The “red flags” of hidden interests are essentially the same as bribes and kickbacks, as well as:
- Complaints or reports that a project or government official owns an outside business or supplier;
- A contractor is not listed on the internet or in business or telephone directories;
- A contractor’s address is a residence or non-business location;
- A contractor or supplier provides a wide variety of disparate goods and services at high prices (indicating it is a broker);
- A contractor subcontracts all or most of the work received (indicating it could be a shell company).