Zavest Licensed Professional Investigators
P.O. Box 1053
Christchurch
New Zealand
tel: +64 3 371 9411
cel: +64 21 279 2832
fax: +64 3 371 9412
www.zavest.co.nz
Theft / Fraud
The damage suffered to New Zealand businesses from internal theft and fraud is often the difference between a business being successful and just surviving, or even being forced from the market. The most costly impact of fraud occurs in businesses with less than 100 employees (Certified Fraud Examiners Association USA). The United States Justice Department estimates that insider theft is growing by 15% per annum. A survey conducted in 2004 by KPMG in Australia and New Zealand recorded:
"It is clear from the survey that many Australian and New Zealand organisations, including many that have suffered serious fraud loss, have yet to adopt even the most fundamental fraud prevention measures - measures that are usually simple and inexpensive, yet at the same time effective."
This same survey also identified that:
"45% of respondents experienced at least one fraud in the survey period".
Of note, this is fraud that had been identified by the survey and does not include potentially undetected offending. The offenders of dishonest acts against their employers are often the most trusted and/or longest serving, (for instance in one recent investigation, extensive offending was committed by an employee with 45 years service). Often an insidious culture can develop within an organisation whereby employees have difficulty differentiating between a minor sanctioned benefit (a perk), which is often used by an employer to make a role more attractive, and theft or fraud. This line can be become blurred and may ultimately conflict with a productive and profitable businesses culture.
The more extreme (but still very common) exposure is the committed thief or fraudster who systematically removes money or product. This behaviour usually escalates over time and may be perpetrated to fund a gambling habit, secret relationship, drug addiction or just greed to support their lifestyle.
Irrespective of how robust your systems are, they are only as effective as the staff that audit or police them. As technology changes, systems need to be upgraded to maintain an anti-dishonesty culture within your business.
Security Consultancy & Risk Management
Zavest can assist in identifying losses, either internal or external that your business may be experiencing. We can identify offenders and, if appropriate, commence either civil or criminal proceedings against them. Where possible we will seek to recover misappropriated monies or stolen items. A review of your business premises or processes may identify risk you are not cognisant of but, more importantly, Zavest can recommend and implement changes to:
- reduce your exposure to theft or fraud from employees or external sources
- safe guard your staff during cash handling/transit
- reduce your exposure to litigation from employees or clients
- Scrutinise existing systems to recommend improvements or to keep abreast of changing technology to improve profitability.
Litigation Support
Successful litigation, whether in a civil or criminal jurisdiction, depends on obtaining critical information. This information needs to be usable and admissible. Our staff are ex-NZ Police members fully cognisant of the Evidence Act 1908 and Evidence Amendment Act 2000.
Upon obtaining admissible and relevant evidence for proceedings, expertise is required to present it in a clear, compelling and professional manner. Our services extend to the assessment of expert and non-expert witnesses in determining whether their testimony may be deficient and improvement could be found. We are well versed in determining debtors' financial positions. This is particularly important in support of a civil judgement.
Surveillance
Surveillance is an essential and reliable tool unlike any other in determining a person's activities, work habits or associations. Contrary to its cinematic portrayal, surveillance is a difficult and specialised skill. Zavest are the only South Island investigators possessing a modified vehicle that can be utilised in any urban or rural environment for prolonged periods of surveillance.
Zavest has access to specialised equipment for all facets of surveillance in any environment to ensure a successful result.
Insurance Investigations
We are instructed by the majority of New Zealand's largest and most respected insurers and their solicitors. Our expertise is utilised for:
-General insurance claims (motor vehicle accidents, burglaries, stolen vehicles etc)
-Fire cause and origin
-Marine
-Income protection
-Disability
A survey conducted in 2003 on behalf of the Insurance Council of Australia established that fraudulent car theft claims may account for between 20-25% of claims for theft.
The Insurance Council of Australia reports that 10% of premiums are returned to policy holders who have fabricated or inflated a claim (A$1.4 billion annually). The costs of course are borne by legitimate policy holders who in effect are stakeholders in the insurer.
An integral part of Disability or Income Protection claims is surveillance (refer surveillance) to determine the insured's physical capacity. One of our principle goals is to determine if the insured's representation of their condition to both the insurer and medical practioner is consistent and accurate.
The requirements for successfully scrutinizing an insurance claim to determine its authenticity is experience with a relevant knowledge of underwriting, insurance law and the ability to interview the insured or witnesses. Our cognitive interview techniques will assist in determining the truth and identifying further avenues of enquiry.
CCTV/Computer Forensics
Zavest has established relationships with expert providers in the specialised fields of CCTV installation and computer forensics. Each is instructed on a case-by-case basis by our staff.
Often covert or overt cameras are perceived as a "catch-all" or an infallible means of identifying offending. Their utilisation can be invaluable and will capture evidence that usually cannot be obtained from other sources. They need to be tools that perform a specific role as part of an investigation, and often should not be the sole approach employed to obtain information or evidence.
Technology in this area is evolving so rapidly that Zavést only utilise providers that purchase, install and manage cameras every day. There have been huge advances in remote and digital cameras in recent years, and they can now be applied in many environments that, up until recently, would not have been possible.
Occasionally an installation may require "hardwiring" into established wiring. When this occurs your insurer requires a qualified installer. When we engage an installer we will make sure they have the qualifications you need.
Internationally recognised evidential programs such as Encase are required to obtain, preserve and present to a legal jurisdiction information from electronic storage devices. Only those qualified to use and apply these programs can be engaged to satisfy stringent legal requirements. As with CCTV, "keen enthusiasts" just won't cut it and place your legal proceedings at risk. Our investigators are well versed in the preservation of electronic information. The subsequent examination is conducted by qualified experts contracted to Zavest.
Trademark Investigations/Intellectual Property
Zavest is being engaged on an increasingly regular basis to determine or detect breaches of branding, unauthorised use of names, trademark, logos and the theft or unauthorised use of intellectual property.
Our clients are principally trademark or patent attorneys but also companies who suspect that their branding or product is being misused. This may extend to counterfeit goods that are being imported or manufactured locally. Glynn Rigby has conducted many Anton Pillar orders on dwellings, vehicles, markets and commercial premises. Accurate recording of information and subsequent presentation is required to satisfy the stringent High Court requirements when an order is issued. Incomplete or poorly presented records may result in judicial criticism, or lessen the success of subsequent proceedings.
Personal Protection
Zavest has male and female former NZ Police officers trained as Personal Protection operatives. The role of personal protection is to identify a threat and avoid confrontation, thereby ensuring the well-being of the client.
Our staff have undertaken corporate protection roles throughout Australasia and Europe. Specific training in counter surveillance, perimeter establishment, driving to limit or counter a threat, social event attendance or broader social environment skills are essential for the care of our client.
Missing Persons
Private investigators have traditionally been engaged to locate or trace missing or difficult to locate persons. This may include estranged family members, debtors, witnesses or runaway children.
Increasingly people are finding reasons to withdraw from society. Zavest is aware of the emotional ramifications of these situations and, therefore, understand that a sensitive and diplomatic approach is often required.
We view our ability to locate people nationally or internationally as an important service. We have extensive expertise in locating offenders that do not wish to be found, and witnesses that are unaware they are being sought.
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