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Internal investigations

Strong governance is critical for any organization. Internal investigations are an important part of this, allowing leaders to get a firm grip of any issues. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through and if necessary run the process independently.

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Internal investigations may be conducted for a range of different reasons. It may be necessary to undertake urgent enquiries regarding conduct concerns by a business function or an individual, or an investigation may be prompted by matters arising during the course of business-as-usual reviews. You may also wish to proactively review the adequacy of your policies and procedures to identify potential areas of risk.

When should you carry out an internal investigation?

Law enforcement agencies, regulators and other stakeholders expect businesses to demonstrate good corporate governance. In recent years, this expectation has extended beyond addressing financial health, and criminal or regulatory misconduct, to include corporate culture, values and behaviours.
Whether it is suspected employee fraud, insider trading, bribery, accounting irregularities, sexual misconduct or allegations of bullying or harassment, a failure to adequately address concerns in your business can increase your potential exposure to criminal, regulatory or reputational risk.

Our strategic approach to mitigate risk

We are well placed to guide you through your investigation and advise on any necessary remediation steps. Our team have deep experience of conducting internal investigations for both private and public companies, colleges and universities, charities and associations across a wide range of sectors including sport, life sciences, financial services, construction, manufacturing and energy. We have defended corporations and their former and current senior executives against prosecution or enforcement action.

As experienced investigation lawyers, including financial regulators, former prosecutors and criminal barristers, we will work with you to effectively and efficiently manage the risks through targeted investigation and remediation, while navigating through the simultaneous employment, commercial and reputational considerations that may arise.

During an investigation, we can arrange for the collection, retention and review of all data (including digital devices), conduct interviews with witnesses, prepare reports of findings and make recommendations. Where appropriate, our team can also advise on reporting obligations including decisions on whether to self-report and liaise with law enforcement agencies and regulators, including the FCA and the Charity Commission.

Every situation is different. We adopt a tailored, strategic approach to help you effectively manage and mitigate risk.

How we can help

Fraud investigations (SFO, DoJ, CAD) Tax investigations and controversy Professional discipline and regulatory

Serious crime White collar defense and investigations

Elaine Aarons is distinguished by the depth of her experience advising senior executives. She is noted for her work on terminations and investigations and is valued for her understanding of the financial services sector.

Chambers and Partners

Depth and breadth of experience. Cross working of expertise across forensic teams to gain an advantage. Diverse group of people.

Legal 500

The white-collar crime practice at Withers KhattarWong LLP has extensive experience in conducting corporate investigations and advising on high profile white-collar matters.

Legal 500

Track record

Bribery, corruption, fraud, false accounting and tax evasion

Conducting a series of complex and parallel internal investigations into allegations of bribery, corruption, fraud, false accounting and tax evasion for a European headquartered corporate with global operations.

Internal investigation into fraud, tax avoidance and suspected bribery

Assisting in respect of a corporate client’s Latin American subsidiary.

Internal investigation into senior management

Advising a business in respect of significant suspected incorrect revenue recognition practices involving senior management.

Advising a renowned sports and leisure plc

Conduct of an internal investigation for a well-known sports and leisure plc following allegations of financial impropriety resulting in underpayments to HMRC and significant interest from the SFO and FCA. Following the conclusion of our investigation, we advised the Board on engagement with the SFO.

Advising directors and the audit chair of a financial services firm

in respect of an employee fraud within an overseas subsidiary, restatement of company accounts and repeated failure to comply with the Companies Act. Advised on engagement with auditors, regulators and in respect of a complaint to the ICAEW, successfully representing a number of directors facing prosecution for offences under the Companies Act.

Assisting a national charity to locate stolen funds

Conducted an internal investigation into suspected employee fraud for a national social welfare charity. In tandem, we were able to successful obtain a Norwich Pharmacal order allowing our client to locate the stolen funds.

Biotechnology company

Engaged to conduct an internal investigation for a listed biotechnology company following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive and National Counter Terrorism Security Office regarding a potential breach of containment level requirements for dangerous pathogens.

Financial services sector

Instructed to conduct an internal investigation for a financial services firm in respect of concerns related to the CEO's conduct.

Internal investigation following alleged employee misconduct, bribery and corruption

Acted for a global real estate firm following whistle blower allegations of employee misconduct, bribery and corruption. At the conclusion of the investigation, we supported the company's global anti-corruption team to assist with additional multi-jurisdictional ancillary investigations.

Internal investigation for high-profile performing arts institution

Following allegations of employee misconduct and theft made by a whistle blower we were instructed to conduct an internal investigation. At the conclusion, we advised on reporting obligations to the police and Charity Commission and advised the trustees on employment and data protection issues arising from the investigation.

Internal investigation into alleged furlough fraud

Conduct of an internal investigation into whistle blower allegations of widespread abuse of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ("furlough fraud") and advising on engagement with HMRC.

Internal investigation into bribery concerns

Instructions arising in respect of a contract for services with the Libyan government.

Listed company

Advised on suspected incorrect revenue recognition practices and senior management level fraud within a listed company, in particular on approval of the company accounts and dealings with its auditors, regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Premiership Football Club

Expedited internal investigation into allegations of gross misconduct.

Recent recognition

Leading firm for civil fraud

Leading firm for professional negligence

Top ranked for employment: senior executive

Our team

Shashi Nathan

Partner, Withers KhattarWong* | Singapore

Shashi Nathan

Partner, Withers KhattarWong* | Singapore

White collar defense and investigations

Email Shashi

+65 6238 3077

Meriel Schindler

Partner | London

Meriel Schindler

Partner | London

Employment

Email Meriel

+44 20 7597 6010

Carl Newman

Partner | London

Carl Newman

Partner | London

Litigation and Arbitration

Email Carl

+44 20 7597 6461

Michael Chik

Partner | Hong Kong

Michael Chik

Partner | Hong Kong

Litigation and Arbitration

Email Michael

+852 3711 1688

Hugh More

Partner | London

Hugh More

Partner | London

Employment

Email Hugh

+44 20 7597 6575

Claire Christy

Partner | London

Claire Christy

Partner | London

Employment

Email Claire

+44 20 7597 6170

Elaine Aarons

Partner | London

Elaine Aarons

Partner | London

Employment

Email Elaine

+44 20 7597 6525

Christopher N. LaVigne

Partner | New York

Christopher N. LaVigne

Partner | New York

Litigation and Arbitration

Email Christopher

+1 212 848 9882

Insight

4 May 2022 | firm news

Withers builds on White Collar and Investigations strengths with new partner Natalie Sherborn

13 January 2022 | article

Finding calm in the storm: dealing with a professional crisis can be life changing

8 April 2018 | article

US Corporate Law News: Federal Circuit Court sets review standards in SEC whistleblower bounty appeal

1 April 2018 | article

US Corporate Law News: SEC announces its largest whistleblower awards to date

4 March 2018 | article

US Corporate Law News: US Supreme Court narrows whistleblower definition under Dodd-Frank Act

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Internal investigations

When should you carry out an internal investigation?

Our strategic approach to mitigate risk

How we can help

Track record

Bribery, corruption, fraud, false accounting and tax evasion

Internal investigation into fraud, tax avoidance and suspected bribery

Internal investigation into senior management

Advising a renowned sports and leisure plc

Advising directors and the audit chair of a financial services firm

Assisting a national charity to locate stolen funds

Biotechnology company

Financial services sector

Internal investigation following alleged employee misconduct, bribery and corruption

Internal investigation for high-profile performing arts institution

Internal investigation into alleged furlough fraud

Internal investigation into bribery concerns

Listed company

Premiership Football Club

Recent recognition

Our team

Shashi Nathan

Meriel Schindler

Carl Newman

Michael Chik

Hugh More

Claire Christy

Elaine Aarons

Christopher N. LaVigne

Insight

Withers builds on White Collar and Investigations strengths with new partner Natalie Sherborn

Finding calm in the storm: dealing with a professional crisis can be life changing

US Corporate Law News: Federal Circuit Court sets review standards in SEC whistleblower bounty appeal

US Corporate Law News: SEC announces its largest whistleblower awards to date

US Corporate Law News: US Supreme Court narrows whistleblower definition under Dodd-Frank Act

Join the club

Typical clients and industries include

Charities and non-profit

Corporate

Financial services

How else we can help?

Get in touch