Forensic Services in a Global Economy

Paul Peterson is a Partner in the firm’s Forensic Investigation and Litigation Services group. In 2016, Paul returned to the U.S. after a three-year secondment in Shanghai, China. While in China, Paul worked with global companies on fraud and compliance matters and established a robust China Forensic Practice. Paul focuses on fraud investigations, global anti-corruption, litigation support and consulting services around forensic accounting and anti-fraud programs and controls. Paul has subject matter expertise in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and has managed investigations in many countries. Paul leverages his eight years as an auditor to develop and execute appropriate investigative procedures. From both an audit and investigatory perspective, Paul has worked with company management, compliance and internal audit departments, internal and external counsel, and audit committees. Two representative matters that showcase Paul’s experience include the following: - Paul spent two years investigating allegations of FCPA violations and anti-corruption matters at a European communications and technology conglomerate. His work focused on investigative books and records procedures at the company’s headquarters and at several high-risk countries across a range of business segments. As part of his work, Paul liaised with both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission and several local European country prosecutors and enforcement agencies. The investigation resulted in one of the largest FCPA penalty to date. - Paul managed a FCPA due diligence project of a potential acquisition for a large industrial machinery manufacturer. Paul led his team in interviewing employees and analyzing volumes of accounting records. Paul communicated findings to the company’s general and outside counsel providing them with the information they needed to solidify whether to move forward with the acquisition. INDUSTRY FOCUS His case experience encompasses a broad array of industries including life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing & distribution, nonprofit & education, aerospace & defense, communications & technology, and real estate & construction.