HR Summit & Expo (HRSE) KSA 19 – 20 June 2023 – Riyadh

Corporate Research and Investigations is a proud sponsor & exhibitor at the upcoming HR Summit & Expo (HRSE) being held in Riyadh this June 2023.

We cordially invite you to visit us at the summit and explore various opportunities we offer to Recruit Smart with EmploySmart™.

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Ultimate Employer’s Guide to Pre-Employment Background Checks

McLane Foodservice paid $40,000 to settle the lawsuit due to a lack of pre-employment background checks on job applicants. Yes, that’s right! In 2017, McLane Foodservice, a Texas-based company, made headlines after settling a discrimination lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for $40,000. The lawsuit claimed that the company violated federal law by hiring an applicant with a criminal record without conducting a proper background check. The applicant had a criminal history, including a conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and was hired to work as a delivery driver without a background check that would have revealed their criminal record.

This case serves as a crucial reminder for businesses of all sizes that neglecting to conduct proper background checks can put their companies at risk of legal action and create potential safety risks. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the importance of employee background checks and how to conduct them effectively to reduce hiring risks and improve the hiring process.

Why Conducting Pre-Employment Background Checks is Crucial for Businesses?

As an essential tool for many businesses, conducting background investigation on potential employees is critical to ensure that employers are hiring the best and most qualified candidates for their organizations. Neglecting to conduct background checks can lead to a range of issues, including increased risks to the business, legal repercussions, and damage to the company’s reputation. In this section, we will discuss the reasons why conducting background checks is crucial for businesses.

Improved Hiring Decisions

One of the primary reasons for conducting background screening is to improve the quality of hiring decisions. A background check can reveal critical information about a candidate’s history that may take time to be apparent from their resume or job interview. Information such as employment history, education, and criminal records can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the position.

Reduced Hiring Risks

Conducting background checks can help businesses reduce hiring risks by identifying potential issues that could impact the safety and security of the company. For example, a background verification may reveal that a candidate has a criminal record or a history of violent behaviour. This information can help employers make informed decisions about whether or not to hire a candidate.

Compliance with Legal Requirements

Many industries have specific legal requirements for conducting background checks on potential employees. For example, employers in the healthcare industry are required to conduct criminal background checks on employees who will have access to patients. Failing to comply with these requirements can result in legal action and potential damage to the company’s reputation.

Protecting the Company’s Reputation

Employing individuals with a history of criminal behaviour or other problematic issues can significantly damage a company’s reputation. Conducting background checks helps businesses avoid these situations by identifying potential issues before they become problems. By hiring qualified candidates with a clean record, businesses can protect their reputation and maintain the trust of their customers and clients.

Types of Pre-Employment Background Screening

Many companies turn to pre-employment background checks to ensure comprehensive screening of potential employees. These checks can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s employment history, qualifications, and character, allowing employers to make informed hiring decisions. This section will discuss the types of pre-employment background checks that businesses can use to mitigate hiring risks.

Address Verification

Address Verification confirms the accuracy of a candidate’s address and provides a physical verification of their location. This check can help businesses ensure that they are communicating with the correct candidate and that the individual resides in the location stated in their application.

Identity Verification

Identity Verification confirms the authenticity of a candidate’s identity. This check can include verification of a candidate’s Social Security Number (SSN), driver’s license, passport, and other identification documents to prevent fraudulent activity during the hiring process.

Previous Employment Verification

Previous Employment Verification confirms a candidate’s employment history, job title, duties performed, and reasons for leaving. This check can help businesses confirm a candidate’s employment history and determine if they have the necessary experience to perform the job.

Education & Credential Verification

Education & Credential Verification confirms a candidate’s educational background and any professional licenses or certifications they hold. This check can help businesses ensure that candidates possess the required qualifications for the position and have the necessary skills to perform the job.

Local Language Media Check

Local Language Media Check is a comprehensive search of local media sources in the candidate’s language of origin. This check can help businesses identify any potential negative media coverage of a candidate that may affect their suitability for the position.

Credit Verification & Financial History

Credit Verification & Financial History investigates a candidate’s financial history, including their credit score, public records, bankruptcies, and liens. This check can help businesses evaluate a candidate’s financial responsibility and identify any potential financial issues that may impact their job performance.

Compliance & Regulatory Check

Compliance & Regulatory Check helps businesses ensure that their hiring process complies with federal and state regulations. This check can help businesses avoid legal and financial repercussions by identifying potential compliance issues during hiring.

Civil Litigation Record Check

Civil Litigation Record Check searches for any civil litigation records against a candidate. This check can help businesses identify any potential legal issues that may affect their job performance.

Bankruptcy Record Check

Bankruptcy Record Check investigates a candidate’s bankruptcy history, including any current or past bankruptcies. This check can help businesses assess a candidate’s financial stability and identify any potential issues that may affect their job performance.

International Criminal Record Check

International Criminal Record Check searches for any criminal records outside of the United States. This check can help businesses identify any potential safety risks and ensure compliance with international regulations.

Integrity Due Diligence

Integrity

Choose CRI Group™ For Pre-Employment Background Checks in 2023

Are you looking to hire new employees for your business? Do you want to ensure that you are hiring the best and most qualified candidates for the job? Look no further than CRI Group™ for pre-employment background screening. Here are some reasons why:

• EmploySmart™ Certified: Our pre-employment checks service is certified for BS7858, which ensures that we provide thorough background checks that are compliant with industry standards.
• Tailored Packages: We offer tailored pre-employment screening packages to meet the specific requirements of each position within your company, ensuring that you conduct comprehensive screenings for all candidates.
• Local and International Coverage: We are a leading worldwide provider of employee background checks, including pre-employment background checks. We specialize in local and international coverage, so you can hire confidently, no matter where your candidates are from.
• Avoid Negligent Hiring Liabilities: With our EmploySmart™ service, you can avoid negligent hiring liabilities and ensure that you are creating a safe work environment for all employees.
• Save Time, Money, and Reputation: By investing in comprehensive pre-employment background checks, you can avoid costly hiring mistakes that can lead to legal liabilities, financial losses, and damage to your brand reputation.

Background Screening and Vetting Services by CRI Group™: Ensuring Secure Hiring in Specific Industries

CRI Group™ is a leading background screening and vetting services provider, duly certified by the British Standard Institute for the scope of BS 7858:2019 Screening of individuals working in a secure environment, Code of Practice and BS 102000:2018 Code of Practice for the provision of investigative services. We specialize in providing services to specific industries, including:

British Standard (BS 7858):

Our background screening services for the UK market are in compliance with the Scope of BS 7858:2019 revised standard. This includes various checks such as Identity, address, and Right to Work in The UK verification in line with the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) document guidance, covering:

• Identity and address verifications.
• Right to Work (The UK verification).
• DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, The UK verification).
• Previous Employment, Unemployment, and Self-employment verification (covering the last five years and auditing any gap periods if greater than 31 days).
• Educational Verifications.
• Financial Integrity Verifications (bankruptcy and insolvency checks).
• CCJ’s Record up to £10,000 (The UK verification).
• Civil Litigation Checks.
• Directorship Checks.
• Criminal History Record Checks
• Global Sanctions/Watchlist check.
• Social Media Background Checks (Depending on roles, such as senior or public relations roles – Recommended).

Choose CRI Group™  for pre-employment background screening and vetting services to ensure secure hiring in specific industries. Our comprehensive and customizable services can help you mitigate hiring risks, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and protect your reputation. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist your organization.

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Pre-Employment Background Screening: The Importance of Human Due Diligence

In 2017, Amazon made a strategic decision to acquire Whole Foods, a move that promised to expand the e-commerce giant’s reach into the grocery space. But what looked good on paper quickly turned into a major cultural clash because the acquiring corporation neglected human due diligence and employee background screening of existing human capital. Amazon’s efficiency-driven, tech-centric culture thereby collided with Whole Foods’ more idealistic, people-focused approach and caused hindrance in ensuring a seamless deal transition.

The result was a suboptimal merger that failed to live up to its potential. Stories of Whole Foods’ processes being streamlined to make them more “efficient” had a negative impact on employee morale, and the cultures of the two companies never quite meshed.

This scenario illustrates the importance of human due diligence in M&A deals. A thorough understanding of the cultures, values, and attitudes of the companies involved is essential for a successful merger or acquisition. Without it, the resulting clash of cultures can lead to suboptimal results, lost productivity, and even employee turnover. As a business owner, it’s essential to invest time and resources into human due diligence, because at the end of the day, it could be the deciding factor between a successful acquisition and a costly mistake.

The Role of Pre-Employment Background Screening in Human Due Diligence

Pre-employment background screening is a crucial step in the human due diligence process. It involves conducting background checks, verifying qualifications, and assessing a candidate’s suitability for a particular role. With the rise in fraud and dishonesty in the workplace, pre-employment screening has become integral in ensuring that prospective employees are trustworthy and capable of carrying out their duties responsibly.

The Importance of Pre-Employment Background Screening

Pre-employment vetting is a proactive approach that organizations take to protect themselves from potential risks associated with hiring an employee. With the right screening process, companies can minimize turnover rates, prevent legal issues, and reduce the risks of reputational damage. A comprehensive background check process can also help identify candidates who may need to gain the necessary qualifications or experience and consequently prevent poor quality hires.

Furthermore, background verification is a necessary practice for certain industries, such as banking, healthcare, and education, where employees have access to sensitive information. It is an essential step for ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds, drug or alcohol abuse problems, or other negative behaviors are not hired for such positions.

Benefits of Pre-Employment background Screening

There are numerous benefits of pre-employment background investigation for an organization, including:

• Reducing turnover rates – Pre-employment background screening can help identify candidates who might not be suitable for the role, thereby reducing costly mistakes and improving employee retention.
• Legal compliance – Organizations need to comply with various laws and regulations when hiring employees. Conducting background checks helps to eliminate legal risks associated with hiring unsuitable candidates.
• Improved security – Pre-employment background screening helps to identify individuals with criminal backgrounds or other risks, thereby improving organization security and preventing internal fraud.

Consequences of Avoiding Pre-Employment Background Screening

Pre-employment background screening is an essential part of the hiring process that helps employers make informed decisions about potential candidates. However, some employers choose to avoid the process altogether, either because of a lack of resources or simply because they believe that it is unnecessary. This can have far-reaching consequences not only for the company but also for its employees and customers. Let’s explore five key consequences of avoiding pre-employment screening.

Increased Risk of Hiring Fraudulent Candidates

One of the biggest risks of avoiding pre-employment background screening is that the company may end up hiring fraudulent candidates. Without proper screening, it becomes easier for candidates to falsify their credentials, such as their education or work history, or even provide fake references. These fraudulent candidates may seem promising, but they can cause major problems for the company later on, such as damage to the company’s reputation, financial losses, or even legal issues.

Decreased Employee Productivity

When a company hires the wrong person for the job, it can lead to decreased productivity. This is because the employee may not have the necessary skills or qualifications for the position, may not fit in with the company culture, or may cause disruptions in the workplace. The result is a decrease in overall productivity, which can be detrimental to the company’s success.

Increased Employee Turnover

When employees are not vetted properly, they may not be a good fit for the company, which can lead to increased turnover. This can be costly and time-consuming for the company, as it must continually hire and train new employees to replace those who leave. Additionally, high turnover rates can negatively impact the company’s culture and morale, which can further decrease productivity.

Increased Risk of Workplace Violence

Another consequence of avoiding pre-employment background screening is an increased risk of workplace violence. This is because some individuals with a history of violence or other criminal activity may slip through the cracks if they are not thoroughly screened. This can create a dangerous situation for other employees and customers and can also result in legal and financial consequences for the company.

Decreased Customer Satisfaction

Avoiding pre-employment background screening can result in decreased customer satisfaction. This is because employees who are not properly vetted may not have the necessary skills or personality traits to interact effectively with customers. This can lead to customer complaints, negative online reviews, and a decrease in the overall business.

How to Avoid Consequences Of Avoiding Pre Employment Background Screening?

Avoiding pre-employment screening can have serious consequences for any business. At CRI Group™, we understand the importance of conducting thorough background checks to avoid potential risks and liabilities. Our certified BS7858 pre-employment background screening service, EmploySmart™, ensures a safe work environment by tailoring specific screening packages to meet the requirements of each position within your company. Whether you need local or international background checks, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how our employment screening services can help you avoid the consequences of avoiding pre-employment screening:

Experienced Integrity Due Diligence Team

Our team of experts specializes in domestic and international screening, and has extensive experience conducting background checks across various industries. Our team is well-equipped to handle any screening needs, providing you with the necessary insights to make informed hiring decisions.

Online Management and Quick Turnaround Times

We understand the importance of time and efficiency in the hiring process, which is why we offer online management and quick turnaround times. This allows for a seamless process, providing you with the necessary information in a timely manner.

High-Quality Searches

Our extensive quality controls and numerous checks ensure that you receive high-quality searches that you can trust. We strive for accuracy and attention to detail in all of our services.

Direct Access to Senior Staff Members

Our flat organizational structure allows you to have direct access to senior staff members throughout the due diligence process. This ensures that any questions or concerns are addressed promptly and with the necessary expertise.

Global Network and Multi-Lingual Teams

Our solutions are easily customizable and tailored to your specific concerns and risk areas, allowing us to address any decision-making across your business. With our extensive global network and multi-lingual teams, we can conduct assignments on thousands of subjects in over 80 countries.

Extensive Solutions

Our solutions include due diligence, employee pre and post-background screening, employment history verification, business intelligence, and compliance. We facilitate decision-making across all areas and departments of your business, providing you with the necessary information to make informed hiring decisions.

Our Pre Employment Background Screening Services

EmploySmart™ provides a comprehensive suite of pre-employment screening services and background checks to ensure that you are making informed hiring decisions. Our experienced team works as a trusted partner to HR and recruiting managers of corporations and institutions across the world.

Our services include:

• Address Verification (Physical Verification): We verify the candidate’s address to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.
• Identity Verification: We verify the candidate’s identity to ensure that they are who they say they are.
• Previous Employment Verification: We verify the candidate’s previous employment history to ensure that their work experience matches their resume.
• Education & Credential Verification: We verify the candidate’s educational credentials and certifications to ensure that they meet the qualifications for the position.
• Local Language Media Check: We conduct a media check in the candidate’s local language to uncover any negative press or publicity.
• Credit Verification & Financial History (where publicly available): We check the candidate’s credit and financial history to assess their financial stability.
• Compliance & Regulatory Check: We check the candidate’s compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
• Civil Litigation Record Check: We check the candidate’s litigation record to assess their legal history.
• Bankruptcy Record Check: We check the candidate’s bankruptcy record to assess their financial stability.
• International Criminal Record Check: We conduct a criminal record check in the candidate’s home country and other countries where they have lived or worked.
• Integrity Due Diligence: We conduct due diligence to identify any potential integrity issues, such as conflicts of interest, political affiliations, and more.

With CRI Group™ ‘s EmploySmart™, you can customize your screening package to meet the specific needs of each position within your company. Our team of more than 50 full-time analysts is spread across Europe, Middle East, Asia, North and South America and fully equipped with the local knowledge to serve your needs globally.

Let us help you make informed hiring decisions and mitigate the risks associated with negligent hiring.

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UAE Imposes Fines on Non-Compliant Corporations: Is Your Business At Risk?

UAE Businesses Beware: AED 22.6 Million in Fines for Non-Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regulations!

That’s right, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy has cracked down on 29 companies operating in the designated non-financial business or professions (DNFBP) sector for failing to comply with AML/CFT legislation. Violations ranged from a lack of internal policies and procedures to check customer databases against terrorism lists to failure to identify financial crime risks in their fields of work.

The message is clear – compliance with these regulations is no longer a choice, but a requirement. Businesses operating in the DNFBP sector must prioritize AML/CFT programs, including regular risk assessments, robust internal controls, and employee training.

Importance of AML/CFT compliance

The importance of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance cannot be overstated, especially within the UAE’s landscape, where the government is cracking down on non-compliant corporations. A robust AML compliance policy can not only protect against money laundering and terrorist financing but can also prevent fraud. Here are five key reasons why AML compliance is critical for businesses operating in the UAE.

Threat Evolution:

Criminal methods have become more sophisticated and complex, making them difficult to detect. Lone-wolf terrorists, cyber-enabled criminals, and e-commerce criminals are trending types of criminals in the UAE. It’s essential for businesses to stay ahead of these threats by complying with AML regulations.

Reputational Risk:

A crisis in Anti Money Laundering compliance can severely harm a company’s reputation and negatively affect customer trust. Companies that have been investigated or fined for non-compliance may need to appear more trustworthy to customers, leading to a loss of business. Protect your reputation by implementing a robust AML compliance program.

Poor Client Experience:

Non-compliance with AML regulations can increase the potential risk of fraud. A successful fraud attack can also affect the customers of a company. Don’t put your clients at risk – ensure that your business is fully compliant with AML regulations.

Regulatory Action:

The UAE has strict AML regulations that require financial institutions and businesses to comply with customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting of suspicious activities. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and penalties imposed by regulatory authorities. Non-compliant businesses may face severe legal consequences, including criminal liability for individuals within the organization.

Financial Crime Persistence:

Enforcing AML regulations is crucial as financial crimes remain a persistent issue in the UAE. Money laundering enables criminal organizations to disguise the origin of their illegal proceeds, which can lead to economic instability, funding of terrorism, and loss of public trust in the financial system. Stay ahead of the game and maintain the integrity of your business by complying with AML regulations.

Penalties and Consequences

The UAE’s Ministry of Economy is intensifying field inspections and providing awareness and training support to DNFBP companies to ensure compliance with AML/CFT legislation and international standards issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). With further punitive measures on the horizon, it’s more important than ever for businesses to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that they are fully compliant with AML/CFT regulations.

The penalties for non-compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations are severe, and businesses must take them seriously. Failure to comply with AML/CFT laws can result in heavy fines, damage to reputation, and even criminal prosecution.

The consequences of non-compliance are not to be taken lightly. Heavy fines can severely impact a business’s bottom line, while damage to reputation can harm its ability to attract and retain customers. In some cases, non-compliance can even result in criminal prosecution. The risks are too great to ignore, and businesses must take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Protect Your Business with Robust AML Compliance

Are you concerned about the potential risks of money laundering and terrorist financing within your organization? Compliance with AML regulations is critical to protect your business and maintain the financial system’s integrity. At CRI Group™, we understand the importance of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and offer advisory services to analyze your systems and develop effective solutions to combat money laundering. Our unmatched investigative capabilities and worldwide presence make us uniquely qualified to resolve regulatory concerns and help businesses ensure compliance with AML/CFT regulations.

If you operate in the financial sector, complying with AML regulations is essential. Failure to comply can result in fines, reputational damage, and even criminal prosecution. That’s why we recommend registering with our anti money laundering services to ensure you’re following regulations for the prevention of money laundering.

At CRI Group™, our vast Anti-Corruption and Compliance network offers the protection you need when making critical bottom-line decisions. Leave it to our experts to help you with AML compliance and provide the protection you need to combat money laundering. With our 360-degree analysis of your challenges, we can ensure that your business is fully compliant with AML/CFT regulations, reducing the risk of fines and reputational damage. Here’s how CRI Group™ Group can help:

In-Depth AML Risk Assessment:

Our team of experts will undertake a comprehensive AML risk assessment to analyze the vulnerabilities and potential threats within your organization’s operations. The assessment will incorporate an evaluation of your existing AML policies, procedures, controls, and the nature of your company’s products, services, customers, and geographic locations. Our analysis and evaluation will help in identifying potential risks and emerging trends that are necessary for effective AML risk management.

GAP Analysis for the Scope of ISO 37301 Compliance Management System:

Our team of consultants will perform a detailed GAP analysis of your organization to ensure compliance with the ISO 37301 standard. We will evaluate your current system and processes, identify shortcomings, and present recommendations to help your company fill the existing gaps. Our analysis will facilitate the understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and competencies required for compliance with the standard.

Provision of AML Framework:

We will provide a comprehensive framework to guide your organization in establishing and maintaining an effective AML compliance program. This framework will include policies, procedures, and protocols for risk assessment, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting. Our team will work closely with your staff to implement this framework for compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices.

Global Sanction Screening & Third-Party Risk Management:

Our screening services will help identify, assess, and mitigate the potential risks associated with third-party relationships. With our global database, we can monitor a wide range of regulatory lists and relevant databases, providing you with peace of mind that your company’s dealings with third parties will not put your organization at risk of non-compliance with AML regulations.

Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO):

Our team will assist your organization in the appointment of an MLRO. This officer will be tasked with overseeing your company’s AML policy and reporting matters to relevant regulators. We’ll help you identify a qualified MLRO who possesses the experience and knowledge required for carrying out this crucial duty effectively.

Policy Statement:

We will work with you to develop a clear and concise policy statement outlining your organization’s commitment to AML compliance. Our policy statement will outline the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the implementation of the AML policy, including the board of directors, senior management, employees, and applicable third parties/vendors. This statement will provide clarity on the compliance requirements, enhancing risk awareness and making it easier for employees to comply with AML legislation.

Identifying Financing Terrorism:

Our experts will assist you in identifying potential risks associated with financing terrorism. By conducting risk assessments and due diligence checks, we can help identify unusual transactions that could be linked to terrorist financing. Our team will help in the implementation of preventive and control measures, ensuring that your organization is always one step ahead of potential risks.

Corporate Principles – An Ethical & Integrated Business Approach:

We’ll help develop corporate principles that emphasize an ethical and integrated approach to doing business. Our team will work with you to identify fundamental values that your company stands for, and ensure that these are integrated into your operations. We’ll also help with the development of programs to encourage ethical behavior and integrity in your workforce. These corporate principles will help to build a positive reputation while displaying governance and a strong ethical culture.

Industries We Serve

At CRI Group™, we are committed to helping businesses across a wide range of industries to stay compliant with AML/CFT regulations. Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each industry, including:

• Automotive: Whether you’re a car manufacturer, dealer or supplier, our AML services can help you mitigate risks and ensure compliance with AML regulations.
• Aviation: Airlines, airports and other aviation companies face unique AML risks that require specialized solutions. Our experts can help you detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing activities.
• Finance & Professional Services: Banks, financial institutions, law firms and accounting firms all require robust AML compliance programs to protect their clients and reputation. We provide tailored solutions to meet the needs of each business.
• IT & Telecommunications: With the rise of online transactions, the IT and telecommunications industry faces new challenges in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. Our AML solutions can help you stay ahead of the curve.
• Insurance: The insurance industry is vulnerable to money laundering and fraudulent activities. Our AML services can help you detect and prevent these risks, ensuring the integrity of the insurance system.
• Property: The real estate industry is also vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing. Our AML solutions can help property developers, agents, and managers detect and prevent these risks.
• Pharmaceutical & Healthcare: The pharmaceutical and healthcare industry faces a range of financial crime risks, including money laundering and bribery. Our AML services can help you ensure compliance and mitigate these risks.
• Oil, Gas & Energy: The oil, gas and energy industry is subject to unique risks that require specialized AML solutions. Our experts can help you detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing activities.

No matter what industry your business operates in, compliance with AML/CFT regulations is crucial. With CRI Group’s industry-specific solutions, you can rest assured that your business is fully protected against the risks of financial crime.

Don’t let your business fall prey to the threat of money laundering and financial crimes. Trust CRI Group™ to provide you with the expert advisory services and protection you need to ensure compliance and success in the financial sector. Contact CRI Group™ Group for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Advisory service today and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with AML regulations.

Filed under: AML Advisory Solution, Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption Solution, Fraud Risk Investigation, Industry Insights, Insurance Fraud Investigation, Qatar, Doha, Resources, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dubai by admin
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CRI Group launches ESG Due Diligence to cut your Environmental, Social & Governance risks

The CRI Group’s 3PRM™ (Third-Party Risk Management Program) has launched its ESG Due Diligence program that defines, detects, and improves Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks for organisations.

Corporate Research and Investigations Limited’s ESG Due Diligence is aimed to support investors classify areas where companies may be exposed to substantial human rights and environment-related perils and red flags. It uses effective strategies to vet extended business relationships thereby evolving company’s sustainability and ESG rating.

We’ve taken corporate financial reporting to an advanced level with our ESG Due Diligence program structured to mitigate commercial risks by focusing on certain key features of ESG.

The four aspects of CRI Group’s ESG Due Diligence

• Business Overview & Assessment While traditional due diligence verifies asset ownership and key contractual risks, ESG due diligence requires a much broader analysis of potential risk exposures for the target company, especially when it comes to products, jurisdiction, industry/business sector, type of operations associated with the business, e.g., office, manufacturing/production, warehousing, logistics, etc. This overview also includes performing extensive background checks on decision-makers to uncover questionable precedents and behaviors of key stakeholders.
  
  
• Environmental Impact & Assessment CRI Group investigators, researchers, and subject-specific experts assess regulatory compliance implementation to record serious incidents and regulatory breaches regarding the environmental aspects of your organisation. Detailed findings on the nature of any incident, improvements made with corrective actions, the lessons learned, and regulatory action and proceedings against the subject in question (enforcement/prosecution/fine) are prepared and maintained for your records.
  
  
• Social Aspects Assessment CRI Group experts assess the Human Resources practices of the organisation, including (but not limited to) health and safety maturity levels, community involvement depending on the business sector (investments, sponsorships, donations, and type of operations), consumer safety, and product/services regulations, actions taken to ensure the health and safety of consumers, data protection and privacy of the consumers, any previous breaches, complaints, and the improvements and information security management system that have been put into place.
  
  
• Governance Assessment Our experts assess your organisation’s commitment and the responsibilities of senior management on sustainability, policies and procedures, anti-corruption and bribery monitoring, and best practices. What does your company currently do to safeguard against illegal practices? We check for any corporate mis-governance and/or ethics-related employee claims/breaches/enforcement/litigation action relating to issues such as anti-bribery and corruption, cases of unfair labor practices, human rights abuses, and other unethical business practices.
  
  

Delivering Value-Led Sustainability

In a bid to tackle human rights and environmental impacts across global value chains, a new European Union (EU) mandate now places liability on companies unable to assess and mitigate unethical third-party behaviour. The EC also unveiled plans to tackle forced labor and promote decent work worldwide – including a proposal to ban products produced with forced or child labor from the EU market. The new legislation will also complement Sustainable Finance Disclosure and Taxonomy Regulations.

The proposed directive is being described as a landmark moment for the environment and human rights and comes with costly obligations and penalties that could be imposed on companies, and the civil liability it could entail. This puts an end to the era of voluntary policing and requires companies operating in the EU to ‘identify, address and remedy their impact on human rights and the environment throughout their global value chains.’ The directive will benefit company investors who want to be assured that climate change, negative environmental impact, human rights, business ethics, and corporate governance are factored into their selections. Organisations of any type or size can benefit greatly from ESG Compliance by practicing good governance, starting with highly effective performance, responsible stewardship, and ethical behavior.

The benefits of good governance resulting from ESG Due Diligence are manifold as the resulting compliance certification will:

• Help increase organisational effectiveness, sustainability, accountability, and fairness.
• Fortify systems, methods, and processes to spot red flags and help avoid major incidents.
• Build a higher level of trust among stakeholders, shareholders, and the public.
• Demonstrate that the organisation is acting with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Establish credibility in the marketplace as the organisation is viewed as making a conscientious investment in responsible management.
• Provide a competitive advantage among potential business partners who perceive a well-governed organisation.
• Mitigate the potential risk of failure within the organisation’s systems.
• Conform to the internationally recognised and widely advocate regulatory requirements of an effective corporate compliance program.
• Maintain compliance with the European Supply Chain Act, the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA), the EU Forced Labor Regulation, and other local, regional, and international regulatory frameworks.

On the flip side, the risks of non-compliance that companies will face include:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Discrimination
• Child labor and Forced labor.
• Unethical employment
• Environmental degradation
• Violations of freedom of association

CRI Group’s ESG Due Diligence will also throw up red flags, keeping investors safe from rogue companies. These warning signs include:

• Business Operations & Solvency
• Poor Reputation
• Past Allegations of Corruption
• Production, Quality, or Delivery Issues
• Conflicts of Interest
• Licensing & Credentialing Issues
• Links to Organized Crime
• Improper Payment Arrangements
• Workforce & Human Rights Issues
• Undisclosed third-party transactions
• Material misrepresentations or commissions
• Unreported financial difficulties
• Criminal or regulatory sanctions
• Undisclosed legal or bankruptcy proceedings
• Politically Exposed Persons – PEPs
• Environmental Negative Impact

There can be more red flags, of course, depending on the nature of the industry, scope, and jurisdiction of the subjects in question.

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ACFE FRAUD CONFERENCE MIDDLE EAST 8 – 9 MAY 2023 | DUBAI

As a Platinum Sponsor of the conference, we aim to showcase our expertise to fraud prevention professionals and demonstrate our commitment to leading with diligence and promoting ethical business practices in the region.

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The CRI Group™ enters Saudi Arabia

We are now open in the holy state of Saudi Arabia

The CRI Group™, a global leader in Anti-Corruption, Compliance,

The CRI Group safeguards some of the world’s leading multinational organizations, by investigating the financial viability, business history, legal compliance, and integrity levels of third parties, outside partners, suppliers and customers seeking business affiliations with their clients.

“The world of business is getting increasingly risky,” says Zafar I. Anjum, CRI Group™ Chief Executive Officer. “From dishonest employees to rogue business partners, successful business organisations should assume that they are potential targets of corporate crime, and subsequently develop strategies to safeguard their operations. We are very pleased to be welcomed and accepted by the Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and look forward to working alongside the esteemed organizations that intend to expand their presence and investment in the Kingdom.”

A global network of professionals

The CRI Group has earned a credible reputation worldwide by successfully deterring, detecting, and investigating crimes against businesses. This success is the outcome of having a global network of professionals specially trained in business and third-party due diligence and Anti-Corruption accredited certification by CRI Group’s independent UKAS accredited certification body.

The CRI Group operates one of the largest multi-national Third-Party Risk Management teams the industry has to offer, employing a network of Certified Fraud Examiners, Compliance Experts, and Research Consultants strategically positioned across five continents and who possess an impressive array of industry backgrounds.

“CRI Group experts come from a variety of professions and possess industry knowledge and experience serving clients in the banking, investments, international finance, government, and public and privately held multinational business sectors,” says Mr. Anjum. “Our specialized capabilities and multinational resources enable us to perform in-depth investigations and research across nearly every corner of the globe. This worldwide knowledge base has set CRI Group apart as a leader in global investigative research for more than 32 years.”

CRI Group’s worldwide offices

The company currently maintains offices in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey, effectively serving its broad client base by providing professional services covering the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.

CRI Group welcomes inquiries from KSA businesses. To reach Zafar I. Anjum, CRI Group CEO, call +971 50 9038184, +966 54 6932838 or +44 588 454959, or email zanjum@crigroup.com

About the CRI Group

Based in London, CRI® Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, 

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CRI Group™ services such as DueDiligence360™, 3PRM™ and EmploySmart™ can significantly help organizations deal with bribery and corruption, third-party risk management, noncompliance with the regional and international regulatory framework and malpractice. 

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CRI™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle, and it is a licensed and incorporated entity of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and Qatar Financial Center (QFC).

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Mission and Vision of the CRI Group

• CRI® mission is to safeguard the corporate world by detecting and exposing those elements that can cause irreparable harm to a business
• We stand firm against outside forces that, through corruption, collusion, coercion and fraud, can cause financial, organizational, reputational and legal harm to our global clients
• We stand out as the preeminent provider of specialized investigative services that enable our clients to exhibit the highest standards of business integrity, ethics and behavior

About ABAC™

In 2016, CRI Group™ launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organizations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS.

ABAC™ offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organizations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. 

Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.

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‘Tis time for New Hopes, Dreams & New Year Resolutions!

Running a new start-up or even a mature and successful business setup is no mean task. Hopefully, you have safely weathered all the storms that came your way in 2022: transitioning from the unprecedented pandemic; walking straightaway into the looming inflation; the messy Russia-Ukraine war that keeps going on and on; and the FTX Crypto collapse that took out the little faith that you might have nurtured in your crypto get-rich-quick dreams.

As you get set to energise your business in 2023, all of us at the CRI Group™ send you our warmest wishes for lots of learning opportunities, continued growth, and fruitful collaborations.

New Year Resolutions

Here are a few New Year Resolutions that will help you and your business rock and roll in the coming year:

• Put your processes on paper and delegate

Preparing a master document with your strategies and processes can help you brainstorm with your think tank and fine-tune your strategies. Delegating key tasks will free up your time which can be effectively used to plan growth. This also means ensuring you have skilled and trustworthy people to take key decisions during crunch times.

• Schedule Strategy meetings regularly

It is important to plan, strategise and review your company’s growth every fortnight or even every week, perhaps. Reviewing goals regularly can tell you if your ship is sailing in the right direction and help you correct course as required for long-term growth. This includes changing plans if things are not working out as planned.

• Adopt a Performance Management System for efficiency

Tracking the progress of your employees, managers, and the company goals are best managed by putting a Performance Management System and KPIs in place. This will help you get everyone properly trained and prepare those with leadership skills for promotions in key positions. This system will also allow you to focus on other key matters rather than grapple with daily, mundane matters. A look at CRI’s Business Intelligence Solutions can help you with this.

• Get your house in order

This may seem very insignificant, but wouldn’t you rather walk into and work in a tidy place that is well organised, systematic, and inspires you to give your best? A well-maintained organisation emits positive energy and conveys a professional look to your clients and suppliers. CRI Group’s compliance solutions will also help you in ensuring compliance audits in all areas and keeping you one step ahead of regulatory requirements.

• Be a Santa for someone

Always, always count your blessings. Give back in whatever way you can to your employees, your suppliers, your community, and the underprivileged in your area of business operations. Given the tough times that everyone is going through, your time or money can be the reason for their smile today and every day. The feel-good factor that you get enveloped in will be well worth it all!

The CRI® Group highly values the relationships we have built over the years, and we owe you our gratitude for the success we have achieved. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with you. Thank you once again for your valuable support.

Here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday season! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023! Having shared New Year Resolutions you could take up for the new year, we are excited to work with you in the years to come!

Cheers to our continued relationship

Check out our eBook Why Partner with CRI Group™, which will familiarise you with the unique services we offer. The CRI Group™ invites you to schedule a quick appointment with us to discuss how our risk management solutions can help you and your organisation.

احجز موعد اجتماع الآن!

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Think Employee Background Checks are a waste of time? Think again!

So you think an Employee Background Check is a waste of your time? Here are some alarming stories for you:

Why an Employee Background Vetting is an Indispensable Recruitment Tool

The escalating figure of crime scenes and fraudulence incidents justifies why organisations take up this step. Within the dynamic business environment we’re operating in, corporations are now more inclined towards being vigilant of the quality of employees they are hiring. Specifically, the human resource managers are strategizing to reduce employee turnover and burnout rate thereby increasing retention of competent employees. With the vision of achieving a sustainable workplace environment, pre-employment screening and comprehensive background checks are becoming an essential instrument to welcome and retain the finest possible.  

The concept of Employee Background Check

An Employee Background Check is a worthwhile concept as employers strive to have the best pick from the candidates who show up for the recruitment process. After the interview sessions are over, a minimum of two weeks is required to get through the employee background screening procedure before you can finalise the hires. Since this procedure requires a thorough knowledge of regulatory compliance and investigative analytical skills, corporations outsource this service to the industrial experts to conduct a comprehensive verification of employee’s academic, professional and even social presence. After the employer is gratified with the check, the employee is offered an appointment letter to join them.

CRI Group’s EmploySmart™ can be tailored into specific screening packages to meet the requirements of each specific position within your organisation. 

Download our EmploySmart brochure or get a free quote to ensure a safe work environment for all.

Advantages of an Employee Background Check

Organisations carry out such checks due to a myriad of reasons. Some of these include:

• Validating the resume
• Learning about the nature of the candidate
• Behaviour at past offices
• Learning about criminal experience

What to include in Employee Background Checks?

• History of employment: Verify the references given by the candidate as it confirms their behavioural and working patterns with previous employers. 
• Criminal background: It is essential to confirm that the candidate does not have a criminal history.
• Credit history: Knowing the credit rating of your candidate is also important as this reveals the integrity of the employees. 
• Terror Watch List: For the businesses running in countries like the USA, checking the Terror Watch List against names of their candidates is especially critical.
• Checking Social Security: Organisations should check the legitimacy of Social Security Numbers of candidates. This will also confirm if the candidate has been using other names.
• Checking public/court records: This is done to check if the candidate has been implicated in any sort of court proceedings or not.
• Reference checks: There are two types of reference Employee Background Checks: personal and employment. Both facilitate in confirming the integrity, reliability, steadiness, and personality of the employee.
• Checking Sex Offender Registry: A Sex Offender Registry check must be conducted as well so you don’t endanger others, especially in roles surrounding children and other susceptible individuals, by hiring a sexual predator.
• Education check: This is carried out to determine the authenticity of the various credentials provided by the candidate you are planning to recruit.
• Driving Records: If your candidate is required to drive a company-owned vehicle, then checking driving records and license is essential for you.
• Record of Military Service: You need to pay attention to some key measures while hiring a candidate with a military service record. That is why checking the military service records of your candidates is also important.
• Compensation Record: Checking the candidate’s compensation claims from past employers is also significant before hiring an employee.

In conducting employee background checks, there are some golden rules that one needs to observe to avoid any legal complications. These do and don’ts include but are not limited to:

Do’s

• Having a consistent background checks policy and detailing how the policy should be used.
• Getting legal advice on how to conduct background checks under the local legal framework.
• Giving the applicants a chance to clear up any faults or misconstructions appearing on their documentations and during the interview process.
• Employing a Background Check service provider who is compliant with the legal frameworks of your region
• Understanding the difference between background checks vs investigative consumer reports.

Don’ts

• Avoid background checks on an applicant-by-applicant basis. The checks should be carried out for everyone.
• Avoid making the assumption that some parts of the background check process are routine
• Avoid making decisions without giving the applicant a chance to respond.
• Avoid assuming that any companies seeking information about an individual are legally compliant.
• Avoid requesting information about the character or personal and the private life of an individual while verifying the historical employment facts.

Necessities for conducting Employee Background Checks

• You need to have a candidate’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number for doing a background check.
• If you want to check credit reports, military records, and school transcripts, you need the candidate’s permission.
• If you hire an outside company to do the background check, you need to take the candidate’s permission.
• If the candidate denies the permission, you will be entitled to take the candidate out of consideration for that job profile.

What are the disadvantages of an Employee Background Check?

One of the major disadvantages is that you might see this as a wastage of time and money. An organisation invests large sums of money in conducting such investigations, and most of the time, the person turns out to be a genuine one and with the time it takes to conduct these checks, the candidate may think that the organisation is not interested and hence, they may join some other organisation in this period.

Judging a candidate on his/her background deeds may not always prove to be fruitful either. It may happen that a candidate got trapped in a criminal offence and in an actual sense, they are a gem of a person. But when you do not know the candidate personally, you will focus on the verification reports and let a genuine person go.

If there is still any uncertainty in your mind about conducting employee background checks, why not reach out to us? CRI Group has experts across the globe from all backgrounds who are trained to provide you with specialised, expert advice fit for your business needs. Get in touch today!

Who is CRI Group™?

Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, 

In 2016, CRI Group™ launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC™ operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations. 

Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.

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