Protective Intelligence / Private Investigation
Threat assessment, OSINT and licensed investigations, including fraud, due diligence and litigation support.
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Global
International Due Diligence Investigations
Vendor due diligence and third-party risk investigations for companies doing business across borders, focused on the red flags that matter.
Know who you are doing business with
A distributor secretly owned by a government official, a supplier sourcing from a sanctioned entity, an agent whose fees are a channel for bribes: third-party risk sits behind many of the worst compliance surprises. A database check is a start, but it rarely tells the whole story in markets where records are thin.
SCG combines sanctions and watchlist screening, corporate registry and litigation research, local-language media review and, where needed, lawful in-country inquiries through locally licensed partners. Investigations are performed by appropriately licensed personnel, and findings are reported in a form your compliance team can act on and defend.
Our people bring experience from federal protective and law enforcement service, alongside seasoned corporate security and investigative professionals.
What the service covers
What our due diligence covers
Vendor and supplier due diligence
Ownership, reputation, litigation and financial standing of suppliers, distributors and service providers.
FCPA and anti-corruption flags
Links to government officials, unusual commission or payment structures, and past corruption allegations.
OFAC and sanctions screening
Checks against OFAC and other sanctions lists, including ownership structures that may trigger the 50 Percent Rule.
Conflict minerals flags
Sourcing questions for tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, supporting reasonable country of origin inquiries.
Investor and transaction due diligence
Background on investors, acquisition targets and their principals before a deal closes.
In-country inquiries
Local records, local-language media and source inquiries through locally licensed partners where required.
How SCG approaches it
Scope, research, verify, report
Scope
The level of review for each third party agreed: standard, enhanced or in-depth.
Research
Registries, litigation, sanctions, media and open sources, in local languages where relevant.
Verify
Findings corroborated, and gaps stated plainly.
Report
A risk-rated report with each red flag explained and follow-up suggested.
Virginia DCJS PSSB Lic. No. 11-30873. Investigations are performed by appropriately licensed personnel; in-country work uses locally licensed partners where required. Lawful sources and methods only.
Who it’s for
Companies that rely on third parties in other markets
- General counsel and compliance teams
- C-suite executives
- Procurement and supply chain leaders
- Investors and deal teams
What to expect
Depth where the risk is, not everywhere
Share the names of the third parties, the countries involved and the decision you need to make. We recommend a level of review for each, so low-risk vendors are not over-investigated and higher-risk ones get the depth they need.
Reports are written for compliance files: what was checked, what was found, how confident we are and what remains unknown. Where a red flag appears, we explain why it matters under FCPA, sanctions or conflict minerals rules and suggest proportionate next steps. SCG does not give legal advice; we work alongside your counsel.
Due diligence is part of our private investigation practice. See our capability statement or request a consultation.
FAQ
International due diligence: common questions
What is third-party risk due diligence?
It is the process of checking the vendors, agents, distributors and other third parties a company relies on for legal, financial, ethical and reputational risk, before and during the relationship.
How do you identify FCPA red flags?
We look for links between the third party and government officials, unexplained commissions or payment arrangements, a lack of relevant experience, and past corruption allegations or enforcement.
Do you screen against OFAC sanctions lists?
Yes. Screening covers OFAC and other relevant sanctions lists, and we look through ownership structures for sanctioned owners who may not appear on a list by name.
Can you investigate companies in countries with limited public records?
Yes. Where records are thin we rely on local-language research and, where needed and lawful, in-country inquiries through locally licensed partners. Reports state clearly what could not be confirmed.
How long does an international due diligence report take?
It depends on the depth and the country. A standard review is quicker than an enhanced report with in-country inquiries, and we give a realistic timeline at scoping.
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Tell us what you are facing, in general terms. A senior member of the team will ask the right questions and give you a straight recommendation, with no obligation.
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