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A fraud lawyer has assembled a team of investigators and fraud experts as it looks to tackle incidents of fraud, misconduct and financial crime brought about by COVID-19.
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Specialised firm tackles spike in COVID-19 fraud
13 May 2020
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The new firm, Duxton Hill, has opened to provide strategic investigatory and legal advice and representation to companies and people affected by fraud.
The firm’s founder and managing director, Andrew Tragardh, said Duxton Hill was born from the need to address the new risks presented to accounting firms as a result of the pandemic.
Mr Tragardh, a former barrister, is joined by former deputy commissioner of the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission in Victoria, Simon Heath, and the former senior manager of the Victoria Police Fraud and Extortion Squad, Shane Ringin.
“Unscrupulous criminals are upping the ante on scams to take advantage of the pandemic to make short-term gains,” Mr Tragardh said.
“Remote working can open the door to cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and increased financial pressures can trigger dishonest behaviours among employees who might not normally engage in criminal activity.”
Mr Tragardh believes accounting firms need specialist advice to identify risks as a means of preventing fraud and financial crime.
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“Companies must be vigilant in safeguarding valuable data assets throughout COVID-19, remembering they have an obligation to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to protect personal information it holds from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure,” he said.
“Regrettably, individuals and companies end up in unfortunate circumstances because of poor advice from trusted advisers.
“The consequences are predictable. A lack of insight and expertise can lead to communication failures, mistakes in investigation or the analysis of evidence, and ultimately, substantial and unnecessary costs, delays and poor outcomes.”
Duxton Hill said its other areas of focus include fraud investigations, whistleblower advice, responding to cybersecurity incidents and recovering stolen assets.
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