Enhanced Due Diligence

In a perfect world, financial affairs would be based on trust and fair dealing. But our world is far from perfect, and as the famous saying goes, “trust, but verify” is good advice when it comes to establishing a new business partnership.

Litigation Support

In today’s increasingly complex, litigious and globalized environment Interfor offers essential support to attorneys and their clients. Interfor specializes in rapid response solutions, leveraging our experienced, international team of investigators, researchers, fraud examiners and sources to provide vital, timely, and essential services wherever and whenever the need arises in all manner of situations.

Asset Search & Recovery

A needle in a global haystack – that’s what it can be like to locate assets in the litigation process. Having an experienced investigative firm that blends deep expertise, technical resources, and a global network can make all the difference when it comes to finding that proverbial needle in the global haystack.

Social Media Monitoring & Threat Intelligence

Based on an industry-leading combination of cutting-edge technology and human expertise, Interfor’s Threat Monitoring Program is keeping some of the world’s most important companies safe by detecting threats emanating from all corners of the digital world; social media platforms, deep web, dark web, and more.

Physical & Cyber Security

In over 40 years as an international corporate security firm, Interfor has helped thousands of clients restore the integrity of their operations following incidents of fraud or other corporate misconduct.

Interfor Academy

With close to 50 years of service to its clients, Interfor has developed unique knowledge and skills that its clients depend on. Now with the launch of Interfor Academy, Interfor will be able to directly share some of those skills in a different way with its clients to expand their communication skills, provide essential education tools, and entertain while informing at corporate retreats, conferences, or other functions.

Strategic Intelligence Services

Targeted research that addresses your specific needs, conducted by subject matter experts and industry sources at the local level. Glean the granular insights that will give you the edge you are looking for.

More than a Background Check

Our teams conduct bespoke background investigations worldwide and set ourselves apart with our discreet and thorough reputation inquiries

Global Coverage – Local Expertise

Leveraging AI & Human Intelligence, we don’t stop digging after looking at our powerful worldwide databases. Seasoned researchers verify data locally by hand and through our network of sources

Credible Insights & Critical Expertise

In addition to investigating basics, Interfor investigators connect all dots to spot inconsistencies to help you make smarter business decisions. A trusted compliment to your in-house deal diligence teams.

Know Whom You are Dealing With

Job candidate, new partner, investment prospect. A deep dive will shed light on who they are and nip grandiose claims and false credentials in the bud.

The Interfor Difference

Relying on reputation, a referral or a recommendation alone is no longer a sensible business strategy, even if you’ve spent time with a new business partner or deal team. Understanding the unvarnished picture of someone’s background, as well his or her personality traits, is how smart investors look around corners to anticipate unseen risks and make better decisions.

In a turbulent world of economic fluctuations, the temptation to falsify earnings, overvalue assets, and otherwise ‘cook the books’ has increased exponentially. Unregulated and misunderstood financial vehicles are breeding grounds for theft, misappropriation and mismanagement.

In this environment where information can make or break a business decision, knowing who you are dealing with, along with what they do and how they do it, is paramount to prudent investment and hiring.  It is critical to institute a robust due diligence requirement, or expand old practices to reflect the ever-growing risks and pitfalls that define the current business environment.

Since 1979, Interfor International has performed enhanced due diligence [DD] investigations for clients in need of comprehensive background information about new investments, business relationships, and prospective partners.  Our services have been utilized by large and small companies, financial institutions in lieu of or as a supplement to in-house research and compliance units, and many of the world’s best known law firms.

From vetting potential partners in China or South America to ascertaining business relationships from the Netherlands to New Zealand, we assist businesses and their counsel in every corner of the world.  Formulating investigative strategies for businesses is a feature of our multidisciplinary research and investigative teams and we take a bespoke approach to each assignment. Our unique capabilities have been recognized by corporations, financial institutions, and law firms throughout the world. 

With extensive sources in Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and Africa, Interfor’s capabilities are global.  All inquiries are conducted with complete discretion and confidentiality by our field investigators, many formerly associated with government, defense and intelligence agencies.  Interfor’s field investigators are also supported by a sophisticated research division, drawing information from more than 3,000 databases and a network of relationships with law enforcement agencies and special sources developed over 40 years of business in the investigative field.  Interfor uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence and other technologies, and scours the Dark Web on behalf of our client to make sure that critical information that could be utilized by bad actors is not overlooked. 

Whatever the need, Interfor has the ability to rapidly assemble an integrated, international team of investigators, researchers, fraud examiners and sources who are ready to provide vital, timely and essential services for all types of situations.

All of our many services are rendered with the Interfor hallmark:  diligence, discretion, thoroughness, and responsiveness.

Who you work with is your business—-making sure they’re legitimate is ours.

Comprehensive Due Diligence Investigations

Interfor’s thorough background investigations provide clients with fundamental compliance checks on parties involved in impending transactions.  As described above, it is the most comprehensive examination in the industry. 

These investigations include, as applicable:

  • Verification of the subject’s identity (address and social security number check to prevent false identification fraud)
  • Civil records check
  • Criminal background check
  • Name screening on government terrorist and criminal lists
  • Nationwide bankruptcy search
  • Property search
  • Country-wide media review
  • Social media review
  • Violent Sex Offender/Predator scan
  • Professional license, education and credential verification
  • Lien and judgment search
  • Determining if the targets or their companies are under investigation by government regulatory agencies
  • Review of the Deep and Dark Web

Enhanced Due Diligence Investigations

Interfor frequently begins its investigations with a phase approach. We work with our clients to lay out an investigation focused on the public records and media available to help determine critical details about a subject’s history and profile. In the U.S, Canada, much of Western Europe and a few other locations around the world, we can provide our clients with solid information due to the strong rule of law and independent media characteristic in these parts of the world. 

For persons or companies red-flagged as a result of Interfor’s basic compliance investigation or for suspicious activity, Interfor recommends an enhanced DD investigation.  Interfor also recommends enhanced DD in many parts of the world where public records and media reports cannot be counted for their reliability or veracity. 

This type of investigative due diligence encompasses all of the basic compliance components, but adds additional key elements as necessary. These investigative initiatives may include:

  • Deployment of local field investigators;
  • Reputation inquiries – identifying, locating and interviewing people who know of or have done business with the target to determine their general reputation and standing, business dealings, and associations
  • A financial profile of the person or company.

Interfor has offices throughout the world and confidential sources in most countries.  As part of enhanced due diligence investigations, Interfor’s field investigators can conduct more comprehensive reputation inquiries by making use of resources and relationships available only at the local level.  This includes verification of physical assets listed as collateral or otherwise; and contact with local law enforcement personnel, government and industry sources for additional information or inquiries.

The Interfor Edge 

The recent proliferation of cyber-attacks, new generations of fraud and identity theft schemes, and the expansion of business and markets to an ever-expanding array of countries have heightened the risks associated with conducting business in the global marketplace.  This dynamic has led to an explosive growth in database software and investigation firms, all purporting to provide the solution to a company’s due diligence needs. Two problems, however, are associated with this “solution.” First, companies often overestimate the scope of information available by way of databases (see above regarding public records and media reports).  Second, most emerging intelligence firms do not have the resources, experience, and contacts necessary to conduct sophisticated investigations.

Many companies (new and old) are trying to break into the due diligence market by making extravagant promises about costs and results.  A close examination of these “due diligence programs” reveals that they simply punch a subject’s name into Lexis/Nexis or similar database and report any findings.  A single database source cannot access the volumes of information available in the public domain, nor can most software programs provide information from foreign jurisdictions.  Also, some firms are selling “due diligence” software to allow companies to conduct their own research. Bear in mind any software that is not updated daily is obsolete. Furthermore, although it may sound appealing to handle these investigations in-house, the cost of training employees to the point where they are experts can be prohibitive, and simply may not be possible.

Complex investigations often require techniques and relationships that can be developed only over time, and via experience; they also require field work and face-to-face meetings.  As appealing as it may be, these tasks cannot be done by using a single database or computer search engine; an expert investigator must be deployed. Additionally, internal employees and emerging investigation firms do not have the capabilities and breadth of experience to satisfy the demands of complicated investigations, particularly if the due diligence involves parties overseas.  

Institutions should carefully choose their investigative provider, examining the provider’s years in operation and existing client base, and obtaining references from the investigator’s clients.  Interfor has been in operation for over 40 years and its New York headquarters alone has investigators with more than 100 years of combined experience. Interfor is pleased to provide references upon request.

How Interfor Operates

Interfor’s business philosophy has always dictated that we will not take on work when we are not confident we can be effective.  Therefore, clients are advised to provide Interfor in advance with all pertinent information about the prospective target, as well as any concerns regarding the investigation.  In return, a detailed written proposal detailing the scope of investigation, the case budget, and the case timelines will be prepared within 24-48 hours. 

The case budget will be based on some of the following factors:

  • Quantity and quality of information provided at the outset by the client;
  • The scope of services;
  • Number of persons or entities to be investigated;
  • Geographical location of the targets;
  • Number of geographical locations.

Interfor can be placed on retainer to handle volume on an annual basis or to investigate large groups of employees, jury panels, or account holders on a case-by-case basis.  Fee arrangements will be adjusted accordingly.

Geographical Considerations

An investigation of an individual in Chicago will be much less costly and quicker than one on an individual in Libreville, Gabon.  In order to provide clarity and predictability, Interfor has created a system of geographical zones to conduct investigations in countries all over the world.

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Professional & Innovative Fact Finding

Our global team utilizes a unique blend of both High Tech and Human Intelligence to bring clarity to the most complex missions; From serving oligarchs on the tarmac in their private jet to locating invaluable witnesses.

Trial Ready & Trial Tested

Supporting Clients Through Every Step of the Litigation Process

Transparent & Reliable

Interfor’s intelligence agents, fraud examiners, and investigators have solved complex, sensitive issues with discretion and finesse for 45 years

Know your Counterparty – Wherever they are

With field offices in over 30 countries, we are well equipped to handle any litigation support matter, including financial fraud, in-depth opposition research, forensic and cyber investigations, and skip tracing.

Litigation and International Arbitration Support

Although renowned for our due diligence and asset identification services, the great majority of Interfor’s cases involve supporting legal teams on an incredibly wide variety of cases around the world. Our Litigation Support Group is strongly positioned to augment your team’s efforts and protect your clients in today’s challenging environment.

From breach of contract to price fixing cases, we provide critical investigative resources to assist in the litigation process – pre-trial intelligence gathering, discovery, trial preparation, witness location, development and execution of strategy and post-judgment asset tracing.

As a full-service investigative firm, we provide a complete menu of investigative and consulting services throughout the world. Whatever the area of expertise, all of many services are rendered with the Interfor hallmark: diligence, discretion and thoroughness.

Interfor has the resources and experience to handle every type of dispute from small inquiries to the largest, most complex international cases. We understand and respect the uniqueness of every client and treat every case in a bespoke manner

Litigation Support Services

Corporations face a daunting array of legal challenges in today’s business environment. These disputes can range from frivolous lawsuits to “bet the company” and “scorched earth” litigation. Whatever the case, you need experienced investigators who can provide sound research and actionable intelligence to guide your course of action.

Interfor offers a wide array of services to ensure thorough litigation preparedness in all types of cases. Since 1979, we have worked discreetly and confidentially providing vital intelligence to litigators. Interfor supports any and all activities that prepare litigants for trial in the pre-litigation, in-litigation, and post-litigation stage.

Interfor offers comprehensive, worldwide intelligence and investigative services, including:

  • Special factual inquiries
  • Witness location
  • Evidence gathering
  • Pre-discovery intelligence gathering
  • Background investigations
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Selection, management, and vetting of expert witnesses
  • Document discovery
  • Case preparation
  • Asset investigations
  • Post-judgment asset investigations

Interfor’s investigative findings can help legal strategists and businesses decide whether to litigate, negotiate or chart an alternative route to dispute resolution.

We have worked closely with financial institutions, corporate entities and their inside and outside counsel to manage these challenges throughout the world.  Our case managers and investigators have been involved with high-profile cases, and we understand the special circumstances of media exposure.  Interfor’s Litigation Support Group has regularly represented parties in major trials in state and federal courts as well as arbitration tribunals in the United States and abroad.

Interfor has the ability to rapidly assemble an integrated, international team of investigators to address all aspects of a client’s case and to handle various inquiries in multiple jurisdictions.  We have the experience and know-how to tackle complex investigations aggressively and incisively on your behalf.

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The World Leader in Asset Search & Recovery

Leveraging proven methodologies & advanced forensic technologies, while pioneering Innovative investigative methods in identifying hidden assets

Success through Experience

Rely on our extensive network of in-house and field investigators, and a coterie of highly-placed sources with knowledge of and connections to (or in) governments, intelligence communities, and the business community around the world

Tailored to your Needs

There is no template for asset searches. Each client’s needs are unique and we understand how to navigate the intricacies of offshore havens and complex corporate structures

Pre-Litigation or Post-Judgement

Whether deciding to bring suit or collecting on an award, asset identification plays a major role

Interfor offers a comprehensive package of asset search services to corporations, law firms, bankers’ workout or restructuring departments, financial institutions and creditors’ committees, including the four points listed above. 

As a world leader in asset search and recovery, Interfor has developed the unique capability to locate concealed or undisclosed assets hidden, including in international “safe havens.” We assist clients in recovering billions of dollars with investigative resources. Much of Interfor’s success has been due to our pioneering use of international legal remedies to maximize recovery.

What does an asset search cover?

While Interfor takes a bespoke approach to each assignment,  our strategy is typically to develop a full financial profile on the subject by investigating the location and worth of all real property, personal property, interests in properties, business entities, stocks, bonds, accounts receivable, royalties, patents, and other valuable assets. Interfor also examines the assets of spouses and family members for possible transfers, corporations associated with the subject and the subject’s partners.

Additionally, Interfor leverages its considerable investigative network to help identify individuals or entities that can provide leads and directions to the discovery of hidden assets. Interfor often conducts a lifestyle analysis to determine how the target meets their current obligations and examines what business they are currently conducting.

Interfor’s confidential financial sources are available to develop additional intelligence on the subject(s) as may be required.

Interfor’s asset recovery division is unique as our resources are as strong internationally as they are within the U.S. Interfor works with legal counsel who provide international experience and worldwide resources to assist in the freezing of assets for later collection. As part of Interfor’s on-going commitment to our clients, Interfor monitors changes in asset protection legislation throughout the world to ensure that clients are afforded every opportunity to recover assets to which they are entitled.

Judgment Collection

Where collection of a judgment is involved, Interfor works as a team with legal counsel to use our international experience and resources to assist in freezing assets for later collection.

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24/7 Overwatch

Enlist comprehensive support that watches your back around the clock. Social Media, open source chatter, deep web, dark web.

Human & Machine

Every client team is composed of multiple analysts supported by an array of AI web intel platforms, ensuring a comprehensive and customized layer of security

Force Multiplier

Deepen your bench exponentially by tapping into a full expert team and its resources without having to add headcount

Event-specific & Travel Security overwatch

Add a layer of security support on a one-off basis for events and travel globally

In our deeply polarized society threats can arise suddenly and from many sources. Whether you are an international brand name with thousands of employees, a mid-size company with a rising profile, or an individual with a public profile, Interfor’s Threat Monitoring Program (TMP) provides intelligence and insights to constantly monitor, classify, and defeat threats. 

Interfor’s TMP was developed specifically for each client to analyze threats and provide actionable recommendations on how to proactively defend your interests and mitigate danger. With Interfor leading your threat assessment practice or acting as a force multiplier to augment your security team, your business will be able to identify potential security hazards and breaches before they happen, act efficiently against any potential threats, neutralize attacks, and plan and protect against the ever-evolving landscape of threats and forms of attacks.

Because of Interfor’s global footprint, our TMP team is on the job for our clients around the clock. We approach the overwatch of security against physical, cyber, and reputational threats our clients face through a mix of artificial intelligence systems and human analysis. Technology provides Interfor with granular insights into even the subtle negative sentiment of digital chatter. Interfor’s forty year history and experienced  staff provide the contextualized, bespoke analysis of any incipient threat to mitigate burgeoning risks. 

Interfor’s Outsourced Chief Security Officer program (OCSO) often pairs naturally with the threat monitoring service we provide. The two practice areas are critical facets of a comprehensive security umbrella, and as such, it is not uncommon for components of the OCSO program to be added to a TMP engagement depending on the needs of the client. As each engagement is unique, the service offered is completely customized. 

Schedule a call with our experts now.

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Force-multiplier

Access a full team and expand your resources for less than the cost of a new hire.

Shore up your security efforts

Security tasks falling by the wayside? Cover your bases across multiple functions, such as social media monitoring, mail-screening, threat analysis, vendor procurement

Experience & network

Tap into Interfor’s deep bench of global security partners and decades of security operations and advisory expertise

Test the fences

Full scale threat, vulnerability, pen testing, and physical security assessments to identify gaps in your armor, both in the real world and the digital one

Our experience has illustrated that many of our clients would have been spared the financial losses and reputation problems resulting from corporate malfeasance had they implemented more robust security precautions. This is particularly true for our clients who do business overseas or in highly competitive markets.

Protecting our clients from harm, whether physical or financial, is of the utmost importance to Interfor. To keep our clients’ assets, personnel, intellectual property and trade secrets safe, and to prevent those affected by corporate fraud from being victimized again, Interfor offers a full range of physical security and threat management consulting services.

Interfor’s Outsourced Chief Security Officer program brings physical and cyber security leadership, industry experience, and a deep bench to one of the most important operational roles companies face: the Chief Security Officer (“CSO”). 

Mid to large-sized companies often struggle with a dedicated responsibility towards security. We help clients free themselves from the burden of an ‘all-in-one’ hire so they can devote more time to their core business. The outsourced CSO is an on-demand resource to senior management without the need to hire, train, and maintain an internal security director. By working with the business and understanding the overall goals of the organization, an entire security program can be designed and implemented for a fraction of the cost of an internal hire.

For existing yet under-resourced security managers, Interfor can serve as force-multiplier through this service.

The Outsourced CSO role provides access to a seasoned security professional for issues including risk mitigation, hiring or firing employees, executive risk exposure, developing security policies and procedures, due diligence, and comprehensive physical and IT security planning. We work with the C-suite to integrate an insightful, actionable, and measurable risk management plan to safeguard their operations and deliver on their strategic vision.

A companion offering, the Outsourced Security Operations Director, is designed for companies who already have a CSO or equivalent position. While this program is designed to be flexible to meet the specific needs of the client, typically the program is set up to develop and implement security plans, including providing direction and guidance to outside agencies and the internal management team. We develop strategic security plans and long term strategies that are backed up by best practices that can facilitate aligning an entire organization that may have been missing the strength that a robust security program can deliver. The role of a Security Operations Director is critical within any security department.

Advantages of the Outsourced CSO Program:

  • Increased consistency and quality of management
  • Decreased employee-related expenses
  • Decreased training and HR expenses
  • Standardization of processes
  • Speedy delivery of service and information
  • Develop talent management and redeployment
  • Frees up other internal stakeholders (legal, HR, operations, etc.) to spend more time on core business
  • Improve ROI per employee
  • Potentially lower liability insurance rates

The primary objective of Interfor’s Physical Security Assessment (PSA) is to observe and analyze areas of potential and/or actual vulnerability, to define causes, and to recommend means to reduce or eliminate exposure. In conducting the assessment, Interfor utilizes a specialized process known as The Interfor Method. The Interfor Method ensures that the assessment will be developed around the client’s individual and specific needs and allows for the most comprehensive analysis available on the market.

The assessment includes a review of: access control systems and procedures; ingress/egress procedures, intrusion detection systems; application of electronic control systems; employee and visitor identification procedures; IT procedures; employee/vendor background investigations; and general personnel policies and procedures.

Interfor specializes in an array of security services such as:

  • Office Security Assessment
  • Information Systems Evaluation
  • Personal Protection Consulting
  • Crisis Management & Threat Mitigation
  • Threat monitoring & intelligence

Comprehensive security assessments are smart policy for any business, big or small. Understanding your businesses’ vulnerabilities – all within the context of your particular industry – is essential risk management. Interfor’s decades of experience providing such assessments has led to a proprietary system that measures risks for our clients from all angles. 

The Interfor Method

The Interfor Method involves an extensive system designed to assess, analyze, report and test areas of potential or actual vulnerability. The method can be scaled and implemented within small businesses, middle-market companies, and large corporations. Although the following reflects a framework of the method, given that no two assessments are identical, it should only be regarded as a guide.

Initial Meeting

  • Introduction to client’s corporate structure, services, and identity
  • Identification of key personnel
  • Creation of a cross-functional Assessment Team (usually comprised of senior-level personnel within pertinent groups, divisions or business units)

Pre-Assessment Meeting/Survey

  • Determination of the scope of the Interfor Assessment
  • Discussion of perceived threats and historical incidents
  • Classification of industry-wide threats
  • Identification of key assets (i.e. personnel, facilities, material)
  • Discussion of process for reporting and gathering information
  • Establishment of timeline for entire process
  • Identification of deliverables
  • Identification of required tools and documentation (i.e. protocols and procedures)
  • Clearance obtained for Interfor personnel

Comprehensive Onsite Assessment

  • Implementation of the agreed-upon plan including physical assessments of facilities during both daytime and evening hours
  • Review of current protocols and procedures and a determination of the level of compliance throughout the organization
  • Comprehensive interviews with identified key personnel
  • Aggressive testing of current security precautions and barriers through various prearranged means
  • Evaluation of emergency planning and mitigation procedures and policies
  • Analysis of business continuity plans
  • Evaluation of security training and education procedures

Data Analysis and Initial Report Generation

  1. Professional analysis of collected data
  2. Design and development of report outlining observations and recommendations

Preliminary Briefing

  1. General and specific observations of vulnerabilities throughout the organization
  2. Specific recommendations highlighting areas of critical concern as well as areas in need of improvement
  3. Discussion of the needs for further evaluation or testing

Presentation of Findings and Recommendations

  • All findings and recommendations will be reported in a manner which fits the needs of the organization
  • Presentation of all updated, rewritten or modified policies and procedures
  • Recommendations for the implementation of training or awareness programs

Testing of Implemented Recommendations

  • Prearranged audits to determine if the improvements have been implemented correctly
  • Findings report and further recommendations
  • Recurring evaluations and/or audits on a predetermined schedule

Interfor’s Cyber Risk and Technology team consists of intelligence professionals, IT experts, and special investigators. Cyber-attacks may threaten an individual, a company, a financial institution, or a nation-state. Criminals may reside virtually anywhere, and their malicious activities may cross international borders with impunity. Identity theft, hacking, disabling or misusing websites or computer networks, and phishing attacks are some of the more common offenses.

Our Cyber Intelligence Practice provides technical and strategic support to our clients in the following areas:

  • Internet, Mobile Devices, and Computer Forensics
  • Data Breach and Incident Response
  • Prevention Measures, Cyber Tracing
  • Cyber Threat Investigations
  • Phishing Attacks, Business Email Compromise / CEO Fraud

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Speakers

Compelling speakers for keynote speeches and events

Expert Trainers

Elite trainers for vital security sessions to keep your team safe and effective

Unique Content

Create an unforgettable corporate retreat experience with a special team-bonding experience

Panel Discussions

Curate a panel of leaders to develop singular insights on essential corporate interests

Interfor Academy

Interfor Academy brings together a special constellation of elite speakers and one-of-a-kind programs. Whether it is growing the skills of your sales team by leveraging spy skills, developing a workplace violence program with a former senior FBI Agent, or firm’s updating your team’s skills with informative workshops, Interfor Academy is a platform like no other.

Interfor Academy Experts

Bob Grenier

Robert “Bob” Grenier worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for 27 years. Bob’s storied career saw him on the doorstep of history for much of his time with the CIA. As Station Chief in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 9/11, Bob was directly involved in the early stages of the War on Terrorism, as he recounts in his essential memoir “88 Days to Kandahar: A CIA Diary.” Bob finished his intelligence career as head of the Counterterrorism Center overseeing all U.S. counterterrorism efforts around the world. Earlier in Bob’s career he ran “The Farm,” the CIA’s famed training facility for new recruits and Bob has a passion for teaching, ethics, and leadership. In addition to advising governments and corporations on political risk in emerging markets, Bob speaks about ethics and leadership issues through the unique lens of his singular career.

Steve Romano

As the Former Chief Hostage Negotiator of the FBI, Steve knows what it’s like to negotiate under pressure. After a career of over four decades in law enforcement and security, Steve is a highly sought after voice on negotiation, crisis management, and detecting deception, among other subjects. He has provided commentary on CNN, Fox, and MSNBC and regularly shares his years of wisdom on these and other subjects with corporate, academic, and conference audiences regularly.

Mark Sullivan

As the former Director of the Secret Service, Mark Sullivan’s focus was how to keep the most powerful person in the world safe from harm. But in a career of over 35 years in law enforcement, Mark picked up a variety of skills including criminal investigations, strategic planning, human capital management, as well as technology deployment and modernization. As Director of the Secret Service, Mark managed over 7,000 Special Agents and supporting staff members and oversaw an annual budget of nearly $1.7 billion. During his tenure at the USSS, he was responsible for the protection of the President, Vice President, former Presidents and their families, other government leaders and visiting heads of state. His leadership and professional accomplishments have led to numerous awards including two Distinguished Presidential Rank Awards, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary’s Award and the Department’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Service. Mark sits on a variety of corporate boards, consults regularly and speaks publicly on a variety of security issues including financial and intellectual property investigations, major event planning, security vulnerability assessments for sports venues, buildings, facilities and critical infrastructure, security training and executive protection.

Shannon Wilkinson

Shannon Wilkinson is a nationally recognized expert in online reputation management. Her New York City-based firm Reputation Communications was one of the first companies to specialize in online reputation management. Shannon advises Fortune 500 companies, law firms and VIPs on all aspects of reputation management. In an ever-shifting digital environment Shannon is an advisor and speaker in high demand sharing unique insights on questions of branding, crisis management, and other reputational issues.

Jeremy Hurewitz

Jeremy Hurewitz – Head of Interfor Academy – runs a unique program known as Sell Like a Spy that provides business development lessons and communication strategies to sales team and corporate executives. Jeremy spent a decade overseas (based out of Prague and Shanghai) reporting on security issues before spending the following 15 years in the world of corporate security. His program combines thrilling spy anecdotes and insider details on tradecraft with examples of how these techniques can help anyone to connect more deeply with their targets and overcome a variety of challenges. The Sell Like a Spy book is coming soon!

Ivor Terret

A veteran of both the Israel Defense Force and Israeli Police, Ivor brings over three decades of international counter terror experience at both the official and private sector levels. As part of his government service, he was selected to help found and manage a government Surveillance Detection and Covert Security Unit tasked with protecting Heads of State and strategic locations. Ivor also has deep experience working on a wide variety of security tasks in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. designing and implementing security master plans for covert counter terror units, high-risk facilities. Ivor has led countless protective details and has consulted on a myriad of security projects for corporations, family offices, mass transport hubs, business parks, hotels, residences, high risk facilities and factories.

Chiko Scozzafava

Chiko Scozzafava’s career or over 20 years in law enforcement provided her with deep experience managing a diverse range of operational and strategic risks. As a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, Chiko’s responsibilities included threat management and intelligence, physical security assessments, major event security, and the protection of individuals ranging from the President of the United States to Former US Presidents, US Secretaries, and visiting Head of States. After leaving government service Chiko has taken on senior roles in the nonprofit and technology sectors.  She serves on several boards and is a valued voice on leadership and strategy, risk management, building global programs, talent development and leading diverse teams, internal audit, event production, as well as competitive and threat intelligence. She has also led change management and innovation efforts at an enterprise level.

Juval Aviv

Juval Aviv is the Founder of Interfor. Earlier in life, Juval served as an officer in the Israel Defense Force (Major, retired) leading an elite Commando/Intelligence Unit and was later selected by the Mossad to participate in a number of intelligence and special operations in many countries in the late 1960s and 1970s. In 1984, a true account of one mission was published, entitled Vengeance. The book became a best seller and was later the basis of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning movie, Munich.  After moving to the U.S. in the 1970s, Juval founded Interfor, where he played an intimate role in solving numerous cases of fraud, embezzlement and other anti-competitive behavior, in the banking, insurance, aerospace, entertainment, cosmetics and aviation industries, to name a few. Juval served as a special consultant to the U.S. Congress on issues of terrorism and money laundering and has been a frequent commentator over the years on FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, The History Channel, the BBC’s and many other television stations and publications around the world.

Adam Sager

Adam Sager is a leader in the security technology space. He is the Founder and CEO of Seneca, a security tool that combines the strengths of cloud and blockchain to create a decentralized data platform that prioritizes user privacy, verification, and control. Previously a founder of Canary, an IoT AI company that enabled people to protect their homes and businesses using smart devices, he is passionate about how advances in technology can support the values of personal autonomy and security and speaks to audiences regularly about these topics. He is the co-founder of Community Security Service (CSS), an international non-profit which focuses on community safety and security. Earlier in his career Adam worked for a leading global security firm on crisis management, building security, and other aspects of physical risk management. Adam previously served on a reconnaissance unit with the Israeli Defense Forces.

Tzviel Blankchtein

Tzviel “BK” Blankchtein is a renowned security expert with a wealth of global experience on protective services, institutional and corporate security consulting, tactical planning, and instruction. BK leverages his background with the Israeli Defense Forces for his clients, including his extensive training in amphibious assaults and undercover intelligence/counterintelligence operations in hostile and austere environments. While BK works regularly with law enforcement and military agencies to help these organizations improve their capabilities, he regularly trains civilians in krav maga and defensive strategies, emergency medical support, and firearms training, among other services. 

Don Aviv

Don is the President of Interfor International running day-to-day operations and heads Interfor’s Global Investigations & Security Consulting. Prior to his current role running Interfor, Don was the head of Global Security & Investigations for a Fortune 500 technology company. Don is a regular contributor to a variety of publications on a variety of foreign policy and corporate security matters and. His credentials include: Board Certified Protection Professional (CPP); Board Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP); Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) and licensed New York State Investigator. Mr. Aviv serves as the Vice Chairman of the ASIS International Security Services Council, sits on numerous corporate boards and is an advisor to several technology startups.

Bruce Hoffman

Bruce Hoffman is one of the world’s leading experts on extremism and global terrorism. With over five decades of experience researching, writing, and speaking about these subjects, Bruce is the author of many highly regarded books and he is a sought-after voice to help audiences understand these often difficult subjects. He is a professor at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, the Shelby Cullom and Kathryn W. Davis Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Council on Foreign Relations, and the George H. Gilmore Senior Fellow at the U.S. Military Academy’s Combating Terrorism Center. Bruce previously held the Corporate Chair in Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency at the RAND Corporation and co-founded and was the first director of St Andrews University’s Center for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, where he is Professor Emeritus of Terrorism Studies. Bruce was appointed a commissioner on the 9/11 Review Commission by the U.S. Congress and has been Scholar-in-Residence for Counterterrorism at the Central Intelligence Agency, and served as advisor to the U.S. military in Iraq.

Eduardo Jany

Eduardo Jany is a deeply experienced security professional with decades of experience in the public and private sectors. As a Chief Security Officer to some of world’s most well-known companies he has led award winning teams focused on physical security, protective operations, travel, crisis management and event security efforts covering more than 25,000 people at over 190 offices worldwide utilizing innovative strategies and processes. As a Captain in state law enforcement, he held command and supervisory assignments in patrol, SWAT, canine, narcotics and mounted units. A retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps, Eduardo handled assignments involving Anti-Terrorism, Investigations, Reconnaissance, Special Operations and Infantry assignments as well as prior service in the U.S. Army Special Forces. The recipient of several degrees from prestigious universities, Eduardo speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish.

Matthew Horace

Matthew Horace is a twenty-eight-year veteran of federal, state, and local law enforcement, and a prominent Chief Security Officer for major international corporations. He finished his career in the prestigious position of Special Agent in Change in the Senior Executive Service of the United States Department of Justice managing local, regional, national, and international investigations. Matt has been an on-air subject matter expert on law enforcement with CNN, NBC, CBS and ABC and he has written for The Wall Street Journal and a number of other publications. He is an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Leadership and Organizational Development and Crisis Communication. He is passionate about leadership, DE&I issues, building high-performing teams and crisis management.

James A. Marks

Major General James A. “Spider” Marks served over 30 years in the U.S. Army holding every command position from infantry platoon leader to commanding general. He has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf cluster, Bronze Star, and multiple combat, expeditionary and service ribbons. General Marks is the Founder and President of The Marks Collaborative, an advisory firm dedicated to leadership development, education, and training and has led entrepreneurial efforts in global primary research, IT, education, and national security. General Marks is a national security contributor to CNN and member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame.

Christopher Bakes

As a partner and trial attorney in one of the largest law firms in the United States, Christopher Bakes’s longtime commitment has been to justice in all of its forms. He has represented some of the largest companies in the world, such as Bechtel, HP, Agilent, Adobe, and Samsung, including on high profile domestic and international cases. As a former Navy JAG officer dedicated to public service, Christopher recognized the value and relevance of military service as a tool for the expansion of the American mainstream. A distinguished speaker on many topics, Christopher has a particularly deep commitment to professional ethics, and presents to both secular and faith-based groups of all sizes, promoting a panoramic view of professional ethics that calls on the full sweep of human history.

These are just a few of the experts in the Interfor network. Please get in touch with Interfor more details on potential experts to work with your team. Academy@interfor.international

Suggested Interfor Academy Talks

Whether you’re a conference organizer looking for that compelling speaker to keep your audience on the edge of their seats, a top executive looking to add a memorable guest to bring an unforgettable experience to your corporate retreat, or a human resources officer focused on training your team against security risks, Interfor Academy is ready to create a unique and customized experience for you. Every Interfor Academy expert is a compelling and deeply experienced public speaker ready to take the stage or speak to your team on their own. But Interfor Academy can combine these amazing experts to create one-of-a-kind panels, fireside chats, and team interviews curated to address issues specific to your needs.

Here are a few suggestions of unique experiences combining several Interfor Academy experts:

Leadership & Ethics

Create a memorable conversation at a conference or small corporate gathering by inviting Bob Grenier and Mark Sullivan to join a moderated discussion on leadership and ethics. Both speakers have had a front row of global events and have essential lessons on how to successfully lead teams under extraordinary circumstances. Drawn from their real-life high stakes experiences, both have nuanced views on how ethics should be communicated throughout an organization to best develop corporate culture.

Guarding your most Valuable Asset – Your Reputation

Inviting Shannon Wilkinson to speak to your corporate executives could be one of the best risk management decisions your company might ever make. One of the world’s leading expert on reputation management, will lead a riveting discussion on how to best navigate your personal and professional lives to avoid bad surprises, manage negative experiences, and develop your reputation into the asset that it should be. With cutting edge views on the role of technology and colorful anecdotes to learn from, this panel will leave your executives more knowledgeable about how to manage an essential asset – your reputation.

Survive & Thrive

Adding master security expert BK to your corporate retreat will provide an unforgettable experience. BK will lead your team through lessons on how to stave off a carjacking, ways to defend against an attacker with krav maga, and lessons on basic medical care in an emergency. In addition to providing potential life-saving skills to business travelers in challenging countries, working with BK on these and other skills offers unique team-building experiences that won’t soon be forgotten.

Interfor Academy brings together a special constellation of elite speakers

Spy Skills for the Business World

After spending a few hours with Steve Romano and Jeremy Hurewitz you will walk away seeing the world just a little differently. Steve’s decades of experience negotiating hostage sieges combined with Jeremy’s years as a corporate spy offer novel communication lessons that even the most seasoned executive or salesperson can learn from. Your team will come away with new skills to collect information, negotiate, network, detect deception, and other invaluable methods to help them thrive, while remaining on the edge of their seat the entire time with real-life situations to illustrate how these skills work in real life. 

Managing the Shifting Landscape of Digital Threats

A few hours spent with Adam Sager and Chiko Scozzafava will leave you feeling differently about the world. While you and your team might feel more worried about all the threats out there, you will leave such a session with more knowledge about the many ways you can safeguard your team and company from the constantly shifting cyber-threats that can undercut our security and economic well-being as well as an increased understanding of emerging and next-generation technology and how companies and governments are leveraging them. Adam and Chiko are a novel combination with complimentary experiences to help your company stay on the cutting edge of today’s digital threats.

Have a topic in mind? Want to create a special panel discussion or fireside chat? Talk to the team at Interfor Academy and we’ll create a customized experience to specifically incorporate your particular requests through the extensive experience within Interfor Academy.

Interfor International Experts

Interfor Academy draws on the extensive network of relationships that the company has established over nearly 50 years in the corporate security industry. Within Interfor resides a wealth of experience as well, and members of Interfor’s senior executive team regularly speak to law firms, corporations, as well as business and academic organizations to share their particular expertise. Interfor is happy to include these experienced experts on their own or in combination with other experts within Interfor Academy to augment any speaking engagement.

Executive Vice President, Investigations

Ben Kunde

Ben Kunde oversees complex and cross-border investigations, asset identification and due diligence matters at Interfor International. A Certified Fraud Examiner, he leverages over a decade of deep intelligence industry experience, bringing significant analytical, research, and management skills to each client matter. Ben has overseen thousands of international investigations in dozens of countries worldwide and is frequently asked by international media organizations for his views on risk management as his work places him on the cutting edge of global trends in business.

Executive Vice President, Threat Intelligence & Security Operations

Daniel Zaffran

Daniel has a strong track record in the fields of security, intelligence, and business development. After obtaining an MA in Middle East affairs he deployed as a cultural field analyst for the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the United States, Daniel worked as a consultant and analyst on private sector projects related to counterterrorism, terror financing, and security matters. Prior to Interfor, he was the U.S. liaison for a premier French security firm, developing presence within the North American market. At Interfor, Daniel applies his analytic and operational background in meeting the needs of our clientele in the areas of security management, business development, and project execution.

Executive Vice President

Thomas M. Suozzo

Thomas is a veteran of the corporate investigations industry with a background as a litigator. He was in private practice specializing in civil litigation earlier in his career and has served in executive roles with public and private companies in the legal service and medical device industries. He has spearheaded investigations in asset search, complex commercial litigation, anti-bribery and corruption, stock manipulation and political matters while at Interfor and is a regarded as an expert in corporate investigations.

Geopolitical & Economic

How do the larger macro forces at play, both regionally and globally, affect your interests.

Market Entry Support

Understand both the risks and upside before embarking on a new venture through granular and forward-looking industry expert analysis.

Competitive Intelligence

Gain perspective on the entire playing field, including your opponents, with timely intelligence and insights provided by experts and industry sources.

Localized Research

Interfor’s network can tap into experts on the ground for insight at the local level, unattainable by research done at a desk thousands of miles away.

In today’s increasingly globalized world, the effects of economic crises, violent conflicts, political shifts, and, indeed, pandemics are magnified and can easily ricochet across continents.

This dynamic applies in particular to the business world, where a local conflict in a far-off country that shuts down a factory can drastically impact a multinational company or an emerging competitor in the developing world can threaten legacy players a hemisphere away. For business leaders navigating geopolitical shifts, supply-chain disruptions, and security threats to their employees and infrastructure, strategic intelligence is a vital decision-making tool.

  • Interfor International provides clients with critical intelligence on emerging risks and opportunities in addition to deep insights into global trends, enabling them to maintain a competitive edge, guard against high-impact global crises, and drive continued growth.
  • Interfor understands the increasing focus on Environmental, Social, Governance issues that are an increasing focus of companies eager to stay on the right side of these important topics to reflect the concerns of their customers and employees. 
  • The deep experience of Interfor’s investigative team underscores their role as experts on global corruption and the enforcement of laws like the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K.’s Bribery Law. Our team regularly guides clients through the tricky waters of company expansion, joint ventures, and other corporate work in parts of the world where corruption is simply a part of the business background. 
  • In four decades of targeted investigative work in some of the world’s most challenging and inscrutable countries, Interfor has built a vast global network of contacts who are well-positioned to shine a light on strategic-level client concerns. Our analytical staff has deep experience in key industries and regions and can expertly leverage our relationships around the world to extract unparalleled insights into markets of critical interest to our clients. Interfor’s deep experience and expertise in investigative and intelligence work uniquely positions us to explore opportunity or risk areas on behalf of our clients discreetly and confidentially.

Clients Served

As with our other practice areas, Interfor works with a wide range of globally-oriented businesses. Our Strategic Intelligence practice is often of value to the client types mentioned below, including:

  • Alternative investors
    • Hedge funds, Private equity firms
  • Natural resources industry
    • Energy producers & service companies
    • Mining companies
  • Multinational infrastructure firms
  • Aerospace and defense companies
  • Pharmaceutical firms
  • Global agribusiness companies

Solution Areas

Interfor’s Strategic Intelligence practice primarily provides solutions across the areas below; however, our solutions are inherently bespoke. More than anything, we are committed to equipping our clients with unparalleled insights into a wide range of global issues.

Geopolitical and Economic Analysis

Our Geopolitical and Economic Analysis practice helps clients understand political and economic dynamics in key regions, with an eye toward how clients can best position themselves in anticipation of future developments. We might, for example:

  • Advise an alternative investor on how a new administration’s foreign policy might impact global commodity markets (with a focus on evolving U.S. relations with Russia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Iran).
  • Analyze the prospects of a given region’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis, with a focus on key sectors of interest to our multinational client.
  • Evaluate the present and future pace of political and economic reforms in high-risk but rapidly growing markets in the Middle East of significant potential interest to US investors and corporations.

Sample Engagement

Client: An alternative investor focused on oil markets

Project Focus: The new administration’s prospective reentry into the Iran nuclear deal and its potential impact on global energy markets

  1. What are the odds of a full US re-entry into the JCPOA? What about more incremental agreements (i.e. including anything less than the oil sanctions relief stipulated in the original JCPOA)?
  2. What deadlines might re-negotiation face? The Majlis’ deadline? Iran’s upcoming presidential election (6/21)? If no deal is struck by mid-2021, how will prospects for Iranian oil exports change?
  3. How would US reentry into the JCPOA (or pursuit of reentry) affect regional stability, with particular regard to tensions between Iran and KSA, UAE, and/or Israel, proxy activities in Yemen, Iraq, etc.? 
  4. In the event negotiations do in fact lower barriers to Iranian oil exports, how might KSA, Russia, and other major oil producers respond to an increase in Iranian oil being sold into global markets? 
  5. Who stands to lose the most in the event of increased Iranian market share and/or a drop in global oil prices?

Market Entry Support

Interfor provides on-the-ground intelligence and veteran insight for clients considering investing and operating in new geographies. Our capabilities include:

  • Partnership landscapes, identifying and pre-vetting a range of potential partners to support client launches in new markets
  • Regulatory mapping and intelligence, to guide clients through key regulatory processes and to advise on any reform agendas or other changes that might affect clients’ plans; additionally, risk mitigation guidance focused specifically on FCPA concerns
  • Targeted risk analysis, to provide sector- or opportunity-specific insights into political and economic dynamics that might benefit or hurt clients’ prospects in new markets

Sample Engagement

Client: Multinational infrastructure firm

Project Focus: Landscape of large-scale infrastructure opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa, plus political, FCPA, partner, and other risk mitigation guidance

  1. Which national markets present the most attractive contracting and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities over the next 10 years, in purely financial terms (e.g. planned expenditures)?
  2. What does the competitive landscape look like across the region? Are the main players local or multinational? 
  3. What common and unique macro-level risks do the region’s leading markets present? Could political or economic instability threaten infrastructure expansion plans and/or the reliability of payment for services rendered? Do corrupt government actors or local competitors present any unorthodox threats, e.g. politically-motivated legal action or expropriation, operational sabotage, etc.?
  4. How difficult is it to identify reliable local partners? What risks could emanate from those partnerships? (and how Interfor can help with partner due diligence)
  5. How do contracting, permitting, and other government processes vary market to market, in terms of efficiency, number of touchpoints, and FCPA risk?

Competitive Intelligence

Interfor can also provide insight into competitors’ strategic plans in high-priority markets around the world. We might, for example:

  • Map the competitive landscape a client faces or will soon face as it enters a new market or introduces a new product
  • Provide deep-dive analysis on specific global competitors, evaluating the threats they pose to a client’s overall growth plans
  • Investigate specific issues related to a major competitor, e.g. allegations of corruption or other impropriety

Sample Engagement

Client: US aerospace manufacturer

Project Focus: Insight into a major competitor’s strategy in a key emerging market that Client seeks to prioritize in 2021-2025

  1. To what extent does the competitor intend to prioritize the target market in the specified timeframe (2021-2025)? How has Covid impacted those plans?
  2. What other strategic plans does the competitor have in the broader region that could interfere with or accelerate deployment of resources to the target market?
  3. Do the competitor’s offerings fit with the volume and type of demand exhibited in the target market, as understood by Client and as separately assessed by Interfor? Compared with Client’s offerings?
  4. Does the competitor have any market advantages? Local staff, partnerships, or other relationships? 
  5. To what extent is the competitor liable for corruption-related prosecution in its home market? Are corrupt contracting and procurement practices common in the target market?

The information herein is just an introduction and overview of our global capabilities in the area of Strategic Intelligence. Every engagement is tailored to meet the needs of the client.

Like the broader world in which we operate, blurred lines and nuance are inevitable. Whatever challenge you are facing — no matter how vexing, difficult, or seemingly unknowable — we welcome it.

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