f.a.q.

What countries do you conduct due diligence enquiries in? (Canada?)
Yes, we can certainly do due diligence enquiries in Canada, and anywhere else in the world.

How much was the largest VAT fraud in the UK?
From the 4/00 edition of our Inside Fraud Bulletin: In one of the biggest VAT frauds ever prosecuted, Irish businessman Daniel O'Connell has been jailed for eight years for tax evasion which cost HM Customs & Excise £20 million. The scam involved buying expensive computer chips and other components from a UK supplier on the premise that they were to be sold in Ireland, where VAT is not applicable. In fact the goods did not leave the UK and were sold at a handsome profit. The fraud was conducted in collusion with alleged partner in crime Michael Keating, former Lord Mayor of Dublin. He escaped trial only because the extradition arrangement between Britain and Ireland excludes fiscal crimes, although Customs' investigator Martin O'Neill has pledged that Keating would be arrested if he visited the UK in the future.

I have received what I believe is a "Nigerian Letter" by fax entitled "Business Proposal". I would appreciate your advice on what I should do with it. Should I inform the police or just ignore it?
Just ignore it - if it originates from outside the UK, it would be very difficult for the police to do anything about it. What you don't want to do is reply - you will be inundated then as a receptive correspondent.

Is the kidnap of business people for ransom really a threat in 'civilised' Europe?
Yes. It can happen anywhere in the world, particularly as there are many companies in Europe today operating on an international basis. Terrorists, thieves, political activist groups, etc, do not respect country or continental boundaries and have no consideration of the moral, ethical or national implications of their actions other than to achieve their specific goals. And it happens a good deal more often than most people believe.

How can you tell if someone is not telling the truth in an interview?
There are subtle signals given off by those not telling the truth; signals that trained interviewers/interrogaters can identify. Some signals are verbal, some are more subtle and given by body language. Maxima has published a booklet on this very topic - it is available free of charge from this site (just click on the LITERATURE tab above).

Do you really use spy cameras and gadgets like those seen in James Bond films?
Perhaps not the submarine/car but there are some similarities. The technology industry is extremely dynamic and, as you have probably noticed, 'gadgets' are getting smaller - consider the humble 35mm camera for example. Corporations should know who is watching and listening.

What are the biggest threats to intellectual property today: is it really counterfeiting or is it diversion?
Both these are very real threats to all brand owners, be they in the pharmaceuticals sector or producing tea bags for the local supermarket. It is estimated that counterfeit products represent about 280 billion Euros of world trade. Diversion is a difficult one to calculate although estimates of the size of grey market products sold throughout the world tops a billion dollars annually.

I've heard that there are ways to recover some assets from criminals convicted of counterfeiting your products. Is this true and how can I find out more about it?
Yes, this is correct. For more information contact Lindsay Hudson on 00 44 (0) 20 7227 3300 or email lindsay.hudson@maxima-group.com.

How can we deter our employees and associates from trying to defraud us?
A bespoke fraud risk management programme can be developed to include issues such as policy development and awareness training, investigation through to resolution.

We have suffered substantial losses through the abuse of our corporate assets and integrity - what recourse do we have?
Whether the loss arises from direct theft, financial fraud, brand/intellectual property abuse, computer/Internet crime, or for any other reason, C2 Resolutions can work to recover losses and obtain compensation through its range of insurance, risk management, forensic, investigative, asset recovery and related solutions.

We are owed substantial sums of money - can we get it back?
Certainly there are ways and means. C2 Resolutions can offer various solutions tailored to the particular problem, from debt conversion to debt purchase.

Our computer system is being hacked. What can we do to stop this?
We can help find the perpetrators, protect your system from future attacks, and restore confidence internally and with external partners.

We want to take advantage of the enormous opportunities the Internet offers but have reservations regarding the safety of the operating environment.
C2 Resolutions can arrange for appropriate protections to enable you to maintain a secure online presence, safeguarding your reputation and corporate integrity as well as your financial affairs, whilst you concentrate on maximising markets and profits.

We are considering entering a new market sector but are unsure of the risks involved. How can we obtain the necessary data to help us make our decision?
With a genuine global understanding, with the relevant key strategic partners to assist where necessary, C2 Resolutions can provide comprehensive, precise, accurate and crucial information on any location, opportunity, partner, industry, sector or issue. Our information starts where most information stops.