Tracing and Recovering Assets

8 months ago 25885

What industries and cases does K2 Integrity specialize in?

At K2 Integrity, our primary clients have always been law firms, and our focus on working with them remains unchanged. However, with the emergence of litigation funding, the asset recovery market has evolved significantly. Securing funding is often essential for initiating a case, making partnerships with funders crucial for us.

In recent years, we have also witnessed an influx of hedge funds entering the litigation arena, treating arbitral awards as tradable assets to generate high returns. This shift has created new opportunities for investigators.

A substantial portion of our work involves enforcing awards against sovereign states, a longstanding aspect of our practice that continues to thrive.

While our work in traditional legal hubs like London and New York remains prominent, our presence in Geneva has been strong historically, and we have recently expanded into the Middle East by establishing offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. This region presents a key growth market for us as corporations demonstrate a growing interest in pursuing debtors beyond their jurisdictions and engaging investigators to aid in fund recovery.

When should lawyers involve investigators, and why?

There is now a greater recognition of the value investigators bring to asset recovery, leading lawyers to engage with us early in the process.

Investigators can play a crucial role in different stages of a case: pre-litigation, mid-case, and post-judgment.

Before initiating legal action, assessing the adversary's assets is vital. Investigators can provide insights into the complexity of the opponent's asset holdings and potential defenses.

This information can influence the legal strategy and aid in securing funding for the case. During ongoing legal proceedings, investigators assist in asset identification and monitoring for dissipation. In post-judgment scenarios, investigators can help identify assets to exert pressure on debtors.

What tools and technologies enhance success in asset recovery?

Advanced databases and AI technology are valuable assets for streamlining open-source research. While these tools expedite searches and mapping of corporate structures, human expertise remains essential to extract relevant information accurately. In one case, we utilized technology to uncover hidden assets through social media analysis, demonstrating the synergy between technology and investigative skills.

Having crypto professionals in-house underscores our commitment to staying ahead of evolving trends in asset recovery. Criminals often leverage innovation, making it imperative for investigators to understand emerging technologies to enhance investigations.

Overcoming challenges in asset tracing and recovery

Proving asset ownership can be a significant challenge, especially when subjects use proxies or complex structures to conceal their holdings.

Offshore jurisdictions often complicate asset identification due to limited transparency. Investigators rely on creative strategies to unravel ownership structures and uncover hidden assets.

Global asset tracing is complex, requiring investigators to examine assets across multiple jurisdictions.

Collaborative efforts between investigators and legal teams are crucial for successful asset recovery. Strategies must adapt to jurisdictional challenges, emphasizing cooperation between investigators and legal professionals.

K2 Integrity's success stories and approach to asset tracing

At K2 Integrity, we have tackled numerous complex corporate disputes, showcasing our expertise in asset tracing.

In one case, we unveiled a network of fraud beneficiaries through comprehensive investigations, aiding in the liquidation of implicated entities. In another instance, we assisted a Middle Eastern investment group in tracing assets worth millions, facilitating enforcement of a legal judgment.

Successful asset recovery involves presenting well-evidenced asset control by the subject and indicating asset value for effective recovery strategies.

Transparency and clear communication throughout investigations help clients make informed decisions and mitigate risks associated with recovery efforts.

About Tom and K2 Integrity

Tom Stanley leads the asset tracing practice at K2 Integrity, specializing in complex asset recovery projects. Our practice, guided by Jules Kroll's legacy, comprises a team of seasoned investigators dedicated to uncovering hidden assets and facilitating efficient recovery processes.

With support from diverse experts worldwide, we deliver tailored investigative solutions to clients across various sectors.

Contact Tom Stanley, Managing Director at K2 Integrity, for asset tracing and recovery services: 5th Floor, Cunard House, 15 Regent Street St. James’s, London SW1Y 4LR Tel: +44 (20) 7016-4215 Email: tstanley@k2integrity.

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5 March 2024 at 13:10