Internal investigations in high-risk areas: constraints and strategies for effective inquiry
Internal investigations are a crucial tool for identifying and remedying compliance violations within an organization. Whether it is conducted by the company or by external counsel, when conducted in high-risk areas, as a result of an all-out armed conflict or of civil unrest, they face major constraints that jeopardize both the quality of the investigations and the safety of those involved. A rigorous methodology, tailored to the specific challenges of such environments, is therefore essential.
Key challenges of conducting internal investigations in conflict zones
Carrying out an internal investigation in a conflict zone presents four major challenges: access to information and witnesses, the security of investigators, the integrity of the evidence collected, and relations with key stakeholders. Anticipating these obstacles is critical to ensuring the reliability of investigations.
Limited access to information and witnesses
Conducting an internal investigation in a high-risk environment makes it particularly difficult to collect materials and information, due to:
The destruction of critical infrastructure;
Travel restrictions;
Increased control over certain areas by armed groups;
The fear of retaliation against witnesses, which prevents them from cooperating or forces them to provide false statements under pressure from influential actors;
The fragmentation of communication networks, complicating the exchange of information among involved parties.
These obstacles not only compromise data collection and verification but also weaken the reliability of investigations, requiring tailored strategies to circumvent them and uphold the integrity of the inquiry.
Security of investigators
The unstable environment of a conflict zone exposes investigators to direct threats such as kidnappings, targeted attacks, or surveillance by local actors. These risks must be strictly managed to avoid excessive exposure that could endanger not only the investigators but also the integrity of the investigation.
Thorough preparation is essential and should include:
The establishment of secure travel routes and movement protocols, avoiding high-risk areas;
The use of private security firms to ensure investigator protection;
The adoption of encrypted communication tools to prevent interception and safeguard the confidentiality of exchanges.
Companies must carefully assess the risk-benefit ratio before deploying investigators on the ground and should prioritize, whenever possible, remote investigation methods or rely on trained local actors to limit unnecessary exposure to danger.
Manipulation and disinformation
Internal investigations conducted in conflict zones are particularly susceptible to disinformation risks. Certain actors may seek to manipulate findings by spreading false testimonies, falsifying documents, or exerting pressure on stakeholders. These interference attempts necessitate heightened vigilance and the implementation of strict protocols for evidence validation.
Access to independent and verifiable information becomes a crucial factor in ensuring the objectivity of the investigation’s conclusions.
Coordination with investigations conducted by external actors
In some cases, internal investigations cannot be conducted in isolation. When an incident involving the company has broader implications, entities such as the United Nations, NGOs, and other international organizations may conduct parallel investigations, particularly concerning human rights violations, corruption, or economic crimes in conflict zones.
The company’s internal investigation must take these external inquiries into account to avoid obstructing their efforts or subjecting witnesses and victims to multiple interviews, which could lead to inconsistencies in their statements.
Strategies to overcome these challenges
Diversifying sources and investigative methods
A combination of on-site investigations and remote inquiries helps mitigate certain limitations:
Open-source intelligence and remote testimonies provide valuable additional information.
Satellite data can serve as visual evidence of destruction or the movement of suspicious actors.
Investigators can also rely on financial flow mapping to identify suspicious transactions linked to corruption or illicit financing.
These methods strengthen the collection of credible evidence while reducing investigators' exposure to risks on the ground.
Securing investigation operations
Internal investigations in sensitive environments must be carefully structured to assess and mitigate risks while ensuring the safety of teams in the field. This includes:
Continuous assessment of the security situation to adapt investigative strategies;
Collaboration with private security firms to protect investigators;
Secure communication protocols and the use of encrypted channels.
These measures reduce risk levels while enabling investigations to proceed.
Ensuring the authenticity and reliability of evidence
To maintain the integrity of collected evidence, a rigorous methodology must be applied, including:
Source triangulation to corroborate obtained information;
Systematic verification of documents to detect potential falsifications;
Consideration of cultural and political biases in data analysis;
The integration of tools such as artificial intelligence and metadata analysis to reinforce investigation reliability.
Compliance with legal and ethical requirements
Investigations in conflict zones must adhere to local and international standards on human rights and data protection. Key measures include:
Implementing enhanced protection mechanisms for witnesses and informants to prevent endangerment;
Avoiding the involvement of stakeholders if it would expose them to excessive risks;
Defining a clear methodology to prevent challenges to the investigation’s conclusions;
Ensuring that collected evidence complies with legal standards before being used.
Conclusion
Conducting an internal investigation in a conflict zone requires constant methodological adaptation to exceptional challenges. Only an approach that combines procedural rigor, technological innovation, and strategic risk management can ensure the integrity and effectiveness of investigations. In this context, relying on seasoned experts capable of operating in hostile environments remains imperative for the success of investigative missions.