In today's fast-paced corporate environment, what begins as a workplace grievance can sometimes uncover something equally or even more consequential.  Consider this.  You are a healthcare institution, employing 8,000 employees in the Midwest, generating between $50–100 million annually.  You received a complaint from a 10-year employee, citing bullying and unfair treatment related to gender. You begin the investigation, and the story takes a twist. You find a deeply hidden financial fraud scheme.

Organizations lose approximately $3.6 billion annually to fraud, with median losses reaching $250,000 per incident. What's more concerning is that these schemes often go undetected for an average of 18 months, causing significant financial damage and lasting reputational harm.

Recent statistics from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE) 2024 Report to the Nations highlight that organizations lose an estimated 5% of revenue annually to fraud. While internal controls and monitoring are essential first steps, engaging independent investigators can be crucial when potential fraud is detected. A recent investigation conducted by our firm helps illustrate why.

Occupational fraud remains among the most damaging threats to organizational assets and reputation. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)'s latest Report to the Nations, organizations lose an estimated 5 percent of their annual revenue to fraud, with the median loss exceeding $8.3 million in cases involving senior employees. Investigating these frauds is particularly challenging because the perpetrators are trusted insiders who understand control systems and can influence evidence and witnesses.