Kingdom. Andrew assists clients in resolving high risk and complex matters efficiently and effectively by offering practical solutions which minimise operational disruption. Andrew has acted as an independent accounting expert on cases involving personal injury, loss of profits, breach of contracts, negligence, counterfeit claims, fraud and financial investigations and has provided evidence in court.

Brendan Read, Partner, Forensic, KordaMentha

A former detective from the Queensland Police High Tech Crime Investigation Unit, Brendan’s experience in investigating criminal and civil matters helps clients to navigate technologies and their use in the identification, preservation, analysis and presentation of digital evidence. With over 19 years’ experience in giving evidence in criminal and civil cases, Brendan assists clients in stressful situations by clarifying technology. Brendan specialises in the investigation of cyber incidents and has an open, collaborative style. He has extensive experience in the preparation of expert reports, affidavits and giving oral testimony in proceedings.

Kirk Bellotti (Ba. Pol.(Invest.), Grad. Cert.Corrup., Ma. AMLCTF), Detective Sergeant  – Financial Crimes Investigation Unit, Queensland Police Service

Kirk has done it for real, leading investigative teams and securing convictions across a number of crime types including fraud, corruption and money laundering. He has dismantled organised crimes syndicates diminished them of their financal wealth and forced them from Australia.

Kirk is a professional practitioner with over 30 years operational investigative experience in criminal, discipline, military and compliance matters with relevant academic qualifications.

Kirk possess solid experience in management of multi-disciplinary teams during protracted and complex investigations into political and police corruption; proven operational experience in investigations, infiltration and dismantlement of serious and organised crime groups and money laundering syndicates internationally.

Kirk has reviewed organisational practices in Australia and abroad developing recommendations contributing to reforms and strategic objectives at a state and federal level in policing, military and the corporate environment, resulting in organisational firsts.

Kirk has operated in Asia, Africa the Middle East and the Pacific Region working with both NGO’s and Government officials in developing policy, presenting and in an investigative capacity.

Kirk possess proven experience in presenting at national industry conferences and lecturing internationally to public and private sector audiences, and has developed industry specific training for both law enforcement, defence and regulatory bodies internationally.

Recipient of two national awards for research and performance in the area of fraud, misconduct and investigations, and trained throughout Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Asia with secondments to overseas defence and law enforcement agencies.

Chris Howard, Principal Risk Advisor, Department of Justice and Attourney-General

Chris has over 20 years law enforcement and financial crimes investigation experience working with the Queensland Police as a Detective and with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Chris is currently a Principal Risk Advisor with the Department of Justice and Attourney-General.