Business Partner Fraud Uncovered: A Cross-Border Background Check

The Situation

Alpha Investigation Services was contacted by a client based in Italy who was considering entering a significant business partnership with an individual based in Perth, Western Australia. The potential partner had presented an impressive portfolio of engineering qualifications, a city-based office address, and an established professional profile.

However, when our client attempted to verify some of the information independently, he encountered inconsistencies — certain qualifications could not be confirmed, and the office address appeared to be a PO box rather than a legitimate premises. Concerned but unsure how to proceed, he contacted us for a thorough investigation.

Our Investigation

We commenced a full background investigation into the subject, focusing on three key areas: professional qualifications, business legitimacy, and financial history.

Over the course of two weeks, our investigators made contact with the relevant licensing bodies and engineering associations, conducted physical surveillance at the stated office address, and ran comprehensive financial and court record searches.

What We Found

Our investigation revealed the following:

• The subject did not hold valid or certified engineering qualifications as stated. The credentials listed on his professional documents were either fabricated or from unrecognised institutions.
• The office address listed in his documentation was not a legitimate office. Physical surveillance confirmed no business operated from that location under his name or any associated entity.
• A search of financial records revealed the subject had been declared bankrupt in Western Australia. This information had not been disclosed to our client.
• The subject was, in fact, operating a small engineering consultancy from a residential address in a suburb of Perth — a far cry from the CBD office he had represented.

The Outcome

We prepared a comprehensive written report for our client, complete with documentary evidence, surveillance findings, and a clear summary of the discrepancies between the subject's representations and reality.

Armed with this information, our client was able to withdraw from the proposed partnership before any financial commitment was made. He later wrote to us to express his gratitude, noting that the investment he had been considering could have cost him a significant sum.

"The report Pete provided was thorough and professional. He saved me from what could have been a very costly mistake. I cannot recommend Alpha Investigation Services highly enough."

Key Takeaway

Background checks are not just a formality — they are an essential layer of due diligence before entering any significant business relationship, particularly when the other party is based in a different country. If something feels off, trust your instincts and get it checked out.

If you have concerns about a potential business partner, employee, or associate, contact Pete for a free, confidential consultation.