Today’s global market is full of opportunities, but also of risks of scam and fraud. Russia in particular has never been an easy country for outsiders to understand. Online criminals emerge every second, presenting themselves as a suitable and attractive option to investors seeking new opportunities. Their experience and resources allow them to grow, to improve their tactics and to hide better their deceptive practices.  Professional websites and registered companies are often used to lure potential victims.  If you are thinking of investing in Russia with an unknown party, and you have no reliable information to guarantee your money is safe, then your investment is at risk!  Professional investigators in Russia can help you minimize that risk.

Before putting any money in Russia, as a company or as an individual, you need to have clear evidence. Having reliable information and solid evidence is the key to really understand the challenges and to mitigate the risks involved with fraudulent opportunities.

Russia has always been an attractive investment destination because it is rich in natural resources. The country is sitting on trillions of dollars in oil, gas and minerals (including the world’s largest diamond resource). But investors are also turning their eyes to Russia currently because the country appears to have coped relatively well during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and into 2021. A report from the World Bank estimates the fiscal, monetary, and social policies put in place helped contain the economic crisis, giving them an advantage position compared to many other countries. Unfortunately, not every investment opportunity is what it seems. Detailed and thorough investigations are necessary to distinguish the good from the very bad.

The first step to avoid fraud is to collect information

Ask as much questions as possible, request all the documents you consider necessary. The information you gather is important because it will serve as material for subsequent investigation and verification. A thorough background check investigation or due diligence in Russia depends on how much information you can get. The more you have found out about the investment deal, the more that can be verified. It is important to keep in mind that Russia is a high-risk country for fraud. Hackers and forgeries abound, so you will need professional help to verify each and every aspect of your deal if you want to make a safe investment.

Make sure the information you obtained is legitimate

Russia private investigators recommend you consider the following:

Hire a complete background check investigation from a reputable investigator in Moscow if your investment is a result of an online negotiation and you have not met the people selling the commodity or stock you want to invest in. Before spending time and resources in a deal, verify that the person you are communicating with is who they claim to be and has no criminal or fraud records.  Make sure the business you are working with is not only registered, but has actual operations and is reputable.  The opportunity may sound amazing, but if the person you are dealing with has a history of fraud or criminal activity, you need to know early.

Once you have evidence that confirms that you are dealing with an honest individual, it is a good idea to start investigating a little deeper. Local private investigators can verify if the documentation provided is legitimate, that the owners of the company or goods are the same people that you are being told, and that the entity is who it claims to be.  Verifying company representatives is critical in the investigation process as well.

When dealing with companies, due diligence is critical to your success. Any important investment needs a proper investigation that can provide information about operations of the company that is subject of the investigation. Is it operating legally, does it have any financial or legal trouble, has it been involved in any corruption case in the past, is it complying with the national laws and relevant international treaties, etc.  Is there any history of fraud or litigation?  There are many things that need to be cautiously looked at before making any big decision.

Lastly, due to the hacking trend all over the world – especially in Russia – it is important to be careful about your personal information. Data breaches pose a serious risk. Do not accept cold calls or address unsolicited emails that request your personal or financial information.

Good investments need time and information.  Contact a professional investigator in Moscow if you are considering investing in Russia or doing business in Russia.

C. Wright
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