Case study: Fraud investigation – Online romance scam
Background:
A client from Canada was deceived into sending over $400,000 to individuals and companies based in the UK and Malaysia. The scam originated from a well-orchestrated scheme on a dating site, where the client developed an online relationship with an unknown male. Over several months, the scammer used sophisticated tactics, including fake bank voice messages and automated balance confirmations, to convince the client to transfer funds under the guise of assisting in a business deal.
Challenge:
The client sought to uncover those responsible, trace the financial trail, and, if possible, recover the lost funds. Conflict International was tasked with identifying the scammers and working with the relevant authorities to take action.
Approach:
- Investigation & OSINT analysis:
- Conducted an in-depth review of financial transactions and gathered intelligence using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT).
- Mapped out connections between UK-based entities that received the funds.
- Field enquiries & surveillance:
- Conducted prolonged field surveillance on a fraudulent company operating from an unused shopfront.
- Gathered intelligence through discreet enquiries with local business owners and residents, leading to key breakthroughs.
- Traced a primary UK-based subject who had withdrawn the money in cash and passed it on to an associate in Belgium.
- International collaboration:
- Partnered with the World Association of Detectives to trace the Malaysian end of the scam.
- Identified and located key suspects through local investigative resources.
- Engagement with authorities:
- Confronted UK-based suspects, offering them the opportunity to return the stolen funds.
- When they refused, provided a full intelligence report to UK law enforcement.
- Assisted authorities with briefings, leading to immediate action.
Outcome:
One of the UK-based subjects was arrested and charged with money laundering. While the client was unable to recover the stolen funds—due to the scammers quickly withdrawing and dispersing the money—he felt a sense of justice knowing those responsible were caught. Conflict International’s swift and effective investigation played a key role in supporting law enforcement with actionable intelligence.
Fraud investigations – How Conflict International can help:
Conflict International works globally to uncover fraud, recover assets where possible, and support legal proceedings. Contact us for expert assistance.