IntraOrbis(IO) routinely conduct Business to Business evidential test purchases in the illicit and legal supply chains using a range of confidential businesses to anonymise our true identity and purpose:
These services have underpinned many successful investigations around the world.
- investigating and gathering evidence from within criminal and illicit networks for clients whose goods may have been counterfeited
- gathering evidence within the legitimate supply chain for grey market activity
With it comes great responsibility to demonstrate good governance and transparent audit trails as and when a lawful authority comes calling and they did.
What happened to trigger the investigation…
An investigation into large-scale B2B grey market activity triggered the interest of the VAT Organised Crime Team.
Our investigative activity and subsequent trading records alerted the authorities who suspected the company of operating a VAT fraud and money laundering operation.
What happened during the investigation?
The first indication ‘we’ (refers to a number of key professionals from or working with IO) were under investigation was a letter informing the company directors that a formal investigation was underway.
At all stages ‘we’ were able to provide documentary proof that the allegations were untrue.
But they had to be dealt with.
Subsequently ‘we’ were summoned to their Headquarters in London for formal interview.
‘We’ duly attended, fully prepared to deal with any or all questions, supported by a mountain of documents. As expected, the investigating officers were very suspicious and cautious during the interview.
Seated on the opposite sides of the table, the atmosphere was tense as they introduced themselves. Straight down to business!
Initially there were some complications over who they were prepared to talk to but by careful negotiation we were able to get underway, sliding a large bundle of papers towards ‘us’, which they explained were all the offences they were investigating and what the likely outcomes could be.
‘Our’ response was to push an equally large bundle of papers towards them, explaining that they would provide transparent audit trails demonstrating that ‘we’ had acted lawfully.
The tension didn’t ease and after over an hour of questioning, we were escorted out of the building and told that they would ‘be in touch soon’.
How ‘We’ came to be investigated by the VAT organised crime team.
After the meeting, there were several follow-up calls to obtain further documents and clarifications and then, out of the blue, they announced a review of IntraOrbis VAT affairs, requesting specific invoices for inspection.
Clearly, they’d broadened their investigation.
To cut quite a long story short, we continued to provide corroborated evidence for three weeks until we received a letter stating that the VAT Organised Crime Team had completed their investigation and could find no evidence of wrongdoing and gave IO a clean bill of health!
However, they also mentioned that further investigations were possible as our investigative activity would continue to set off red flags. They gave us this warning X years ago and not one further investigation has taken place.
How IntraOrbis can help you.
If you suspect your goods are being counterfeited or subject to grey market activity we have over two decades of industry experience, we:
- We keep impeccable records to protect you, your investigations and us!
- Have a global footprint with recognisable and established methods
- Are a long-standing service provider to clients worldwide
- Have unparalleled insight into the workings of infringers, counterfeiters and grey marketers
- Have a well-established and unique set of investigative resources
- Use a business model that provides significant resilience, reach and capability
- Have a dedicated team working with customised case management and Chain of Custody procedures
Brands have always been at risk but since the pandemic the risks have increased significantly. Identifying and unmasking those truly responsible is challenge and one we are experts at.
So, if you suspect your goods are being counterfeited, or subject to grey market activity or any other associated fraud we’ll investigate who and where the culprits are and provide high quality evidence.
Don’t worry if our investigation triggers the VAT Organised Crime Team, we have always been legitimate, have proved to the VAT Organised Crime Team that we are legitimate, and, if asked, can prove that we are legitimate again.
To learn more, visit our Why Choose IntraOrbis page.