An IMGW Feature Interview
In a rapidly globalising world, businesses and individuals face increasing complexities when it comes to mitigating risks and making informed decisions. Globe Detective Agency (GDA), led by Sachit Kumar, has built a reputation over nearly six decades for delivering precise, actionable intelligence.
Specialising in due diligence, corporate investigations, and a wide range of investigative services, GDA ensures clients can navigate these complexities with confidence. IMGW editor Ray de Bono sat down with Sachit Kumar, Managing Director of Globe Detective Agency, for this interview, where Kumar sheds light on how GDA’s multi-layered approach to investigations helps clients uncover hidden risks and seize opportunities in an increasingly volatile and interconnected global landscape.
“Reputation analysis further helps us evaluate a company’s market standing, ethical practices, and leadership credibility, all of which are vital for businesses seeking to avoid reputational damage and regulatory penalties“
Q.1 What sets GDA’s due diligence approach apart from other investigative firms?
At GDA, due diligence is not merely a checklist—it’s a deep, methodical process designed to offer precise, actionable intelligence. What differentiates us is our multi-layered approach. Rather than relying solely on database checks, we combine open-source intelligence (OSINT), discreet human intelligence (HUMINT), on-the-ground verifications, and complex legal research across multiple jurisdictions. This holistic methodology, backed by nearly 60 years of experience, enables us to uncover hidden risks that others might miss, providing clients with the insights they need to make informed decisions.
Q.2 Can you share an example where GDA’s intelligence helped a client avoid significant risk?
We recently assisted a multinational corporation considering a joint venture with a foreign entity. While initial financial reports seemed sound, our deep-dive due diligence uncovered undisclosed litigation, financial discrepancies, and political ties that posed severe regulatory and reputational risks. As a result of our findings, the client decided against the partnership, thus avoiding potential financial losses and compliance challenges. This case exemplifies how comprehensive due diligence can be the deciding factor in mitigating risks.
“To fully understand the risks associated with potential partners or investments, we scrutinise less visible elements such as political affiliations and reputation.“
Q.3 With the rise of cross-border investments, how does GDA navigate international regulatory landscapes and access financial and legal records across multiple jurisdictions?
Navigating the complexities of international jurisdictions is one of our core strengths. We’ve established a robust global network of in-country experts and strategic partnerships, allowing us to conduct thorough investigations across diverse regulatory landscapes. We combine local knowledge with advanced investigative techniques, such as discreet HUMINT inquiries and access to proprietary databases, to ensure that we meet the specific legal and financial requirements of each jurisdiction. Moreover, we continuously adapt to evolving global regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) standards and beneficial ownership disclosures, which ensures compliance and thoroughness in all our investigations.
Q.4 How do you maintain the same level of confidentiality and diligence across such a broad range of services, from corporate investigations to pre-matrimonial checks?
Confidentiality and diligence are the cornerstones of our work, regardless of the type of investigation. Whether conducting corporate due diligence, verifying insurance claims, or handling sensitive personal investigations like pre-matrimonial checks, we employ a consistent methodology. This includes comprehensive research, discreet field inquiries, and multi-source verification. We adhere strictly to ethical standards and maintain rigorous data protection protocols, ensuring that all sensitive information remains secure throughout the process.
Q.5 How do political affiliations and reputation analysis factor into your due diligence process?
In today’s global landscape, financial and legal documents often tell only part of the story. To fully understand the risks associated with potential partners or investments, we scrutinise less visible elements such as political affiliations and reputation. OSINT and political exposure assessments can reveal hidden risks tied to corruption, undue influence, or compliance challenges, especially in regions with stringent anti-bribery regulations. Reputation analysis further helps us evaluate a company’s market standing, ethical practices, and leadership credibility, all of which are vital for businesses seeking to avoid reputational damage and regulatory penalties.
Q.6 With cybersecurity becoming increasingly important, does GDA incorporate digital forensics into its work?
Indeed, as cybersecurity and data protection become paramount, we’ve adapted by integrating digital forensics and technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM) into our investigative work where necessary. While not a primary focus, these services enhance our ability to secure client data and uncover digital threats that could compromise the integrity of an investigation. In an age where information security is crucial, we ensure our investigative processes remain robust and fully secure.
Q. 7 How does GDA assist clients in complying with EU Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, especially in the context of investment migration?
With stricter EU AML regulations, particularly concerning investment migration, our role has become even more critical. GDA offers comprehensive Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) services for Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programmes. We conduct in-depth background checks, source-of-funds verifications, global sanctions screening, and political exposure assessments to ensure compliance with these stringent regulations. This helps governments and private sector players meet regulatory requirements while simultaneously bolstering their reputation as trusted, transparent partners in the investment migration space.
Q. 8 As GDA approaches its 60th anniversary, what is the vision for the future of the agency?
As we celebrate six decades of investigative excellence, our vision is to continue evolving in response to the changing needs of our clients. We plan to expand our service offerings, deepen our expertise in emerging sectors like cybersecurity, and further strengthen our international network. Our commitment to providing reliable, action-oriented intelligence will remain at the core of our operations as we move into the future.
As the investigative landscape continues to evolve, GDA remains at the forefront, adapting its strategies to meet the changing demands of businesses and individuals. With its deep expertise, global network, and unwavering commitment to confidentiality and precision, GDA ensures that its clients are equipped with the intelligence needed to thrive in a world of complex regulations, cyber threats, and international risks. As GDA celebrates its 60th year, its focus on thorough, ethical, and client-centred investigations will continue to guide decision-makers in securing their most important assets—both financial and reputational.
𝑩𝒊𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒚
Sachit Kumar, Managing Director of Globe Detective Agency Private Limited (GDA), hails from a distinguished family with a longstanding legacy in the private investigation industry. He is the son of Mr. Prem Kumar, the founder of GDA, established in 1965. Since joining the firm, Sachit has upheld the family’s commitment to excellence in investigations and security services. With an MBA from Strathclyde Business School (1987), Sachit boasts over 37 years of experience leading GDA, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the sector.
Sachit’s expertise spans corporate fraud investigations, employment screening, asset verification, litigation support, and intellectual property protection. Having successfully managed over 15,000 cases, he has built a solid reputation among high-profile clients, including multinational corporations and government agencies. Under his leadership, GDA has become a trusted partner in Citizenship by Investment (CBI) due diligence, implementing thorough KYC processes to ensure applicant credibility.
Sachit’s accolades include the ‘Investigations Entrepreneur of the Year’ award in 2008 and the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award in Investigation’ in 2012. He has also served multiple terms as President of the Council of International Investigators, contributing extensively to the advancement of the field.
On a personal note, Sachit is a devoted family man, married to Mrs. Gaitri Kumar, a former Indian High Commissioner to the UK. Together, they have two daughters. Their unwavering support has played a pivotal role in his professional success, helping shape GDA into a respected leader in the industry.
🖊️ 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔?
