Conduct a due diligence background check on the suspect firms and individuals, and, if the circumstances warrant, on complainants, informants or key witnesses to help assess their credibility.
Initial background checks on companies in most parts of the world can be conducted largely on-line, as can checks on individuals in some areas, particularly in the US. Important information obtained on-line should be confirmed with official hard copy records if feasible.
Checks on individuals and smaller firms in some areas must be done on-site with the assistance of local consultants, as discussed in the link below. Useful information on larger international companies often can be obtained by accessing subscription “compliance sites.”
See the complete due diligence background checklist for firms and individuals.