A day in the life of a SB Investigator

I spent 30 years of my working life in a law enforcement career. 25 years as a detective investigator, firstly in an intelligence role then defending National Security as a special branch officer.

There were difficult times and often working in a hostile environment, amplified by the 20-year war on terror, which I am proud to be a veteran of.

The experiences and the skill set’s I developed during this time of my life, led me towards opening my own business.

I then opened SB Investigation and Consultants to investigate and consult with companies or individuals that have security concerns or security problems

To give an example of the kind of work I have become involved in* was an investigation on behalf of a commercial insurance company that represented a regional business whose board member (A) had been contacted by an unknown criminal, posing as the Managing Director of the particular company (B), stating that they were involved in the acquisition of land abroad and that this acquisition was strictly confidential, so this should remain completely  confidential. (B) explained to (A) that the email address was not the usual company email address for confidentiality and ease of recognition reasons. (A) accepted this explanation and was told that (B) would be contacting them the next day for a breakdown of where the company stood financially and so (A) dutifully prepared this information anticipating that (B) would be in touch the next day. The company had £700,000.00 disposable cash in their account and when this was disclosed to (B) they explained that the acquisition would cost £450,000.00 and passed bank account details for this amount to be paid into. This was done into an account in the Philippines. Two days later a Friday evening (B) popped his head in to wish (A) a pleasant weekend and (A) confirmed verbally that the request had been done.

SB Investigation and Consultants were then contacted by the insurance company after the circumstances had been outlined to them and passed on to us and I began working with the insurers legal representatives, six days after the event, where it became obvious to me that no one involved in the whole scenario had a clue what to do about this, after reporting the loss to the police.

As there was little appetite for me to obtain a proper work visa or an (AEP) Alien Employment Permit and follow the money to the Philippines.

My advice was:

Speak to the police force covering where the crime was committed and ask them to make a request through the CPS or Home Office to contact the Philippine government (in the first instance via the Philippine ambassador to the UK) as it is suspected that a Philippine national is involved in this fraud. (this request may require the attention of a police DI or DCI rank)

Appoint a legal representative to examine the bank mandate, in the hope there may be some clause covering/preventing the transfer of such a large amount of cash?

Offer my services to travel to the Philippines and liaise with the Philippine authorities, although I did point out the company would be better off saving further money as my anticipation after 6 days, this money was long gone.

However, it struck me that the 2 larger businesses, the insurers and the law firm were all looking at each other like rabbits in the headlights and until my arrival., the only decision taken was the wrong one i.e. sack (A) that in my opinion, once sacked the element of control would be lost. Far better to keep (A) close and under control until after the inquiry was completed and all the facts established.

SB Investigation and Consultants thank you for your attention in this matter and if any of my readers have any other suggestions, please feel free to comment?

Or contact me at mike@sb-consultants.co.uk