What is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is a dishonest practice involving the diversion of a company’s assets for the benefit of a third party, whether an individual or another entity, without any compensation for the company, which becomes a victim of wealth theft.
Types of Embezzlement
Misappropriation can take various forms, some of which are more difficult to detect and prevent, such as:
- Non-Recording of Transactions: This includes not recording sales and cash receipts, or pilfering from inventory.
- Recording of Fictitious Transactions: Creating fake invoices or other false documentation.
- Forgery: Forging signatures to gain access to payment methods.
Embezzlement is the primary source of loss when fraud occurs.
Who Can Initiate an Investigation into Embezzlement?
Managers, associates, and other representatives of a commercial company can hire a private detective agency to prove Embezzlement within the company.
Methods of Intervention for Detectives in Embezzlement Cases
To substantiate the facts, several methods can be employed:
- Field Surveillance: Conducting targeted surveillance operations.
- Mystery Shoppers: Using clients disguised as shoppers to gather evidence.
- Infiltration: Infiltrating the company to collect information (see “How to Successfully Infiltrate a Company?“).
- Administrative Investigation: Analysing accounts and financial documents and investigating any suspicious enrichment related to the suspect or their associates.
Why Hire a Private Detective to Gather Evidence of Embezzlement?
It is challenging to identify and understand the origin of Embezzlement without a professional investigator. Fraud can take many forms, some of which are more difficult to detect. Fraudulent actions can occur directly within a company’s sales process, ranging from not recording sales to recording entirely fictitious operations and creating forgeries. These misappropriations can go unnoticed and cost the victimised company dearly.
Embezzlement accounts for approximately 70% of internal fraud in companies in France.
Cost of Hiring a Detective to Prove Embezzlement
There are no fixed rules for the cost of investigating Embezzlement, as it depends on the context of the investigation. Below are some example rates:
- First to 20th hour of surveillance and tailing: €80 excl. VAT per hour
- 21st to 30th hour of surveillance and tailing: €75 excl. VAT per hour
- Beyond the 31st hour of surveillance and tailing: €70 excl. VAT per hour
There are no additional charges for interventions during evenings (between 9 PM and 6 AM), Sundays, or public holidays. Mileage expenses are billed from the agency’s address at 93 Avenue Kléber – 75116 Paris, except in special cases where actual costs apply. Please contact the agency for a precise and detailed quote.
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