Business & corporate groups
Investigations in companies, corporate structures or joint ventures – from the assessment of a report through to reporting to the management board or supervisory board.
Internal Investigations
Internal investigations according to international standards.
When there is a suspicion of serious misconduct or criminal offences within a company, a mere “clarification of the facts” is no longer enough. What is needed is a structured internal investigation – legally robust, traceable and reliable.
I conduct and support internal investigations, among other things on the basis of the United Nations Investigation Manual and comparable international standards.
Typical reasons for internal investigations
Internal investigations are usually required when internal or external indications of serious breaches of duty or criminal offences arise:
- Suspicion of corruption or bribery
Indications of improper payments, invitations or benefits in connection with contracts. - Fraud, embezzlement, asset transfers
Irregularities in accounting, unclear cash flows, “side structures”. - Reports from whistleblower systems
Anonymous or open reports from employees, suppliers or customers.
- Compliance violations with criminal-law relevance
Cartel arrangements, export control violations, sanctions breaches, data protection incidents. - Suspicion of organised structures
Indications of coordinated conduct by several individuals, for example in purchasing, sales or logistics. - Sensitive business areas
Areas with an increased risk of corruption or security issues, such as aviation or other security-relevant sectors.
Approach in internal investigations
Internal investigations must be legally sound, documented in a traceable way and at the same time sensitive in their handling of the people involved. In doing so, I follow international standards – including the United Nations Investigation Manual.
- Clarifying mandate & structure
Clarification of objectives, scope, reporting lines and confidentiality (Legal, Compliance, HR, supervisory bodies). - Investigation plan & document review
A structured plan, identification and preservation of relevant documents and data. - Interviews & hearings
Preparation, conduct and documentation of interviews with whistleblowers, witnesses and respondents.
- Assessment & legal classification
Allocation to possible criminal offences and assessment of labour-law and regulatory consequences. - Reporting
Structured reports for management, supervisory bodies, authorities or contractual partners. - Interface to criminal proceedings
Coordination with law enforcement authorities, decisions on self-reporting or disclosures, and support in parallel proceedings.
Sectors and contexts
Internal investigations arise in a wide variety of industries – but they are particularly sensitive in regulated sectors and companies with an international footprint.
Aviation & aircraft manufacturers
Internal investigations in airlines, airports, aviation organisations or aircraft manufacturers – for example in cases of suspected corruption in procurement, cargo crime or allegations of espionage.
International context
Investigations involving several jurisdictions, different cultures and varied regulatory requirements – reporting and communication in German or English.
Discreet initial consultation
If you are considering a possible internal investigation or already have indications of serious misconduct, a structured first step is crucial.
I am available for a confidential, structured initial consultation – if desired together with internal or external colleagues (Legal, Compliance, HR).
Contact:
E-mail: martin@heynert.com
Phone: Office +49.391.5982-243, Mobile +49.171.4135269