Fraud Investigations
Anti Corruption Consultants Australia
Anti-Corruption Consultants Australia (ACCA) provides independent, specialist fraud investigation services in Australia, led by experienced fraud and corruption investigation professional Mick Symons.
We conduct structured, legally defensible investigations into:
- Financial misconduct and asset misappropriation
- Procurement fraud and supplier irregularities
- Payroll and billing schemes
- Corruption and bribery
- Workplace theft and insider misconduct
Effective fraud investigations require proper evidence preservation, procedural fairness and reporting that withstands legal and regulatory scrutiny. Poorly handled investigations risk evidence being excluded or decisions being overturned.
ACCA applies a disciplined, evidence-based methodology to establish facts clearly — whether substantiating or disproving allegations.
Beyond investigation, we provide practical recommendations to strengthen internal controls and reduce future fraud risk.
Independent. Thorough. Defensible.
Suspect Fraud? Act Early.
Fraud rarely resolves itself. The longer misconduct continues, the greater the financial loss, governance exposure and reputational risk.
If you suspect financial misconduct, procurement irregularities, corruption or workplace theft, early independent intervention is critical. Evidence can be lost, records altered and legal risk increased if action is delayed.
Anti-Corruption Consultants Australia provides discreet, structured and legally defensible fraud investigation services across Australia — delivering clear findings you can rely on.
Do not rely on assumption. Do not act without evidence.
Contact ACCA today for a confidential discussion about your concerns.
Protect your organisation. Protect your leadership. Get it right from the outset.
The Impacts of Fraud - What Australian Organisations Need to Know
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Occupational Fraud 2024 Report to the Nations is the world’s largest global study on workplace fraud and employee misconduct. The 2024 report analysed 1,921 real occupational fraud cases across 138 countries, representing more than USD $3.1 billion in total losses.
The findings provide critical insight into fraud risk for Australian businesses, Local Government and private sector organisations.
How Much Do Organisations Lose to Fraud?
- Organisations lose an estimated 5% of annual revenue to fraud each year.
- The median loss per occupational fraud case is USD $145,000.
- Fraud schemes typically continue for 12 months before detection, significantly increasing total loss.
- For many SMEs, even one fraud event can have a serious financial and operational impact.
Most Common Types of Workplace Fraud
Asset Misappropriation (Most Common)
- Present in approximately 89% of cases.
- Median loss of approximately USD $120,000.
- Includes payroll fraud, billing schemes, procurement irregularities and cash theft.
Corruption (Highly Prevalent)
- Occurs in nearly 48% of cases.
- Median loss of approximately USD $200,000.
- Includes bribery, kickbacks and conflicts of interest.
Financial Statement Fraud (Most Costly)
- Present in about 5% of cases.
- Median loss of approximately USD $766,000.
- Although less frequent, these cases cause the greatest financial damage.
How Is Workplace Fraud Detected?
- 43% of fraud cases are detected through tips.
- Most tips come from employees.
- Web-based and email reporting systems now exceed telephone hotlines.
- Weak internal controls or override of controls are common contributing factors.
Organisations with strong reporting mechanisms and internal controls detect fraud earlier and experience lower losses.
Behavioural Red Flags in Employee Fraud
The majority of fraud perpetrators display behavioural warning signs before detection. These may include:
- Living beyond their means.
- Financial difficulties.
- Reluctance to take leave.
- Close relationships with suppliers.
- Defensiveness regarding financial responsibilities.
Fraud awareness training and clear reporting pathways significantly improve early detection.
What This Means for Australian Businesses
- Fraud is common.
- Fraud is costly.
- Fraud often goes undetected for extended periods.
- Strong internal controls and independent investigation reduce risk.
For Australian SMEs and Local Government entities, proactive fraud risk management and independent fraud investigation services are essential components of good governance.
Protect Your Organisation
If you are concerned about workplace fraud, procurement irregularities or corruption risk, early independent advice can prevent escalation and minimise financial damage.
Anti-Corruption Consultants Australia provides specialist fraud investigation services in Australia, governance reviews and fraud risk management support to help organisations detect, investigate and prevent occupational fraud.
Think you might be a victim of fraud?
We have a FREE Fraud Health Check for Businesses. Click the link below, fill out the form to receive the survey.
How We Can Help
ACCA can assist you by reviewing and/or providing a fraud and corruption policy to deter fraud within your company.
Experience (and research) indicates fraudulent payments are a major factor in asset misappropriation. These include:
Invoicing (Billing schemes):
- Shell companies to facilitate false payments
- Vendors colluding with employees
- Personal purchases billed against your company
Payroll Schemes
- Ghost employees
- Falsified wages including holiday and unjustified benefits
- Commission schemes
Expense Reimbursement Schemes
- False (mischaracterised) expenses
- Overstated expenses
- Multiple expenses
There are also issues with fraud with unrecorded and understated sales. Fraud can occur with false “write-off” schemes, false sales and shipping and procurement practices.
In need of Assistance? Contact Us for a free consultation.
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