An Olympic Event: ACFE European Fraud Conference Wraps Up in London

GUEST BLOGGER

Allan Bachman, CFE
ACFE Education Manager

With 34 countries represented by the more than 200 attendees, the ACFE European Fraud Conference once again showed how truly successful an international meeting of anti-fraud professionals can be. Speakers from countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Italy, Latvia and the Czech Republic delivered training and shared their professional expertise with an eager group.

The Conference kicked off with ACFE faculty member Cynthia Hetherington, CFE, who, in her unique style, brought the 21^st century to the Old World. Her session on using social networks in fraud examinations was a huge success and left attendees wanting more. Using “live-fire” exercises with real-time social media interaction, she demonstrated ways to gather information about suspects and their likes, dislikes and interests without being detected. She clearly illustrated that what someone will not tell you to your face, they will broadcast to the world via social networks if you only know how to look for it.

ACFE President and CEO James D. Ratley, CFE, opened Monday in his inimitable style. His session on conducting internal investigations was the tip of the iceberg, but left attendees scribbling notes long after he had finished his session. His laid back approach and humor were refreshing to European attendees, and his tips on obtaining a confession even caught the attention of one attendee and his YouTube channel, The Fraud Tube (watch the video here).

The luncheon speaker, Carman Lapointe, CFE, CIA, CCSA, Under-Secretary-General of the Office of Internal Oversight Services at the United Nations, detailed her mission. Her attempt to recruit for some of her mission’s more dangerous assignments brought home the real personal risk to anti-fraud professionals.

The evening networking reception was well attended and a great respite from a long day of serious discussion. Well attended and a chance to make evening plans, these receptions are always a good opportunity to take it down a notch.

Tuesday opened with a keynote from Stephen Harrison, current head of the UK’s National Fraud Authority. Mr. Harrison was detailed in discussing their important strategic objectives, priorities and the NFIB’s (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau) efforts to coordinate fraud reporting and enforcement. The initiative has produced informational videos detailing their goals and tips on how to prevent fraud.

Once again the breakout session and closing panel were captivating and generously complimented. Luncheon speaker and author Nick Kochan was blunt in his assessment of the current state of money laundering, a subject about which he has written extensively.

Like all good things, this too had to come to an end. Mr. Ratley is off to Istanbul, the attendees are off to their respective home countries and I am left to begin to think about how to top this next year.

Want more? View photos from the 2012 ACFE European Fraud Conference on the ACFE's Facebook page.

ACFE Heads to London for European Fraud Conference

AUTHOR'S POST

Mandy Moody
ACFE Social Media Specialist

The Summer Olympics will not be the only world-class event in London this year. The ACFE will bring to town a gathering of European anti-fraud professionals and world-renowned speakers at this year’s ACFE European Fraud Conference, March 25-27. From a Pre-Conference featuring the ever-changing world of social media to a Main Conference highlighting internal investigations, economic crime and the future of fraud, this year’s European Conference is a one-of-a-kind global event.

The keynote speakers present will be:

Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive, National Fraud Authority

Harrison is responsible to the Home Office for the development and delivery of 'Fighting Fraud Together,' the national fraud strategy via the work of the NFA and its partners, aiming to make the UK more resilient to, and less damaged by, fraud through an increased focus on prevention and disruption. Harrison will be presenting on how fraud-fighters from anywhere in the world can work to fight fraud together.

Carman L. Lapointe, CFE, CIA, CCSA, UN Under-Secretary-General, Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) 

Lapointe was appointed as Under-Secretary-General for Internal Oversight Services in September 2010. Lapointe was Auditor General of the World Bank Group from 2004-2009 and held chief oversight positions in IFAD and a number of Canadian crown corporations, including Canada Post, the Bank of Canada and EDC. You can find more about Lapointe’s keynote about the challenges of investigation in her recent interview with ACFE Insights.

Cynthia Hetherington, CFE, President, Hetherington Group

Hetherington has more than 17 years of experience in research, investigations and corporate intelligence. She is the founder of Hetherington Group, a consulting, publishing and training firm focusing on intelligence, security and investigations. Hetherington will be leading the Pre-Conference session, Effectively Using Social Networks and Social Media in Fraud Examinations.

James D. Ratley, CFE, President and CEO, ACFE

In 1986, James D. Ratley left the Dallas Police Department to join Wells & Associates, a forensic accounting practice, where he was in charge of fraud investigations. In 1988, he was named Program Director for the ACFE and oversaw all aspects of the ACFE's training and education programs. In 2006, Mr. Ratley was named president of the ACFE. Ratley will be beginning the Main Conference by addressing the importance of conducting a strong and successful internal investigation.

Read the complete speaker bios and find more information about the upcoming 2012 ACFE European Fraud Conference.

Leading by Example the Most Compelling Argument

INTERVIEW WITH CARMAN L. LAPOINTE, CFE, CIA, CCSA

UN Under-Secretary-General of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) and keynote speaker at the ACFE European Fraud Conference, 25-27 March in London

The UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) cites transparency and accountability as essential to the work of the organization. What is the importance of these characteristics to anti-fraud professionals?

The United Nations is a global body carrying out the work defined by representatives of its 193 Member States. All Member States, and indeed the people they represent, are entitled to understand how well the organization is working. This includes access to audit and oversight reports that demonstrate how OIOS uses its allocated resources to strengthen the organization and ensure accountability for actions taken -- or not taken -- to deliver its results. Anti-fraud professionals should also be transparent regarding how our work is done, and be prepared to be held likewise accountable for upholding standards in the conduct of our work. Leading by example conveys a message that is much more compelling than any argument.

What is unique about the group of fraud-fighters you will address in London?

Interestingly, we all would like to believe our particular challenges are unique, and in some ways they certainly are. Nevertheless, this group acknowledges that we can all learn from the experiences of others, and these lessons help us all become more effective at fighting fraud and corruption when we are inspired to apply them back on the job.

What do you most hope attendees will take away from your address?

I hope attendees will have a better appreciation for the importance of the work of the United Nations, and the responsibility we all have towards the global community in which we are all participants. We can never turn a blind eye to fraud and corruption if we aim to collectively raise the bar on integrity.

Read more about Carman and the other keynote speakers at this year’s ACFE European Fraud Conference here.