Middle Eastern Investigations

By Michael Geron, CFE, F.IPI, CII

Introduction

The Middle East is among the most diverse selection of countries on the globe. The languages date back to biblical periods, the customs are alien to westerners, and the religious beliefs are many including Christianity, Judaism, and Moslem.

In most Middle Eastern countries the profession of private investigation is dangerous. The governments of these countries believe that only their authorities should investigate. Others inquiring into matters can find themselves in jail. A foreigner caught inquiring could find himself not only in jail but also being charged as a foreign spy.

My offices were based in Israel from 1979 through 2002, and therefore I have extensive investigative experience in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean counties where business customs, documentation and procedures are quite different than that of free democratic societies. Access to information is difficult and cumbersome. Public access information can be limited to the telephone directory, and archives are usually paper files.

A Middle Eastern Death Investigation

The primary issues to be investigated are identification of the subject and the circumstances surrounding and causing the death. The death also often needs to be verified beyond perhaps questionable documentation of papers.

There have been documented case of intelligent, well-educated individuals from Middle Eastern counties who traveled to and lived in the United States. These individuals obtain a life insurance policy, return to their home country, and subsequently a beneficiary puts forth a death claim. The insured may be alive and well and possibly living with a clan in Rafah located in the Gaza Strip, in Damavand located in the Elburz Mountains in Iran, or in Yuval a border settlement in Israel. These frauds are committed by know that an American investigator will have difficulty entering these areas to conduct an inquiry.

Another recent twist to this scenario is where the foreigner marries an American woman and suggests they travel to his home country for the honeymoon. Prior to traveling they obtain life insurance, and while in his home country an unfortunate "accident" occurs resulting in her death.

Subject Identification:

Subject identification is a primary concern. In many, if not all cases by the time the investigator is instructed the body has been buried, cremated, or otherwise disposed of and is not available to view or examine.

Identification is therefore based on identifying details (primarily the full name) and/or photographs. Names in many foreign countries, in particular Middle Eastern countries, can be confusing as the translation of the foreign name into English is not completely correct or not the entire name.

I was instructed to conduct a death investigation where the deceased was an Arab having foreign citizenship, and was insured in the foreign country. The death occurred in a Palestinian Governed city in the West Bank. The documentation I received from carrier contained a translated first and last name that were insufficient for identity purposes. Understanding the possibilities involved in Arabic naming customs I was able to compile the complete name being composed of the given name, the father's name, the grandfather’s name, and the family name.

Many Gulf Arabs and Saudis may use their ancestors' names from at least five or six generations. As an example: Fahad bin Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al- Sa'ud, where bin means the "son of".

When the investigator receives the initial case assignment instructions these usually include basic identifying details such as full name, date of birth, address, and other known identifying information. Seldom is a photograph of the subject available.

The investigator must attempt to examine and copy all available documentation containing full name, identity card number, passport details, date of birth, place of birth, previous name/s, marital status and spouse details, permanent address and previous addresses. Photographic documentation should be made of any document found containing a picture of the subject of the inquiry.

During interviews request a detailed description of the subject to include scars, tattoos, and ask for a photograph which is usually available from relatives, and friends.

Documentation

Documentation is important in a death investigation however it should always confirm information obtained from other sources. This is important as in many foreign countries original or certified copies can be purchased because corruption at this level of bureaucracy. Originals are sought after whenever possible. When not possible certified (signed and/or stamped) copies, notarized by a public notary or certified by an attorney as "identical to the original" should be obtained. Wherever possible notarizations, certifications, and/or translations should be effected at the American Embassy providing there is such an Embassy in the particular country.

Documents of any type should always be put into a plastic sleeve, or envelope for protection. Never write on them, mark them, or alter them in any manner. This includes photographs.

On receiving any type of document and/or document certification always note the full name, position, department and other details of the provider. If documents are not received from the source whenever possible go to the issuing authority to confirm the documents authenticity. When photographing always make note of the subject, location, date, and time.

Documents

This is by no means a complete listing of documents. Depending on the country, circumstances surrounding the death, and other factors some documents will not be available.

Death Certificate
Hospital Records
Medical Examiner Reports
Police Reports
Cemetery Forms, Documents, Burial Register
In addition photographs of the cemetery, the burial site, and any inscriptions on the subject tomb stone
Funeral Home Forms, Documents, Register, Other
Newspaper Articles and/or Obituaries
Ambulance Forms, Reports, Payment Receipts

Interviews

Interviews, and statements are a primary source of information. Often a family member, friend, neighbor, or business associate will divulge information pertinent to the investigation not apparent in any documentation.

Topics covered during all interviews should include the subjects identifying details, circumstances surrounding the death, cause of death, health, marital and family status, civil and criminal court status, and financial status.

Sources To Interview

Individuals who identified the body
Physician who pronounced the death
Relatives
Friends
Neighbors
Business Associates
Previous Husbands or Wives
Cemetery Care Takers
Funeral Home Employees

Conclusion

There will always be a new scam or a twist to an old one, and therefore subject identification, documentation, and interviews are all mandatory components to the death investigation, particularly in Middle Eastern countries. Paper documentation should not be considered sufficient to pay a death claim.

The use of an investigator experienced in the customs and mores of foreign countries is paramount in verifying the authenticity of a death claim. The investigator utilized in these types of cases must have a reputation of integrity and connections to the United States to provide credibility to the inquiry.

VTS Investigations provides assistance to insurance carriers or other professionals that need to conduct inquiries in the Middle East and several other foreign countries. Our associates, contacts and sources provide the bridge of communication necessary to bring matters to conclusion.