Digital forensics

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Digital forensics with BDO

Digital forensics: solving economic crime and fraud

In an increasingly digitalised business environment, economic crimes, fraud, and breaches such as sexual harassment leave digital traces. Our specialised digital forensics services support companies and organisations in effectively investigating incidents, preserving evidence and holding perpetrators accountable.

Our digital forensics experts use state-of-the-art methodologies, technologies and software to extract, make readable, and analyse data from computers, mobile phones, networks and other digital devices.

Do you suspect financial irregularities, fraudulent behaviour by employees or violations of ethical guidelines? We're here to support you with our expertise in digital forensics. You can rely on BDO as your trusted partner for investigating economic crime.

Why BDO is the ideal choice for digital forensics services

Capture and analyse evidenceCapture and analyse
evidence

BDO has many years of experience in investigating economic crimes and internal incidents. Our experts continuously invest in training and development, and hold the specialist certificates and qualifications needed to best support you.

strong network

We rely on the strength
of our network

As part of the global BDO network in over 150 countries, we combine international expertise with a local footprint. This enables us to take effective action even in complex and cross-border digital forensics cases.

delivering results

We deliver court-admissible
results

We work to the highest professional standards. All secured evidence is documented in compliance with legal standards and is admissible in court proceedings. We guarantee strict confidentiality and liaise closely with your in-house or external legal advisors.

Digital forensics: Which services can we provide to support your business?

From preserving evidence and investigating incidents to minimising risks – our digital forensics services are designed to give you expert support in investigating and preventing economic crime, Supported by the right tools and methods, we help you identify incidents at an early stage and respond promptly.

Our core competencies in digital forensic - at a glance


Investigating economic crimes with digital forensics.

Investigating economic crime

White-collar crimes such as embezzlement, corruption and insider trading often leave digital traces – whether in emails, financial transactions or other electronic sources of information. Our forensic experts analyse these traces and preserve robust evidence for you.

  • Analysis of financial data:  We investigate suspicious transactions, uncover discrepancies and assist in identifying money laundering.
  • Email and communications forensics:  By analysing digital communications, we uncover internal collusion, illegal activities and other violations.
  • Document and contract review:  With our expertise in e-forensics, we carefully preserve and analyse digital documents, enabling us to identify any manipulation or fraudulent activities.


Fraud investigation in digital forensics

Fraud investigations

Fraud is one of the most common and serious threats businesses face. Our digital forensics experts specialise in identifying fraudulent activity in your systems and preserving evidence that is admissible in court should you enter into legal proceedings.

  • Employee fraud:  Investigation of fraudulent employee activities, such as billing fraud or theft of intellectual property.
  • Financial fraud: Identification and analysis of fake invoices, manipulated payment flows or inflated expense reports – for accurate results, in line with legal requirements.


Digital forensics is an important tool in investigations of sexual harassment.

Investigation of sexual harassment and bullying

In sensitive situations such as sexual harassment or bullying, digital forensics is a critical tool for preserving digital evidence and uncovering the truth. Emails, chat histories, and other communication channels often play a central role as evidence.

  • Preserving evidence:We identify and preserve relevant messages, emails and digital records that can be used as evidence in disciplinary proceedings or court cases.
  • Discreet and confidential investigations:  Our digital forensics experts maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality when investigating sensitive incidents such as sexual harassment in the workplace.


Forensic data analysis of digital traces

Forensic data analysis for internal investigations

During internal investigations, it's important to take swift and targeted action in order to preserve digital evidence before it can be deleted or manipulated. We offer data preservation and analysis in accordance with legal requirements, and deliver evidence that you can use in internal disciplinary proceedings.

  • Legally compliant preservation of evidence:  Our experts ensure that all evidence secured complies with legal requirements and is admissible in court or arbitration proceedings.
  • Discreet approach:  We uphold absolute confidentiality to support your internal investigations efficiently and minimise potential damage to your company's reputation.


Cyber security at BDO locations

Wherever you need us, we're there

With 42 offices in Switzerland and a global network, BDO is always close by and ready to deliver efficient and discreet investigation services. Whether you prefer to meet us on site or online, our work is built on trust, personal interaction and tailored solutions in digital forensics.

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Our digital forensics approach

Our approach to digital forensics follows a clearly structured process based on the widely recognised E-Discovery Reference Model (EDRM). This enables us to achieve fast and reliable results and provide you with optimal support at every stage of the investigation:

The four process steps of digital forensics at BDO.

  1. Initial consultation:  In a non-binding initial consultation, we analyse the incident, discuss the scope of the investigation and define the next steps with you.
  2. Preservation of evidence: We carefully preserve digital evidence in line with legal requirements - before it can be tampered with or deleted.
  3. Forensic analysis:  Using state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, we analyse the preserved data, identify suspicious activities and extract robust evidence.
  4. Reporting and recommended action:  You receive a comprehensive report detailing the results of the digital forensics investigation along with specific recommendations for legal action or internal measures.

Do you have any questions about our approach?

The BDO team is here for you. Together, we'll find the right solution for your individual digital forensics needs.

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Looking to use digital forensics for more clarity in a complex digital world?

  • Investigation of fraud and embezzlement → Analysis of financial flows and internal breaches.
  • Forensic accounting audit → Detection of manipulation or fraudulent accounting.
  • Investigation of employee misconduct → Preserving evidence in cases of theft, expense fraud or conflicts of interest.
  • Documentation and evidentiary support for legal cases → Assistance in labour or commercial law disputes.
  • Forensic analysis of corruption cases → Detection and preservation of evidence relating to bribery or acceptance of undue advantages.
  • Investigation of international fraud networks → Analysis of financial flows and complex fraud systems.
  • Internal investigations into conflicts of interest and compliance violations → Ensuring compliance with international rules and regulations.
  • Forensic support in antitrust and competition violations → Evidence and analysis of anti-competitive practices.
  • Investigation in cases of abuse of office and corruption → Detection of acceptance of undue advantages or nepotism.
  • Investigation of fraud in public procurement → Examination of tendering procedures and subsidy fraud.
  • Preservation of evidence in cases of discrimination or harassment → Support in internal investigations and labour law disputes.
  • Documentation and reporting for legal proceedings → Provision of court-admissible analyses and expert opinions.
  • Detection of donation fraud and misuse of subsidies → Forensic analysis of financial flows and suspicious cases.
  • Investigation of conflicts of interest and embezzlement → Ensuring transparent use of funds.
  • Preservation of evidence in cases of abuse of power or harassment → Support during internal investigations.

Frequently asked questions about how to ensure an effective forensic investigation

How do you identify and collect relevant data?

We start by identifying all relevant data sources, including emails, digital communication channels, documents and network storage. We collect potential evidence systematically, quickly and discreetly to prevent tampering or data loss. This ensures that all crucial information is available for analysis and that no relevant details are overlooked.

How is the data preserved and protected?

All the data we collect is secured using advanced forensic tools, ensuring that its integrity is fully preserved and that any evidence remains intact and legally compliant. At the same time, we protect the data from unauthorised access to guarantee absolute confidentiality.

Our approach: preserving evidence in accordance with the EDRM model

We strictly adhere to the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM), which ensures that all steps – from preservation to analysis – are carried out in accordance with legal requirements and that any evidence secured is admissible in court. We attach the utmost importance to discretion and security to give you peace of mind that your sensitive data is handled professionally and with protective measures in place.

How is the data analysed and evaluated?

During the analysis phase, we use advanced forensic technologies and generative AI to identify suspicious activities, behavioural patterns and anomalies in the data. Our experts filter relevant information that may be important for internal investigations or legal proceedings. In addition, we provide you with structured results that help you make quick and informed decisions.

How are the results documented so that they are admissible in court?

Once the analysis is complete, we produce a comprehensive, legally compliant report that clearly and concisely documents all evidence and findings. This report is prepared in such a way that it can be used as evidence in court. It also contains our specific recommendations for next steps, whether for internal measures or legal proceedings.

What happens once the forensic process is complete?

Once our investigation is complete, we offer you two options:

  • Secure, irrevocable deletion of the data collected, ensuring compliance with data protection guidelines.
  • Legally compliant archiving of the data in case it is needed for future legal cases.

Upon request, we can also assist you in implementing measures to prevent future incidents and protect your systems long term.

White-collar crime often goes unnoticed – until it's too late. Our forensic services uncover fraud, corruption and internal misconduct, preserve evidence and protect companies from financial and legal repercussions.

Florian MuffHead Digital Forensics
Florian Muff

Florian Muff

BDO Digital, Lead Digital Forensics
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