Edward Smethurst sets up a company...investigating FRAUD

by **Tony Bennett** 25.11.10 15:00

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by Judge Mental 25.11.10 16:37

Tony Bennett wrote:[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

One would assume that he is already using his excellent skills and team to look into Metodo 3 and Halligen. It would be excellent for business if he could try to clear up those problems first.

by **Tony Bennett** 25.11.10 16:51

Judge Mental wrote:
Tony Bennett wrote:[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

One would assume that he is already using his excellent skills and team to look into Metodo 3 and Halligen. It would be excellent for business if he could try to clear up those problems first.

Not if he drafted the contracts for Metodo 3 and Halligen, though!!

by Shibboleth 25.11.10 17:05

Another one who has no experience of missing people, but plenty of experience in missing cash and corporate fraud. Nice to see that the Fund money is being responsibly spent. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

by Cheshire Cat 25.11.10 17:05

He said: “There is a great deal of publicity about the new Act, but fraud and bribery are often interlinked, so companies need to review their overall policy on both issues.”

by littlepixie 25.11.10 17:14

How can he freeze bank accounts??
ETA Without involving the Police?

by Shibboleth 25.11.10 17:21

littlepixie wrote:How can he freeze bank accounts??
ETA Without involving the Police?

He can't, only the Courts can do that. All piss and wind like the rest of Team McCann. :evil:

by littlepixie 26.11.10 11:27

They are asking for comments on that story but don't seem to be publishing them [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

by Guest 26.11.10 11:35

Palladium investigates for firms hit by crime
November 24, 2010

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Lawyer Edward Smethurst has launched risk consultancy Palladium Associates to work with businesses which have been targeted by criminals.

Mr Smethurst, who has previously acted on behalf of Kate and Gerry McCann, parents of missing toddler Madeleine, has recruited a network of investigators for his venture, which is based at Norden, Rochdale.

They include ex-Army and police officers who are experienced in tracking down missing cash and information.Mr Smethurst said: “Firms have been forced to remove key employees to cut costs in the recession, leaving fraudsters with increased opportunity. When a fraud is suspected or uncovered within a company there is no obligation to involve the police.

“Some companies want to minimise the involvement of the police and we can often act much more quickly and without the damage to reputation, recovering assets and mitigating risk.”

Mr Smethurst said companies often do not realise a crime has been committed until after the event, which leaves them facing the difficult task of tracing and recovering missing assets.

A recent case involved a business which experienced a drop in revenues after key employees left, and a subsequent Palladium investigation uncovered a complicated plot to divert clients and cash away from the company.

Palladium was able to freeze bank accounts, recover missing money and even broker one employee back into the business to repay their debts.

Mr Smethurst said: “The risks encountered by companies today are more challenging than ever before.

“Our operatives can achieve their objectives discreetly and effectively to ensure business continuity for our clients.

“By combining our legal power with top notch investigators we get the results companies want.”

Mr Smethurst, who is also chairman of the North West Law Society Commerce and Industry Group, has won clients including Barclays and Eversheds.

And he sees new opportunities for the business with the introduction of the Bribery Act next year.

He said: “There is a great deal of publicity about the new Act, but fraud and bribery are often interlinked, so companies need to review their overall policy on both issues.”

It says who has previously acted for K & G McCann, not acts, does he no longer?