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A chemical company suspected two former employees were engaged in a potential conflict of interest through their relationship with a company vendor. With thorough enhanced due diligence, Kreller uncovered evidence suggesting a connection between the two individuals and the vendor.

Kreller was hired to conduct corporate investigations to identify the proposed relationship of two individuals who served as financiers and brokers for a large cooperative investment firm with our client supplying significant capital. 

Kreller investigators bring diverse backgrounds and global perspective and experience, and detail-oriented mindset to their work. Our blog series highlighting employee expertise and insight continues with this recent conversation with Senior Analyst of Special Investigations, Zack DeGeorge.

Kreller was hired by General Counsel to assist in investigating grey market activity related to their distributors. The case involved a tech company in China facing challenges with unauthorized distribution channels.

This corporate investigation, conducted by Kreller, exposed an officer of the General Counsel for a larger retailer for his involvement in a corporate collusion scheme.

Resume fraud has become a growing concern for employers worldwide. This practice involves hopeful employees fabricating their resumes to secure jobs, even though the information provided on the resume is inaccurate. 

A major global retailer received a hotline allegation that underage workers were at a factory producing one of their suppliers in China. Kreller was asked to conduct a surprise audit, utilizing the right-to-audit clause in their contract. 

Due diligence is the background research and analysis that informs business decisions like investments, partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, or sales.

Director-Partner Engagement, Former FBI Senior Executive, Intelligence Analysis, and Analytical Tradecraft Expert

In today's competitive market, customer satisfaction is paramount. Companies that prioritize customer experience often see substantial growth and long-term success. One metric that encapsulates customer loyalty and satisfaction is the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Based on the last two years, we're thrilled to share that our company has achieved an exceptional NPS of 96!!

E-commerce, and Amazon in particular, has made it easier and faster than ever to get your products into consumers’ hands and build your brand. Unfortunately, it’s just as easy and quick for unethical business practices, like undercutting prices or creating unauthorized product listings, to flourish on these platforms too. Let’s look at what can happen, risks to your brand, and options you have to combat unauthorized resellers and fraudulent e-commerce practices.

In today's digital age, your brand is your castle. It's the symbol of your hard work, creativity, and the trust you've built with your customers. But just like any castle, your brand needs constant vigilance to protect it from invaders.

In this Kreller Group blog, we shine a light on Greg Massa, our esteemed Global Director for Partner Engagement. Greg, a seasoned professional with a remarkable background, offers insightful perspectives on the dynamic world of corporate investigations. Let's delve into the interview:

The world of eCommerce is a land of opportunity, where passionate entrepreneurs can build empires from the ground up. But just like any bustling marketplace, it also attracts those seeking to exploit the system. For brands, the ever-present threat of unauthorized sellers and counterfeiters can be a constant source of stress and lost revenue.

At Kreller, we're fortunate to have a brilliant team, each bringing unique expertise to the table.

Here at Kreller Brand Protection, we live and breathe intellectual property (IP) and brand protection. It's in our DNA to stay ahead of the curve on emerging threats and opportunities.

The digital age has revolutionized the way businesses connect with customers. With a single click, consumers can discover your brand, learn about your products and services, and share their experiences with the world.

This week's news cycle shone a light on a growing problem: the sale of counterfeit goods online. In California, a wealthy woman has been accused of running a shoplifting ring targeting high-end cosmetics and designer clothing stores. The stolen merchandise, valued at over $350,000, was allegedly stored in her mansion and then sold at a discount online.

Imagine this: you've poured your heart and soul into building your brand. You've meticulously crafted your products, established a loyal customer base, and carved out a niche in the ever-competitive world of ecommerce.

Imagine your brand as a majestic lion, meticulously building its pride, defending its territory, and roaring with success. Now, imagine rogue hyenas – counterfeiters – infiltrating your pride

Fashion powerhouse Diesel is making headlines for its innovative approach to combating counterfeiting. Their recent collaboration with Certilogo, a blockchain-based authentication platform

In the ever-changing world of anti-bribery and anti-corruption (ABAC), staying informed is crucial. Whether you're a corporate leader or simply interested in understanding these changes, it's vital to grasp the nuances of the evolving regulatory landscape.

The data privacy landscape is constantly changing. It's critical to stay informed, whether you work as legal counsel, are a corporate leader, or are just interested in learning more about the nuances of these changes.

Corporate investigators play a pivotal role in the business world. They are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to uncover facts, protect assets, and ensure legal compliance. Understanding what makes a top corporate investigator is crucial for businesses looking to secure their operations.

Corporations frequently have to navigate the difficult and complex terrain of conducting business internationally in the current era of globalization. This climate makes it necessary to conduct cross-border company investigations, which is a difficult process requiring knowledge of legal, cultural, and ethical aspects. We explore the kinds of investigations that are common in the context of international commerce, talk about the legal and regulatory frameworks that control them, and emphasize how important it is to take cultural and language factors into account.

Welcome to the field of corporate compliance, where the game is complex, the stakes are high, and the rules are stringent. Just like a football coach needs a call card to navigate through the game, businesses require a robust Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Compliance Playbook.

The GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) whistleblower case is a pivotal moment in corporate ethics and legal compliance, illustrating the importance of proactively addressing whistleblower’s concerns before it is escalated to the courts. Read more to understand the significance of the case in shaping the landscape of corporate responsibility and the role of whistleblowers.

On May 27, 2019 the Romanian High Court of Cassation and Justice (the Supreme Court of Romania) upheld the 3.5-year jail sentence originally issued by a lower court in June 2018 to prominent Romanian politician Liviu Dragnea (until recently, leader of the political party – Social Democratic Party) after his conviction for graft charges.

Several days ago the Wall Street Journal published an article about a financial adviser in Beverly Hills, California (article is behind a paywall) named Mr. Kay who had promoted a supposedly high-yield, low-risk investment. Unfortunately, the company behind the investment is now in bankruptcy and is being investigated as a Ponzi Scheme. Mr. Kay himself, it turns out, was “barred from the securities industry for allegedly running a fraud, according to public records, and later fined $5,000 for breaking that ban.” However, he had changed his name since these infractions, which would have made it more difficult for investors to know about his history.

Smith Brandon International has years of experience working in Brazil, and a broad network of investigators in the country. Many of our clients have asked us to help them with expanding their business in Brazil and we have been happy to help them avoid risks to keep their plans on track.

Just two months after enhancing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Whistleblower Improvement Act, a move largely seen as an attempt to crack down on Russian sanction evasion, the Biden Administration announced new sanctions on Russia and related entities on February 24, 2023. Less than a week later, the US also signaled that sanctions may be coming for China and other countries helping Russia circumvent restrictions, presenting an increasing need for tight supply chain management and awareness of the potential exposure of downstream and upstream partners.

Anti-Money Laundering Whistleblower Law Expected to “Change the Game” for Sanctions Enforcement

As Russia–Ukraine tensions mount, de-escalation of the conflict between the two former Soviet nations seems less likely by the day. Kremlin officials have denied any intention to invade, but commentators note that, at the same time, Russian troops are undertaking what looks like "final preparations" before an incursion.

What do the Golden State Warriors have in common with a French parliamentary motion, a new U.S. law, and a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing? How could these seemingly unrelated things affect the global supply chains? The thread tying all of these together is the growing controversy around China’s reported abuse of the Muslim Uyghur minority in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang).

Last month, the Biden administration released its plan to crack down on corrupt practices on a global scale. In a 38-page document called “United States Strategy on Countering Corruption,” the White House outlined the steps it will take to increase financial transparency and combat unlawful acts such as money laundering. The announcement came amid a slew of developments that underscore the administration’s commitment to tackling abuse of power."

The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released a final rule on November 3, 2021, that added four foreign companies to the Entity List for engaging in activities contrary to the United States' national security or foreign policy interests. One of the four named was NSO Group—the Israeli military-grade spyware manufacturer responsible for creating software traced to the phones of politicians, journalists, and human rights activists around the world.

The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released a final rule that added four foreign companies to the Entity List for engaging in activities contrary to the United States' national security or foreign policy interests

What do Honeywell, Princeton University, and Keysight Technologies have in common? Find out in this article.

What do Honeywell, Princeton University, and Keysight Technologies have in common? In the past year, all three entities have been found in violation of the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). They could make it into the next edition of Don’t Let This Happen to You by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

Data science has reshaped many industries in the last two decades. But it has notably entered the government sector too, as regulators increasingly rely on analytical tools to uncover and prosecute violators.

With the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sounding a “code red” alarm on the future of humanity, the topic of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) is more current than ever.

Few fraud cases have garnered as much attention in the last decade as the Theranos scandal. The spectacular rise and fall of the biotech startup and its founder Elizabeth Holmes have already inspired a documentary and a best-selling book, while a Hollywood film starring Jennifer Lawrence is in the making. And now, as Holmes’ criminal fraud trial is underway, it looks like the Theranos saga might be drawing to an end.

With the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sounding a “code red” alarm on the future of humanity, the topic of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) is more current than ever.

Data science has reshaped many industries in the last two decades. But it has notably entered the government sector too, as regulators increasingly rely on analytical tools to uncover and prosecute violators.

Public funds reportedly spent on items such as luxury yachts, private jets, and a diamond-encrusted glove worn by Michael Jackson prompted the UK Foreign Office to impose new sanctions.

Public funds reportedly spent on items such as luxury yachts, private jets, and a diamond-encrusted glove worn by Michael Jackson prompted the UK Foreign Office to impose new sanctions.

In 2020, a list of over 50,000 phone numbers was leaked to Amnesty International and Forbidden Stories, a nonprofit media organization based in Paris, France. The numbers are believed to belong to individuals identified as "people of interest" by clients of the Israeli cyber defense firm NSO Group. The leak set off a worldwide investigative journalism initiative – the Pegasus Project.

Breaking into new markets and winning major government contracts can be a daunting task for even the largest corporations, doubly so in emerging markets that are in political transition or have gone through a recent major upheaval.

Public funds reportedly spent on items such as luxury yachts, private jets, and a diamond-encrusted glove worn by Michael Jackson prompted the UK Foreign Office to impose new sanctions.

Public funds reportedly spent on items such as luxury yachts, private jets, and a diamond-encrusted glove worn by Michael Jackson prompted the UK Foreign Office to impose new sanctions.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would require any importer of Xinjiang-sourced products to prove they were not made using forced labor.

We all encounter the problem of knowing who we’re working with. Whether it’s our business partners, vendors, or clients, it’s difficult to know anyone.

As Chinese manufacturing hits a record low amid coronavirus disease concerns*, American companies are forced to look elsewhere for product and component sourcing.

The Kreller Group today announced its acquisition of Smith Brandon International, Inc. (SBI).

CINCINNATI, Jan. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kreller Group today announced its acquisition of Smith Brandon International, Inc. (SBI), a corporate investigations and risk consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. SBI will now be known as Smith Brandon International, a Kreller Company. The SBI entire SBI team is staying on, and SBI will continue to operate out of its Washington, DC office.

While many industries have become fixated with the potential of AI – including the field of corporate Due Diligence.

U.S. and China trade representatives will end years of intense bilateral negotiations with a “phase one” deal on Wednesday that promises...

In a memorable 2007 episode of Curb your Enthusiasm, titled “The Anonymous Donor,” Larry David attends a gala honoring his and another major donation made to the National Resources Defense Council.

If the U.S. economy is headed for a significant slowdown, nobody told the American consumer...

Asia markets joined a global sell-off as fresh worries about trade and the world economy rattled investors.

On January 12, 2016, an all too familiar story appeared in Youngstown’s Business Journal: Warren Steel Holdings LLC would...

The Federal Trade Commission announced a staggering $5 billion dollar civil penalty against Facebook.

Recently, the local Zimbabwe branch of Amnesty International, a UK-based international non-governmental rights advocacy group, was suspended indefinitely following fraud allegations.

A scandal pertaining to the theft of rare and precious kevazingo wood seized by Gabon officials has allegedly resulted in the termination of the Vice President of Gabon as well as the Forestry Minister.

Top trade negotiators from the US and China are meeting for the first time in almost three months on Tuesday to try and do a deal, but expectations are low.

A trade spat between Japan and South Korea threatens to spill beyond their borders, posing potential risks to consumer electronics...

Despite well-documented missteps in Germany and South Korea, the late 2000’s were a dynamic time for Walmart’s expansion...

Despite well-documented missteps in Germany and South Korea, the late 2000’s were a dynamic time for Wal-Mart’s expansion efforts worldwide.

The General Services Administration will administer a virtual meeting July 25 with current and potential government contractors to discuss...

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged Syed Arham Arbab with conducting a Ponzi scheme from a University of Georgia fraternity house.

Our client, NXT Energy Solution, was recently featured in BusinessInsider.com for being awarded a major contract in Nigeria.

European markets were cautious on Tuesday as the dust settled on last week’s rally and concerns over a trade war tempered gains.

On May 2, 2019 the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) released “A Framework for OFAC Compliance Commitments”.

In early April of this year Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned from office after ruling for roughly 20 years. Bouteflika’s resignation is reportedly a result of peaceful protests and pressure from Algerian military leaders in response to Bouteflika’s announcement that he would be seeking a fifth presidential term. The protests in Algeria have been ongoing since mid-February 2019, and more recently have been occurring on a weekly basis.

Here at Smith Brandon International, we watched with some interest the recent conviction of con artist Anna “Delvey” Sorokin. For years, the Russian-born Ms. Sorokin claimed to be a German heiress, situating herself within New York’s wealthy party circles while seeking funding for a private club and arts foundation.

The U.S.-China trade dispute escalated sharply Monday, as Beijing retaliated against higher U.S. tariffs with plans to increase levies on...

We were recently made aware of a new twist on a common scam and want to be sure our readers are aware of it.

Two years ago, we wrote about the murder of Maltese journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia, known for her work on Maltese corruption. While three men suspected of planting the car bomb that killed her were arrested shortly after her death in 2017, until recently little progress had been made regarding the identity of the person or persons who hired them.

You have a questionnaire. You’ve conducted due diligence. Your research of beneficial ownership just hit a dead end. Now what?

Yesterday the Department of Justice announced the release of updated guidance on corporate compliance programs. We are still evaluating the new guidance and what has changed, but we wanted to be sure all of our clients and readers were aware that there is new information from the DOJ on what compliance programs should look like and how they should work.

In March 2019, Transparency International Canada released a comprehensive new report, in conjunction with Publish What You Pay Canada...

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New orders for key U.S.-made capital goods slipped in February and shipments were unchanged, but data for...

LOS ANGELES/DUSSELDORF, April 2 (Reuters) - The volume of U.S. ocean cargo imports arranged by Deutsche Post’s DHL Group...

Russia’s manufacturing PMI climbed to its highest level since January 2017 registering 52.8 in March, up from almost no change of...

Corporate lending growth in the euro zone rebounded last month, European Central Bank data showed on Thursday...

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (Petro Poroshenko Bloc “Solidarity” / BPP-S Political Party) has been the subject of recent reporting by investigative journalists that identified Poroshenko as allegedly tied to a corrupt defense scheme pertaining to contraband military parts. As a result, the initiation of impeachment proceedings were announced against Poroshenko in Ukraine’s Parliament.

We've written before about Malaysia's 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund and the scandals associated with it. The corruption from the scandal just keeps ensaring more people and organizations through out the world. Recently Tim Leissner, former Goldman Sachs Chairman in Southeast Asia pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracies in connection with the 1MDB fund. Several other employees were also implicated in that plot.

While we’ve previously written about the uncertainties of international trade involving Iran, we’re currently monitoring a new wrinkle. On January 31, 2019, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the UK announced the creation of INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) designed to facilitate European trade with Iran. The SPV is expected to begin operating within the next few months.

The International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) has been the subject of recent media reporting as the current President of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales, prematurely ordered the shut down of the Commission in early January. CICIG was expected to conclude its operations in September 2019 as President Morales had declined to further renew its mandate.

The United Nations recently marked World Anti-Corruption Day. In announcing the day the UN highlighted the current estimate that every year over $1 Trillion is paid in bribes and over $2.6 Trillion is stolen through corruption. That's over 5 percent of the worlds gross domestic product. An astonishing figure.

The United States Census Bureau performs a vital service for the United States, surveying the population to make sure the government has accurate information on the people it represents and helps to direct government spending and programs. To that end they ask a lot of different kinds of questions in their official surveys.

Update: We wanted to provide a short update on the results of the election. As expected, Bolsonaro won the most votes, though not enough to win outright, though he came surprsingly close. Despite there being a small fine for not voting in Brazil, almost a third of voters either didn't vote in the last round of the elections or cast blank or null ballots.

Recently authorities in Cambodia seized fake and expired pharmaceuticals from an importer, US authorities charged 22 Chinese importers with smuggling counterfeit goods, including cosmetics and luxury hand-bags, and Singaporean police raided four businesses with $1.03 Million in goods as part of an operation against counterfeit products.These are just a few recent examples, but there are many more. And these are just the cases that have been found out.

Over on FCPA Blog they've published an article we wanted to be sure our readers saw. The article comes from Felipe Monteiro a Professor at INSEAD, who has written a case study on the implications of Operation Car Wash for Brazilian businesses. The article on FCPA blog details lessons learned from Brazil's Operation Car Wash, based on comments from Judge Sergio Moro, who has jailed many of those prosecuted by the operation.

The US Department of State recently granted an extradition request filed by the government of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela to extradite his predecessor – former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009 – 2014), often described as a supermarket tycoon. The extradition request appears to focus primarily on allegations of illegal surveillance and political espionage during Martinelli’s presidential term.

Recently there was a new round of leaks from Mossack Fonseca, the law firm at the center of the Panama Papers leak that happened several years ago. We’ve covered the Panama Papers several times here on the blog. These latest leaks, of internal company emails and other documents, don’t just add more names and companies to those already leaked, they also give a lot more detail on the practices of this law firm, and the chaos inside the firm after the initial leak, and the eventual demise of Mossack Fonseca.

Ousting corrupt heads of government has slowly become more common across the world. In 2016, major corruption scandals and nation-wide political protests led to the impeachment of the Presidents of Brazil and South Korea. In 2017, the release of the Panama Papers led to the resignation of the Prime Minister of Iceland and the dismissal of the President of Pakistan. Now, a corruption case almost a decade in the making has unseated the Prime Minister of Spain.