by Brian Mahany
This is a story we simply couldn’t pass up. Robin Howard, former president of the Washington DC chapter of he Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), has been accused of embezzling $30,000 from the Institute! An arrest warrant has issued.
The job of an internal auditor is to insure adequate internal controls are in place within a business to mitigate risk and loss. Apparently, the organization’s own internal controls were not very good. According to published reports, the fraud was only detected after a change of leadership within the organization.
So what did the IIA do after discovering the fraud? They hired an outside auditor, of course, to document the loss.
Yes, we are having a bit of fun at the expense of the IIA. There is a lesson to be learned here, however. Anyone can be the victim of fraud. Many of our clients are lawyers, physicians and business owners. All very smart and educated people. If the Institute of Internal Auditors can be a victim of fraud, anyone can.
If you find yourself the victim of a financial fraud or embezzlement, don’t delay in getting assistance. We know some highly educated people who are just too embarassed to come forward and seek help. Don’t feel that way.
The quicker that you take action, the better the chances for recovery. Money and assets disappear over time. Memories fade as well.
If you feel like you are the victim of internal theft or fraud, give us a call. Many times recovery can be handled on a contingent fee basis meaning no legal fees unless we get back your money. For more information, contact attorney Brian Mahany at or by telephone at (414) 704-6731. All inquiries kept in strict confidence.
Mahany & Ertl – America’s Fraud Lawyers. Offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Portland, Maine; Minneapolis, Minnesota and San Francisco, California. Services available in many jurisdictions.
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