DETIX helps executive teams, in-house legal counsel, compliance, internal audit and corporate security establish the facts when specific concerns arise. Based in Dieburg near Frankfurt am Main, Germany, we plan and coordinate corporate investigations in Germany and across borders. One dedicated contact manages the assignment from the initial scope to the final report.
Turning a concern into a focused investigation
Unusual invoices, inconsistent supplier information or recurring stock discrepancies can have several explanations. We assess the available facts, identify unanswered questions and agree appropriate investigative steps. A suspicion is not a finding. Exculpatory information and alternative explanations also form part of the assessment.
Internal fraud investigations and suspected financial misconduct
Where fraud, misappropriation, embezzlement or other financial misconduct is suspected, we structure the fact-finding with the responsible corporate functions. Questions may concern unusual stock movements, unexplained transactions or relationships between the parties involved. We compare lawfully provided records with information that can legally be researched, documenting inconsistencies, timelines and matters requiring further review.
Our corporate service brings individual investigative tasks together within an agreed assignment. Further details on the underlying research capabilities are available under CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS.
Compliance investigations and employee-related concerns
Compliance teams, internal audit and HR need a defined, documented scope when specific irregularities arise. Before taking action, we address the purpose, legal basis, necessity and proportionality of the proposed measures. Data protection, individual rights and any applicable employee representation rights must be considered. Covert measures require a separate case-specific assessment; a general wish to monitor staff is not sufficient.
The legal requirements are reviewed with your legal department or external counsel before measures are deployed. Research and reporting are limited to the agreed purpose. Our page on Investigations for lawyers and law firms explains how we work alongside external legal advisers.
Lawful test purchases and coordinated branch checks
Where specific concerns relate to sales practices, lawful test purchases may help establish how a transaction is handled. One possible question is whether an agreed sales transaction is properly documented. The objective, permitted conduct and reporting requirements are defined in advance. Covert audio or video recording is not a standard component of these assignments.
For multiple locations, we develop a consistent checklist, an agreed schedule and comparable reports. A pilot can establish whether the questions and reporting format are suitable for a wider programme. Larger domestic or international programmes are coordinated centrally, with feasibility assessed separately for each location and jurisdiction.
Business partners, key individuals and corporate connections
When a business relationship raises concerns, we research ownership structures, shareholdings and potential conflicts of interest. A shared director or other connection may warrant further enquiries, but does not by itself establish wrongdoing. Standalone background checks and pre-transaction due diligence are covered on our page on Corporate & Personal Background Checks.
Digital research and international asset enquiries
OSINT and digital background research can help examine published corporate information, online business activity and relevant timelines. We assess attribution, currency and evidential limits. Where losses are suspected, supplementary international asset enquiries may identify indications of property, shareholdings or other traceable assets. These enquiries do not guarantee a complete asset picture or subsequent recovery.
International corporate investigations with central coordination
Corporate groups need a coordinated approach when concerns involve several entities or countries. DETIX brings the scope, priorities, responsibilities and interim reporting together through a German point of contact. Access to information, local permissions and the lawfulness of cross-border data transfers are assessed for each assignment. The scope reflects the investigative objective and the options actually available.
From initial briefing to a clear investigative report
We begin with a confidential discussion of the concern, affected entities and countries, available information and deadlines. We then agree the questions to be answered, permitted methods, budget and approval points. Measures are planned for the assignment and reviewed for legal compliance; changes to scope are agreed in advance. Peter Nalikowski remains your dedicated contact for planning, coordination and questions.
The report distinguishes established findings, unverified leads, exculpatory information and open questions. Relevant supporting material is referenced and limitations are stated. Recipients, transfer arrangements and document handling are agreed for the assignment. Reporting supports your business and legal assessment; admissibility in any particular proceedings cannot be guaranteed.
Corporate investigations: frequently asked questions
When should a company seek external investigative support?
When specific concerns cannot be adequately resolved internally, several locations are involved or additional research capacity is needed. An initial discussion identifies the unanswered questions and whether external enquiries are appropriate and legally feasible.
Can DETIX check several branches using a consistent plan?
Yes, subject to feasibility, we can agree a common checklist, coordinated time windows and a consistent reporting format. Local and jurisdiction-specific requirements still apply. Any wider rollout requires an agreed scope and budget.
Are covert employee investigations automatically permitted?
No. The grounds, legal basis, necessity and proportionality must be assessed in the individual case. Where a criminal offence is suspected, the factual grounds must be documented and applicable data protection and individual rights respected. The proposed measure is reviewed with the responsible legal advisers before action.
How does DETIX work with legal, compliance and internal audit?
We agree a responsible corporate contact, defined questions and a limited distribution list. Interim reporting, queries and additional approvals are arranged in advance. Legal assessment and management decisions remain with the responsible functions.
What is needed for a confidential initial assessment?
A short description of the concern, affected countries or locations, the desired outcome and any deadlines is sufficient to start. Sensitive employee, customer or business records should only be sent after an appropriate transfer method has been agreed. We can then discuss the potential scope and costs.
Discuss a corporate concern in confidence
Tell us what has prompted the concern and which decision requires further facts. Peter Nalikowski will discuss the investigative options and next steps with you. For an initial enquiry, use post@detix.de or use our confidential contact page. Arrangements for sensitive documents will be agreed separately.
DETIX Investigations · Zuckerstraße 5 · 64807 Dieburg · Germany. Meetings by appointment.