What Does Data Theft Mean To Your Company

Businesses of any size and across any sector can be victims of employees stealing company data. Whether it is in relation to personal data or confidential business information, Expert Investigations Group undertakes on average 30 cases a year in attempt to help eradicate this serious and hugely damaging issue.

Recently, we undertook an investigation known as Operation Rubery. A managing director from an organisation in the engineering sector was suspected of stealing company data. Expert Investigations Group were called on by a solicitor working with the organisation to find evidence of any unlawful activity. The MD was covertly put under surveillance and a forensic examination was conducted on his work computer. The investigation revealed that he had been stealing data from the computer system including client lists, contract details and supplier lists. He was establishing to set up a competing company in conjunction with a senior employee from a current competitor. With the evidence we provided to their client, the solicitors were able to obtain an injunction against all parties and effectively stop the enterprise before it gained momentum.

Another investigation, Operation Kingston, involved a company from the commercial sector required assistance in observing an employee suspected of stealing data and monies. Initially, the company had granted a budget and permission for the employee to access data for a project to establish a new sector of business under a new company name as a subsidiary. As the project was underway, the company felt something wasn’t right. Calling upon the services of Expert Investigations Group, it was discovered that the employee planned to set this up as her own company and in advance stole the client lists and account details for her own use. By investigating her work computer system and obtaining a seizure order for her personal computer, iPad and mobile telephone, it was discovered that not only was there stolen data, but the employee diverted funds to herself from the budget that the company had initially given her. The evidence collated enabled the company to dismiss her and served the employee with an injunction from the court. She was ordered to pay back all monies and very substantial compensation for the use of the stolen data.