Investigation and Forensic Services

During economic turmoil, the risk of fraud, corruption and abuse increases

It’s a fact. When markets constrict – and when growth slows and revenues come under pressure – the risks of corporate fraud and misconduct escalate. Across the workforce, the fear of losing jobs, bonuses and benefits can silently undermine corporate cultures – even those recognised for upholding a high standard of ethics, behaviours and values.

For some people, “doing the right thing” is hard to live up to when unpaid bills start piling up on the kitchen table. And when some of the consequences of cutting costs take effect – like weaker enforcement of segregation-of-duties restrictions and fewer resources dedicated to the internal audit and compliance function – risks rise.

Are companies adequately prepared to forestall these events? Or respond immediately when they occur? Or remediate vulnerabilities quickly to minimise the risk of a repeat occurrence?

How can we help?

Compliance – are you as protected as you think you are?

For many corporate risk managers, compliance officers, internal auditors and general counsels, the answer is often a cautious yes. This confidence, however tenuous, should make sense. After all, for the last several years of increased awareness of these issues, many companies have started implementing programmes and controls to prevent and detect fraudulent financial reporting, misappropriation of assets and criminal conduct in compliance with a rich tapestry of requirements.

A proactive approach makes good business sense – especially in difficult economic times

A strong corporate culture alone will not protect an organisation from significant misconduct. While cultivating an ethical work environment is a critical first step, attacking significant risks also requires:

  • an effective first line of defense,
  • strong internal controls,
  • monitoring/auditing procedures that leverage technology to detect key risk indicators on a timely basis.

When economic conditions decline, companies should proactively consider fraud risks – particularly those most common or unique to their industry and theatres of operation – as part of their anti-fraud programmes rather than waiting for government bodies, auditors, customers or the press to find fraud, waste or abuse.

With proper planning, policies and procedures, and controls, companies can reduce the risk of serious fraud, identify fraud occurrences early and minimise the damage thereof. A detailed fraud risk management programme can also help companies effectively respond to a fraud incident with appropriate investigation and remediation. As always, prevention is better than a cure. And the payoff can be significant.

Forensic Services in CEE

With the largest network of forensic services practices in the world, spanning 63 countries and employing over 1,400 specialists, PricewaterhouseCoopers firms can draw on vast experience of dealing with difficult situations across a broad spectrum of industries in many jurisdictions. Our fast-growing Forensic Services practice in CEE employs over 60 professionals, including accountants, economists and IT experts.

Contact us

Kateřina Halásek Dosedělová

Kateřina Halásek Dosedělová

Forensic Investigation and Compliance, PwC Czech Republic

Tel: +420 724 369 351

Silvia  Kodýdek Marušincová

Silvia Kodýdek Marušincová

Director, Risk Assurance, PwC Slovakia

Tel: +421 903 781 615

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