Insider Media Limited

A new joint venture between Midlands law firm Freeth Cartwright and Coventry-based detective agency Expert Investigations has been set up to help combat corporate fraud. The scheme, called FRISK, aims to help employers identify and prevent threats within their organisation.

The venture hopes to help employers improve the chances of asset recovery and minimise the potential for employment claims.

Raymond Joyce, partner at the Birmingham office of Freeth Cartwright, said: “Every downturn brings about a rise in fraud levels, but what we are now seeing in 2011 is the after-shock from one of the worst UK recessions in living memory.

“A financially-forced decrease in internal controls, job and pay cuts and reduced profitability are rendering businesses particularly vulnerable to corporate crime. Combined with the pressures of greater competition in a fast-moving business environment, the motives and opportunities for fraud have increased significantly.”

The FRISK service will provide support services to businesses in fraud and theft prevention through the creation of specialist policies and procedures. The service will also comprise an independent whistleblower hotline as well as targeted investigations to collect evidence of malpractice.

Dave Kearns, of Expert Investigations, said: “If the growth in fraud levels is to be stemmed, business owners must look at all aspects of their organisation and take professional advice not just in identifying fraudulent activity, but also ensure that they are informed of the legal rights of both themselves and the culprits involved.”