Investigative Interviewing
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Fraud Investigation Case Studies in the Pharmaceutical Industry course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Investigative Interviewing #
Investigative interviewing is a crucial aspect of fraud investigations in the ph… #
It involves the process of gathering information from individuals who may have knowledge of fraudulent activities or misconduct within an organization. These interviews are conducted by trained professionals to obtain accurate and reliable information that can be used to uncover fraud, corruption, or other illegal activities.
- Interrogation: A more formal and structured form of questioning that is… #
- Interrogation: A more formal and structured form of questioning that is typically used by law enforcement officials when questioning suspects.
- Witness Interview: Interviewing individuals who have observed or have k… #
- Witness Interview: Interviewing individuals who have observed or have knowledge of fraudulent activities but may not be directly involved.
- Confidential Informant Interview: Interviewing individuals who provide… #
- Confidential Informant Interview: Interviewing individuals who provide information on fraudulent activities in exchange for anonymity and protection.
Explanation #
Investigative interviewing is a skill that requires a combination of knowledge,… #
Interviewers must be able to establish rapport with the interviewee, ask effective questions, and analyze verbal and non-verbal cues to determine the credibility of the information provided. The goal of investigative interviewing is to gather as much relevant information as possible while minimizing the risk of contamination or bias.
Example #
During a fraud investigation in a pharmaceutical company, an investigator may co… #
The investigator will use investigative interviewing techniques to gather information about the fraudulent activities, such as kickbacks from suppliers or manipulation of clinical trial data. By conducting thorough interviews, the investigator can piece together the evidence needed to build a strong case against the perpetrators.
Practical Applications #
- Conducting interviews with whistleblowers to gather information about fraudule… #
- Conducting interviews with whistleblowers to gather information about fraudulent activities within the pharmaceutical company.
- Interviewing employees who may have been involved in fraudulent schemes to obt… #
- Interviewing employees who may have been involved in fraudulent schemes to obtain admissions or additional evidence.
- Interviewing external parties such as suppliers or healthcare providers to gat… #
- Interviewing external parties such as suppliers or healthcare providers to gather information about potential collusion or kickback schemes.
Challenges #
- Resistance from interviewees who may be reluctant to provide information due t… #
- Resistance from interviewees who may be reluctant to provide information due to fear of retaliation or legal consequences.
- Dealing with uncooperative or hostile interviewees who may attempt to mislead… #
- Dealing with uncooperative or hostile interviewees who may attempt to mislead or deceive the interviewer.
- Ensuring that the information obtained during the interview is accurate and re… #
- Ensuring that the information obtained during the interview is accurate and reliable, especially in cases where interviewees may have conflicting interests or motivations.
Overall, investigative interviewing is a critical skill for fraud investigators… #
By mastering the techniques and principles of effective interviewing, investigators can gather the information needed to uncover fraud, protect the company's reputation, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.