Companies irrespective of size periodically face the daunting task of dealing with malicious rumours or other allegations of malfeasance. Such unwelcome news can occur anywhere, at any time, and most companies lack appropriate resources to effectively mitigate the risks or potential damage in these situations. Companies are often under the spotlight in such circumstances, and demonstrating good corporate governance is a high priority in today's challenging business environment.

When executives or their legal counsel need to resolve a rumour, an allegation or establish the facts surrounding an incident, International Risk brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Asian business environment to bear at this most crucial time to support the client by decisively responding to their problems. We offer a diverse and tailor-made range of corporate investigative services.

Conflict of Interest Investigations

If a company is faced with allegations that employees have external, undisclosed business interests or relationships that pose a real or potential conflict of interest to their corporate responsibilities, International Risk can conduct discreet fact-gathering investigations in a legal and ethical manner. These services can often involve a forensic examination of computers and email servers. Information is gathered and presented to the client so that a business decision can be taken regarding the future of the employee and to evaluate any damage to the corporation.

Investigations into Intellectual Property Loss

For many companies, their prime asset is their intellectual capital. Theft of intellectual property, such as designs, processes, pricing information or customer lists can seriously impact your competitive advantage and profitability. Such theft may implicate a competitor who has engaged in corporate espionage through the coercion or bribery of your employee, or it may involve employees stealing proprietary data prior to leaving to join a competitor. Companies need quickly to establish what assets have been stolen and by whom so that appropriate countermeasures can be taken. International Risk provides discreet fact gathering services, often involving the use of computer forensics and other investigative techniques, as well as advice to help resolve the situation.

Corruption Investigations

In some business communities, graft is endemic. In others it is hidden from all but the keenest observers. Our investigators will undertake detailed inquiries where there are such suspicions or allegations. These investigations require in-depth industry knowledge, investigative experience and an international capability to produce the necessary evidence and reports to address all the relevant issues. This might include gaining the cooperation of government agencies. International Risk's experience enables us to suggest appropriate solutions to management.

• Where an employee has taken bribes, the choice may be between civil action and negotiation of an out-of-court settlement to recover losses, followed by dismissal. International Risk will advise on procedures for any formal report to law enforcement.
• Relationships with corrupt suppliers can be thoroughly reviewed and restructured. Solutions can include termination, negotiation of damages, or extended rights to audit and investigate the supplier's books, records and personnel in ongoing business relationships. International Risk will provide your investigative needs.
• In cases where an employee has bribed others, management can announce the implementation of changed policies, dismiss the individuals and negotiate settlements with claimants. International Risk will provide facts and information to support decision making.

Alleged Unfair Dismissal or Harassment Investigations

Allegations of unfair dismissal or harassment both need to be handled promptly and sensitively. Sexual harassment inquiries, in particular, must be conducted by an independent party that can be trusted by both the accuser and the accused. International Risk provides that independence and trust. Using seasoned investigators, local language skills and cultural sensitivity, International Risk gathers, evaluates and reports the facts, so that management can take appropriate decisions.

Commercial Disputes

With globalisation, companies are now working with a broader range of partners - many of whom they may never have met face to face. Disputes are inevitable. Companies often face the difficulty of obtaining information and intelligence to support them in dispute negotiations with a counter party. International Risk operates throughout the Asia Pacific region and worldwide and can provide clients with seamless services for their critical information needs.