Aprio, LLP, a nationally-recognized, CPA-led business advisory firm, announced that the firm has launched Forensic and Investigative Services as part of its Litigation Support and Forensic Accounting Services group.

Aprio’s Forensic and Investigative team, led by Nicole Ponziani, CFE, CECI, CCE, has years of experience working with attorneys and clients in developing solutions through proprietary models and the gathering of necessary supporting documentation for use as evidence in the investigation of alleged “bad acts”. Her involvement includes the handling of internal and criminal investigations through subject interviews and tracing of assets with proven results.

Some examples of Aprio’s Forensic and Investigative Services work includes:

• The Aprio team was engaged to investigate and analyze a multi-million-dollar asset misappropriation involving a financial institution. Hundreds of transactions and identified recipients were found to be fraudulent. Restitution was sought and the proper documents were provided to the regulators, insurance carrier and law enforcement.

• The Aprio team performed an internal investigation on a multi-million-dollar private company. We identified a significant misappropriation of assets. Under our guidance the company rectified the inadequacies in their internal controls. A claim to their insurance carrier and a report to law enforcement was prepared.

Ponziani, with a degree in criminology, has more than 17 years of experience having worked with local law enforcement and fraud countermeasures compliance in areas such as fraud investigations, financial services regulatory compliance, FCPA, RICO, HR investigations, money laundering and Ponzi schemes.

“It is our goal to minimize the impact that an investigation has on our clients’ businesses operations,” said Howard Zandman, Partner-in-Charge of Litigation Support and Forensic Accounting Services at Aprio. “The Forensics and Investigative Services team’s expertise in getting beneath the surface enables us to reach solutions efficiently and effectively and provide evidence that is clear, understandable and withstands the rigors of court.”