Legal services within the scope of financial crimes investigation involve complex support for both companies and individuals who find themselves at the epicenter of criminal prosecution or internal corporate investigations. This service is particularly relevant when dealing with complex economic schemes, embezzlement, misappropriation, or corporate fraud. In Georgia, financial crimes are mainly investigated by the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance. In this process, not only legal but also financial and audit expertise is critically important. Lawyers working in this field conduct so-called "Forensic" investigations to discover evidence, reveal traces of fraud, and protect the client's interests when dealing with state structures. This service also includes assisting companies in detecting and preventing internal fraud.
What does Financial Crimes Investigation service cover?
Experts on our platform offer multifaceted assistance:
- Internal corporate investigation: Confidential investigation of suspicious transactions, employee misconduct, and embezzlement within the company.
- Representation in state investigations: Protecting the client's interests in the Prosecutor's Office and the Investigation Service, attending interrogations, and developing strategy.
- Forensic audit: Deep analysis of financial documentation to reveal signs of fraud and determine the amount of damage.
- Whistleblower protection: Legal protection of employees who have disclosed information about violations of the law within the company.
- Risk management: Assessing the company's internal control systems and developing recommendations to prevent future crimes.
Common Situations and Scenarios
This service is needed in the following cases:
- Embezzlement by management: When there is a suspicion that a director or accountant is misappropriating company funds through fictitious contracts.
- Procurement fraud: Revealing kickback schemes where a procurement manager colludes with a supplier to artificially inflate prices.
- Raid and search: Unexpected entry of investigative bodies into the company, seizure of documentation, and mass interrogation of employees.
- Hiding assets: Investigating facts of illegal alienation of assets during a dispute between partners.
Georgian Legislation and Legal Framework
The financial investigation process is regulated by the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia, which defines the rules for obtaining evidence. The substantive part is based on articles of the Criminal Code: Misappropriation/Embezzlement (182), Fraud (180), Money Laundering (194). During corporate investigations, it is important to comply with the Law on Personal Data Protection so that the results of the internal inquiry become admissible evidence in court. Lawyers ensure that the investigation proceeds in full compliance with the law.
Service Delivery Process
In the case of an internal investigation, lawyers and auditors study servers, emails, and accounting records. A report is drawn up, based on which the company decides whether to contact law enforcement or resolve the issue with internal sanctions. In the case of a state investigation, the lawyer gets involved in the process at the very first stage (e.g., during a search) to prevent violations of the client's rights and giving incorrect testimony.
Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?
Financial crimes investigation is a specific field requiring detective skills, financial knowledge, and legal competence. On Legal.ge, you will find teams that combine former investigators and corporate lawyers. They will help you establish the truth and protect your interests in the most critical situations. Find a reliable partner on Legal.ge.
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