For CFE, Crime-Fighting Runs in the Family

Ashley Koroluk, CFE, CAMS, is an Investigative Financial Crime Analyst for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

August 2014

ACFE Member Profile

Ashley Koroluk, CFE, CAMS, is an Investigative Financial Crime Analyst for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Koroluk hails from a law enforcement family – yet, in her civilian member role, she brings an intense focus to detecting fraud and fighting white-collar crime. In this interview with the ACFE, Koroluk shares the challenges and responsibilities that come with her position, along with some words of wisdom for her colleagues in the anti-fraud profession.

What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities in your job?

As the only Investigative Financial Crime Analyst for the RCMP in Saskatchewan, I assist approximately 25 investigators with every aspect of investigations focusing on money laundering, proceeds of crime and all types of fraud. Typical fraud investigations are corruption, identity theft/fraud, mass marketing fraud, mortgage fraud, large scale investment fraud (Ponzi schemes), counterfeit currency production and uttering, and embezzlement. I also assist with money laundering and proceeds of crime aspects on organized crime investigations.

Based on an evaluation and an intricate analysis of thousands of interrelated documents, events, transactions, people and conversations, I provide investigators with investigational guidance. This includes where to locate applicable evidence, identify investigational gaps, and uncover additional financial bank accounts to pursue. I also frequently identify evidence of money laundering by analyzing bank accounts belonging to the accused or accused’s companies/associates.

One of my primary job functions is to conduct financial analyses based on investigational documentation received from victims and/or produced by financial institutions to establish money flows, usages of proceeds of crime and show the magnitude of the fraud. My analysis of how the victims funds were utilized formulates a major part of our evidence in establishing the elements of the offenses, which results in criminal prosecution and hopefully, asset forfeiture.

I also assist investigators with witnesses interviews and with the preparation and monitoring of suspect interviews.

In addition to working on and providing tactical direction on large investigations, I write strategic reports for early financial crime trend identification and to develop financial crime intelligence to facilitate new investigations. These reports and the sharing of the information allow me to develop valuable relationships with external partner agencies.

What led you to this line of work?

Law enforcement is definitely in my blood. My father was a member of the RCMP for more than 33 years and continues to work with law enforcement as the Director of the Saskatchewan Witness Protection Program. My brother and fiancé are current RCMP members. I, however, was not interested in becoming a police officer. When the RCMP created this civilian member role, I knew it would be a perfect fit for my inquisitive nature while utilizing my business, financial and economic background. This position allows me to be part investigator, part intelligence analyst and part accountant. I also knew this would be a rewarding role where I could make a difference by helping others, specifically with preventing financial victimization and hopefully recovering proceeds of crime for victims. This role is the only one of its kind in Saskatchewan, which keeps me extremely busy, but allows me to work on new and interesting investigations, constantly keeping me challenged.

 

Which types of frauds are the most interesting to you?

I find fraudsters involved in corruption and large-scale investment fraud to be the most interesting because they are usually highly educated, well-respected and are purely motivated by greed and arrogance. For me, successful enforcement actions on these types are the most rewarding.

Believe it or not, I am passionate about every investigation because I have never worked on any that were the same. I learn something new each day and with every investigation. One investigation where I was particularly invested in was one that started out as a basic NSF (non-sufficient funds) check complaint.  Through a tactical analysis I gathered enough information to formulate an indication that a fraud in progress was occurring. I gave presentations to upper management decision makers so they could get a taste and grasp of what my analysis showed and the magnitude of the fraud.  This led to additional resources assisting me with further investigation, which in turn led to its development of one of the province’s highest priority projects and the first completely integrated organized crime investigation containing elements of fraud, drugs and proceeds of crime.

 

What do you think are some of the most important things for fraud examiners to keep in mind when working to prevent and detect fraud? Is there an element that requires the most focus for you?

I believe fraud examiners should be mindful that they are gathering evidence and reporting the facts, not expressing opinions. Two qualities that have really paid off for me in all of the investigations I have worked on, that are often overlooked or forgotten, are being creative and persistent. Financial crime investigations can be complex, take a lot of time, resources and money and at least in the law enforcement world, sometimes have to be sold to upper management and the prosecutors because they aren’t the “sexy” guns and drugs type of files.

 

What advice do you have for other fraud examiners who would follow in your footsteps?

Whether you are working for law enforcement in the criminal realm, or in any private or civil area, the following will assist you:

Seek out a mentor – you will benefit immensely from their experiences and wisdom.

Listen to and rely on your investigative intuition and trust your instincts.  

The more investigative experience you gain, the more better equipped you’ll be to deal with fraud.

Analytical skills are extremely important. Let all the data and the facts guide your analysis and conclusions to not only understand and formulate the big picture of what is going (or went on) but also the why and how things occurred as they did.

Definitely get your ACFE certification and become involved with the local ACFE chapters and attend the ACFE conferences. This is a great way to meet others and build relationships with like-minded fraud fighters.

 

In general, do you think the global problem of fraud is getting better – or worse?

Unfortunately, in general I think the global problem of fraud is getting worse. Financial crimes have increased and evolved in the past few years. I would say this is partly because of all the new technologies criminals have access to and are able to exploit. It is also because financial crimes are more lucrative and are perceived to be less risky, from both a detection and prosecution stand point. The increase in technology is definitely creating more sophisticated and international financial criminals. Every day there are news reports of all types of corruption, fraud, new technologies to aid criminals and money laundering incidents. For example, virtual goods and currencies and the ability for criminals to conduct massive, international fraud sitting from a computer are concerning. Unfortunately they are winning right now purely by exploiting a “borderless notion.” Even though law enforcement is getting better at working with partners and sharing information, borders and different laws/policies cause grave issues with investigating these types of crimes.  

 

Where are you from, originally?

Being the daughter of an RCMP officer, we moved around quite frequently when I was young, but most of my time was spent in Regina, SK. I moved to Calgary, Alberta, for a short time for work experience and then returned to Regina to finish university. I was offered a great job right out of university and have been here ever since.

 

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your anti-fraud work?

I enjoy traveling to new destinations any chance I can for new experiences and to explore the culture, cities and cuisines. I stay very active and am currently training for a new adventure – a Spartan race, which is a military style obstacle race. Reading, cooking, interior design and spending time with my friends and family are also some of my favorite interests. I am currently putting my design skills to work as I plan my wedding on a historic country estate in Hawaii.