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Other Services
- Intellectual Property Protection
- Business Reputation Defense and Restoration
- Unconventional Situations
- Compliance Audits
- Whistleblower Compliance Hotlines
- Training: Workshops and Lectures on Various Topics
Compliance and Hotlines
- Forensics: Preparation of Expert Opinions in Corporate Investigations
- eDiscovery: Data Hosting, Processing, and Analysis
- Audits of Information Security Systems and IT Infrastructure
Information Technology
Corporate Intelligence
- Due Diligence of Counterparties
- International Asset Tracing and Recovery
- Internal Corporate Investigations
- Reputation Due Diligence on Individuals
Areas of Expertise
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ABOUT US
We offer a flexible approach to risk management in the fields of economic security and fraud prevention – one that takes into account each Client’s corporate culture, international best practices, and the hands-on expertise of our specialists.
By combining advanced tools with a wide range of investigative methods, we deliver the most effective solutions tailored to our Clients’ needs.
We support our Clients in resolving urgent issues as well as providing full-scale litigation support, including evidence gathering and case preparation – both within the Russian Federation and across other jurisdictions.
CSI Group experts have successfully completed projects in over 60 countries worldwide. Thanks to our global network of industry partners, we ensure that your question will not be left unanswered.
CSI Group is a forensic boutique founded in 2014 by a team of professionals specializing in international asset tracing, fraud prevention, digital forensics, and cybersecurity.
Global network and experience
Comprehensive legal support
Effective solutions for Clients
Flexible approach to risk management
Analysis of accounts receivable of companies from the Persian Gulf. UAE, Saudi Arabia.
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Investigation of fraud, search for criminals and their assets. UK, Spain, Bulgaria, Sweden, other EU countries.
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CASE STUDY
Investigation of the circumstances of confidential information leak in one of the largest manufacturers of computer equipment. Russia and the USA.
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Electronic data collection and its disclosure to the arbitration court in London. Russia and UK.
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Due Diligence in Asia
➤ Hong Kong & Mainland China.
Deanonymization of Fraudsters on Telegram
➤ Russia.
Dealing with High-Risk or Non-Compliant Debtor Companies
➤ UAE, Saudi Arabia.
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Explore the Services section to learn more about how we can support you
Investigation of Confidential Information Leak
Jurisdictions: Russia, USA.
Client: One of the world’s largest computer hardware manufacturers.
Situation:
An employee of the Client’s Moscow office, without notifying the security officer, installed a corporate network-attached storage (NAS) device at home and connected it to a static IP address. As a result, the NAS was subjected to multiple successful external attacks, leading to a leak of confidential information.
Our Solution:
CSI Group experts conducted a comprehensive forensic investigation of the incident:
The detailed report prepared by CSI Group enabled the Client to avoid regulatory penalties and mitigate reputational damage.
Client: One of the world’s largest computer hardware manufacturers.
Situation:
An employee of the Client’s Moscow office, without notifying the security officer, installed a corporate network-attached storage (NAS) device at home and connected it to a static IP address. As a result, the NAS was subjected to multiple successful external attacks, leading to a leak of confidential information.
Our Solution:
CSI Group experts conducted a comprehensive forensic investigation of the incident:
- Analyzed event and access logs.
- Identified the dates, times, and user accounts used for unauthorized access.
- Uploaded all available data from the NAS to the eDiscovery platform for further automated processing and classification based on confidentiality levels.
- Reconstructed the scenario of unauthorized access and identified IP addresses from which the remote connections were made.
- Evaluated the leaked data in terms of legally protected information: personal data, trade secrets of the company and its Clients, and other confidential content.
The detailed report prepared by CSI Group enabled the Client to avoid regulatory penalties and mitigate reputational damage.
Data Collection and Preparation for Court Proceedings
Jurisdictions: Russia, United Kingdom
Client: A leading international pharmaceutical company
Situation:
The Client approached CSI Group during a dispute at the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). The task was to collect and disclose electronic data stored on corporate servers located in the company’s Russian office.
Our Solution:
CSI Group experts:
The Client successfully fulfilled the tribunal’s disclosure requirements. The electronic evidence obtained and disclosed during the project contributed significantly to resolving the dispute in the Client’s favor.
Client: A leading international pharmaceutical company
Situation:
The Client approached CSI Group during a dispute at the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). The task was to collect and disclose electronic data stored on corporate servers located in the company’s Russian office.
Our Solution:
CSI Group experts:
- Created forensic images of electronic data from file storage systems.
- Processed the data collected and uploaded it to the eDiscovery platform.
- Conducted document review and analysis to identify relevant materials.
- Exported the relevant documents for disclosure by the Client to the tribunal.
The Client successfully fulfilled the tribunal’s disclosure requirements. The electronic evidence obtained and disclosed during the project contributed significantly to resolving the dispute in the Client’s favor.
Fraud
Investigation of Fraud, Identification of Perpetrators and Their Assets
Key jurisdictions: United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Sweden, and other EU countries.
Client: Private investor, UK citizen.
Our Solution:
CSI Group conducted a thorough analysis using open sources, social and professional networks, and corporate registries. Our experts identified real individuals behind the fraud and the companies they operated, providing this information to the High Court of Justice in London.
In collaboration with local legal teams, we utilized the Norwich Pharmacal procedure to obtain disclosures in the UK and across the EU – covering data on the fraudsters’ transactions, mobile billing, travel history, and more.
We carried out a comprehensive asset tracing investigation across multiple EU jurisdictions and gathered evidence confirming the existence of a coordinated fraud network managed by a central entity.
Through cooperation with local counsel in several countries, criminal proceedings were initiated against the perpetrators.
Key jurisdictions: United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Sweden, and other EU countries.
Client: Private investor, UK citizen.
Our Solution:
CSI Group conducted a thorough analysis using open sources, social and professional networks, and corporate registries. Our experts identified real individuals behind the fraud and the companies they operated, providing this information to the High Court of Justice in London.
In collaboration with local legal teams, we utilized the Norwich Pharmacal procedure to obtain disclosures in the UK and across the EU – covering data on the fraudsters’ transactions, mobile billing, travel history, and more.
We carried out a comprehensive asset tracing investigation across multiple EU jurisdictions and gathered evidence confirming the existence of a coordinated fraud network managed by a central entity.
Through cooperation with local counsel in several countries, criminal proceedings were initiated against the perpetrators.
Due Diligence in Asia
Due Diligence and Integrity Check. Hong Kong & Mainland China
Situation:
During the bankruptcy proceedings of a major Russian company, the court-appointed insolvency administrator conducted an audit of the debtor’s transactions. Several suspicious payments totaling USD 3 million were identified, involving foreign counterparties based in China and Hong Kong.
CSI Group was engaged to perform an in-depth review of the financial and operational activities of the foreign counterparties.
Our Solution:
Our investigation identified three entities involved in the transactions. Physical inspections were carried out at the registered addresses of these companies in both Hong Kong and Mainland China.
As a result of our investigation, the insolvency administrator was able to secure the annulment of the fraudulent transactions in court, which contributed to the recovery of additional assets into the bankruptcy estate.
Situation:
During the bankruptcy proceedings of a major Russian company, the court-appointed insolvency administrator conducted an audit of the debtor’s transactions. Several suspicious payments totaling USD 3 million were identified, involving foreign counterparties based in China and Hong Kong.
CSI Group was engaged to perform an in-depth review of the financial and operational activities of the foreign counterparties.
Our Solution:
Our investigation identified three entities involved in the transactions. Physical inspections were carried out at the registered addresses of these companies in both Hong Kong and Mainland China.
- The first company, based in Hong Kong, was registered at a known mass registration address. Furthermore, the nature of the business listed on its website was entirely unrelated to the transactions. Attempts to establish contact proved unsuccessful, indicating that the company was likely a shell entity.
- The second company, also in China, was an active legal entity involved in the export of sanitary equipment to many countries, including Russia. However, it had no history of supplying the type of equipment allegedly ordered by the bankrupt company. Corporate communication channels yielded no response, leading us to escalate the matter to local law enforcement agencies.
- The third company was part of a large corporate group with operations in Russia. Although it was a legitimate business, a comprehensive investigation – including staff interviews – revealed that none of the company's contacts were associated with the mail through which communication with the Client was conducted, and the bank account did not match the one provided.
As a result of our investigation, the insolvency administrator was able to secure the annulment of the fraudulent transactions in court, which contributed to the recovery of additional assets into the bankruptcy estate.
Dealing with High-Risk or Non-Compliant Debtor Companies
Working with High-Risk Debtor Companies. UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf Region.
Client: One of the world’s largest manufacturers of specialized machinery.
Our Solution:
CSI Group conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Client’s problematic accounts receivable, with a focus on identifying and assessing high-risk debtor companies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Our experts gathered detailed intelligence on the actual operations of these debtors, including:
The scope of work included direct negotiations with the debtors regarding lease payment obligations or the return of leased equipment. In cases where the machinery had already been sold to third parties, we:
Our integrated approach ensured the Client could pursue debt recovery effectively and preserve their rights in complex cross-border cases.
Client: One of the world’s largest manufacturers of specialized machinery.
Our Solution:
CSI Group conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Client’s problematic accounts receivable, with a focus on identifying and assessing high-risk debtor companies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Our experts gathered detailed intelligence on the actual operations of these debtors, including:
- Interviews with current and former employees.
- Examination of corporate registries and financial records.
- On-site inspections and documentation of the Client’s machinery in usage.
The scope of work included direct negotiations with the debtors regarding lease payment obligations or the return of leased equipment. In cases where the machinery had already been sold to third parties, we:
- Identified the new owners.
- Verified the presence and condition of the equipment at new locations.
- Coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to facilitate asset seizure.
- Initiated legal proceedings where necessary.
Our integrated approach ensured the Client could pursue debt recovery effectively and preserve their rights in complex cross-border cases.
Movable Assets Tracing
Asset Tracing. Yachts & Aircraft.
Situation:
The former director of a major metallurgical company was suspected of being involved in a corruption scheme. The company owner engaged CSI Group to determine whether the individual’s lifestyle aligned with his declared income.
Our Solution:
Through comprehensive analysis of the family’s social media presence, our experts identified potential high-value movable assets. By cross-referencing publicly available data from specialized aggregators with images posted online, we successfully pinpointed the specific yacht and a private jet.
Subsequent requests to official registries confirmed that the assets were registered either to the individual himself or to his immediate family members.
This investigation provided the Client with verified evidence of asset ownership, supporting further legal action and recovery strategies.
Situation:
The former director of a major metallurgical company was suspected of being involved in a corruption scheme. The company owner engaged CSI Group to determine whether the individual’s lifestyle aligned with his declared income.
Our Solution:
Through comprehensive analysis of the family’s social media presence, our experts identified potential high-value movable assets. By cross-referencing publicly available data from specialized aggregators with images posted online, we successfully pinpointed the specific yacht and a private jet.
Subsequent requests to official registries confirmed that the assets were registered either to the individual himself or to his immediate family members.
This investigation provided the Client with verified evidence of asset ownership, supporting further legal action and recovery strategies.
KYC Check in Sri Lanka
KYC. Sri Lanka.
Situation:
A partner company of the Client, engaged in pharmaceutical imports, suddenly stopped paying for deliveries and ceased all communication. The Client requested assistance in determining the company’s current status and identifying its ultimate beneficial owner (UBO).
Our Solution:
CSI Group experts initiated a corporate records search in the Sri Lankan company registry, successfully identifying the target entity. By analyzing official filings, we established the company’s directors, auditors, shareholders, and existing encumbrances.
We reconstructed the company’s corporate structure using affiliation mapping and indirect indicators such as shared phone numbers, IP addresses, physical addresses, and media coverage. This helped reveal to the entity’s actual operational scope.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) further indicated that all licenses required for the company’s business activities had been revoked.
Finally, we identified and interviewed key personnel linked to the company. These conversations provided critical insight into the company’s current state, confirming that it had effectively ceased operations.
Situation:
A partner company of the Client, engaged in pharmaceutical imports, suddenly stopped paying for deliveries and ceased all communication. The Client requested assistance in determining the company’s current status and identifying its ultimate beneficial owner (UBO).
Our Solution:
CSI Group experts initiated a corporate records search in the Sri Lankan company registry, successfully identifying the target entity. By analyzing official filings, we established the company’s directors, auditors, shareholders, and existing encumbrances.
We reconstructed the company’s corporate structure using affiliation mapping and indirect indicators such as shared phone numbers, IP addresses, physical addresses, and media coverage. This helped reveal to the entity’s actual operational scope.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) further indicated that all licenses required for the company’s business activities had been revoked.
Finally, we identified and interviewed key personnel linked to the company. These conversations provided critical insight into the company’s current state, confirming that it had effectively ceased operations.
Compliance Audit and Hotline
Compliance Audit and Implementation of the CSI Compliance Hotline. Russia
Situation:
A large holding company approached us for assistance in conducting a compliance system audit and implementing relevant solutions.
Our Solution:
A comprehensive audit of the company's internal processes and documentation was conducted, revealing several vulnerabilities. Our team developed a new Code of Ethics and various internal regulatory policies.
Based on the Client’s specific needs, we implemented and configured the CSI Compliance Hotline, a dedicated channel for compliance-related issues. The company was connected to an Automated Intelligence System (AIS), which streamlined the handling of incidents and investigations not only for the compliance department but also for other company’s divisions.
We also developed a PR strategy to raise awareness of the Whistleblower Hotline, which included leadership communications to staff, printed materials, and electronic notifications.
Outcome:
Our efforts led to the elimination of several major internal shortcomings and helped uncover significant incidents, avoiding major reputational risks and financial losses.
You can learn more about our Compliance Hotline here.
Situation:
A large holding company approached us for assistance in conducting a compliance system audit and implementing relevant solutions.
Our Solution:
A comprehensive audit of the company's internal processes and documentation was conducted, revealing several vulnerabilities. Our team developed a new Code of Ethics and various internal regulatory policies.
Based on the Client’s specific needs, we implemented and configured the CSI Compliance Hotline, a dedicated channel for compliance-related issues. The company was connected to an Automated Intelligence System (AIS), which streamlined the handling of incidents and investigations not only for the compliance department but also for other company’s divisions.
We also developed a PR strategy to raise awareness of the Whistleblower Hotline, which included leadership communications to staff, printed materials, and electronic notifications.
Outcome:
Our efforts led to the elimination of several major internal shortcomings and helped uncover significant incidents, avoiding major reputational risks and financial losses.
You can learn more about our Compliance Hotline here.
Deanonymization of Fraudsters
Deanonymization of Fraudsters on Telegram
Situation:
Fraudsters on Telegram were threatening the company and its top management by publishing information from a defamatory angle.
Our Solution:
Given that the posts sometimes included details about ongoing projects and future initiatives, it became evident that the perpetrator was either an employee of the company or someone deeply involved in its internal affairs (such as a relative or a contractor). The channel also featured personal data and salary information of senior executives, accompanied by negative commentary.
A technical analysis of the channel, including a review of all published content and metadata of attached files, revealed certain patterns and helped narrow down the pool of potential authors. Notably, one of the images contained geolocation coordinates – just a few dozen meters from the home of a primary suspect.
As a result of the investigation, the individual behind the channel was identified. Further profiling and investigation of this person, his colleagues, and direct manager uncovered the root of an internal conflict that escalated into the leakage of both trade secrets and personal employee data.
Situation:
Fraudsters on Telegram were threatening the company and its top management by publishing information from a defamatory angle.
Our Solution:
Given that the posts sometimes included details about ongoing projects and future initiatives, it became evident that the perpetrator was either an employee of the company or someone deeply involved in its internal affairs (such as a relative or a contractor). The channel also featured personal data and salary information of senior executives, accompanied by negative commentary.
A technical analysis of the channel, including a review of all published content and metadata of attached files, revealed certain patterns and helped narrow down the pool of potential authors. Notably, one of the images contained geolocation coordinates – just a few dozen meters from the home of a primary suspect.
As a result of the investigation, the individual behind the channel was identified. Further profiling and investigation of this person, his colleagues, and direct manager uncovered the root of an internal conflict that escalated into the leakage of both trade secrets and personal employee data.
MANAGEMENT
Nikolay Smetanin
Maxim Chuprynov
Andrey Osipov
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MANAGEMENT
Maxim Chuprynov
Nikolay Smetanin
Andrey Osipov
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Areas of specialization: comprehensive checks of legal entities and individuals in assessing the reliability of counterparties under Due Diligence programs, asset tracing, corporate intelligence, development of compliance tools.
Prior to joining CSI Group, Andrey worked in the security service of one of the largest Russian steel producers for 11 years, where he was responsible for counterparty checks, competitive intelligence and IPO support.
Since joining CSI Group in 2015, Andrey has participated in various projects in the USA, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, conducting investigations of cross-border theft and fraud, asset tracing in bankruptcies and family disputes, comprehensive checks of counterparty reliability and business reputation. Andrey's team is also engaged in the development and maintenance of compliance tools for corporate Clients (whistleblower hotlines, anti-corruption policies, automation of counterparty checks).
Andrey studied engineering and humanities at Magnitogorsk State University and received an MBA from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration in Moscow.
Andrey frequently speaks on due diligence and asset tracing at various conferences, international forums, and gives lectures for Russian universities and top managers.
Prior to joining CSI Group, Andrey worked in the security service of one of the largest Russian steel producers for 11 years, where he was responsible for counterparty checks, competitive intelligence and IPO support.
Since joining CSI Group in 2015, Andrey has participated in various projects in the USA, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, conducting investigations of cross-border theft and fraud, asset tracing in bankruptcies and family disputes, comprehensive checks of counterparty reliability and business reputation. Andrey's team is also engaged in the development and maintenance of compliance tools for corporate Clients (whistleblower hotlines, anti-corruption policies, automation of counterparty checks).
Andrey studied engineering and humanities at Magnitogorsk State University and received an MBA from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration in Moscow.
Andrey frequently speaks on due diligence and asset tracing at various conferences, international forums, and gives lectures for Russian universities and top managers.
Andrey Osipov
Areas of expertise: counterparty due diligence in Russia and abroad, asset tracing, corporate intelligence, forensic accounting, FCPA compliance.
Prior to joining CSI Group, Nikolay worked in the forensic department of one of the Big Four companies in Moscow. Since joining this field in 2010, Nikolay gained significant experience in corporate investigations and fraud prevention, asset search, FCPA compliance, due diligence and participated in various projects in the USA, UK, Europe, Russia and the CIS.
Nikolay graduated from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics with a degree in Banking and Finance. He also received a Master's degree from the University of Surrey (UK) with a degree in International Financial Management.
Nikolay often participates as a listener and speaker in various conferences, forums and other events in Russia and abroad on the topic of compliance, corporate investigations and asset tracing. He also frequently gives lectures based on real-life cases for students of Russian universities.
Prior to joining CSI Group, Nikolay worked in the forensic department of one of the Big Four companies in Moscow. Since joining this field in 2010, Nikolay gained significant experience in corporate investigations and fraud prevention, asset search, FCPA compliance, due diligence and participated in various projects in the USA, UK, Europe, Russia and the CIS.
Nikolay graduated from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics with a degree in Banking and Finance. He also received a Master's degree from the University of Surrey (UK) with a degree in International Financial Management.
Nikolay often participates as a listener and speaker in various conferences, forums and other events in Russia and abroad on the topic of compliance, corporate investigations and asset tracing. He also frequently gives lectures based on real-life cases for students of Russian universities.
Nikolay Smetanin
Areas of specialization: OSINT, HUMINT, search and recovery of distressed assets in Russia, the CIS and abroad, due diligence of individuals and legal entities, consulting on information security issues.
Prior to joining the CSI Group team, Maxim worked at the Egorov, Puginsky, Afanasiev & Partners Law Firm for over 10 years, where he was responsible for collecting evidence and searching for assets in support of international arbitration proceedings. Since 2015, Maxim headed the Firm’s internal service for asset tracing and corporate investigations.
At CSI Group, Maxim is responsible for comprehensive support of Client projects on international asset tracing, due diligence of individuals and legal entities and other special projects.
In 2009, Maxim received a degree in cultural studies with knowledge of Japanese from the Moscow State Linguistic University, and in 2012, a degree in economics from the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade.
Maxim regularly participates in specialized conferences on the international search and recovery of problematic assets as a speaker and listener.
Prior to joining the CSI Group team, Maxim worked at the Egorov, Puginsky, Afanasiev & Partners Law Firm for over 10 years, where he was responsible for collecting evidence and searching for assets in support of international arbitration proceedings. Since 2015, Maxim headed the Firm’s internal service for asset tracing and corporate investigations.
At CSI Group, Maxim is responsible for comprehensive support of Client projects on international asset tracing, due diligence of individuals and legal entities and other special projects.
In 2009, Maxim received a degree in cultural studies with knowledge of Japanese from the Moscow State Linguistic University, and in 2012, a degree in economics from the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade.
Maxim regularly participates in specialized conferences on the international search and recovery of problematic assets as a speaker and listener.
Maxim Chuprynov
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