There are few areas more vulnerable to fraud than an organisation’s procurement system, probably because it is one of the most difficult areas to investigate. Grant Thornton has years of experience investigating procurement and other frauds, and we have found that computer forensic support is essential.
The problem
In carrying out an investigation of suspected e-mail tampering, we discovered a complex procurement fraud in place at a public sector client.
The solution
E-mail remnants retrieved from the server contained a record of highly incriminating e-mails between a senior manager and a hardware supplier, indicating that the two were conspiring to overcharge our client for equipment, splitting the proceeds between them. We advised our client of this and were requested to discreetly analyse the suspected individuals desktop and laptop computers. On these we found even more incriminating material including a number of forged Microsoft Word documents.
The individual was dismissed. The supplier is currently being sued by our clients for the misappropriated funds. The case has been handed over the Gardai who are considering criminal action.