Page 321 - Deception at work all chapters EBook

374 An HR Guide to Workplace Fraud and Criminal Behaviour

‘Is it possible that, by accident or otherwise, you released the copy that is now with X?’ (i.e.
‘Did you do it?’).

Again note down the response and continue with the remainder of the questions, marking
the appropriate column in red or green as you proceed. If a response does not fit either column,
put a small mark between them.

Watch the subject and monitor his reaction

Innocent people are much more likely to ask about the significance of the checklist and
the coloured pens, whereas the guilty party will watch your every move, but is unlikely to say
anything. If you are asked, play it low-key along the following lines:

‘This is a really brilliant method that enables us to clear people who are innocent. Now let’s
move on.’

If the subject’s reactions indicate that he is innocent (see Chapter 4) you should say so:

‘I am pleased to tell you, Bill, that it looks fairly certain that you are not responsible but I will
probably have to see you again when we have moved forward with the investigation. Is that
OK?’

You should then spend a few additional minutes to see if he has any information that may
assist you. Most innocent people usually do.

In most cases, if the fraud theory is correct and the guilty party is among those being
interviewed, his responsibility will emerge and you should then raise the pavement possibly
through a bridging statement or direct accusation.

The bridging statement

The bridging statement might be along the following lines:

‘I have to tell you it appears that you were involved in this. How did it all start?’

Depending on his reaction (for example, failure to deny, lack of commitment or feigned
anger) you should move into Phase C and proceed as with any other tough interview (see
Chapters 6 and 7).

METHOD 2: THE FREESTYLE STORY

An alternative approach is to ask all potential suspects to a meeting and deliver an opening
statement along the lines suggested above. They should then be asked to write down: ‘Eve-
rything you know about the matter’ and each one sent to a private room, where they cannot
consult with each other, and allowed as much time as necessary. You should analyse their
stories carefully and interview the person whose response is most indicative of guilt.