Pradeep Akkunoor: Welcome, Kirill! Thank you for joining us today. I’d like to start by discussing your career journey. Could you tell us how you entered the anti-fraud field?
Kirill Tchashchin: Thank you for having me, Pradeep. My career in the anti-fraud field began quite unexpectedly. Seventeen years ago, I was part of a team that established the first Russian language full-text Internet archive/library. While working on that project, I found myself assisting clients who were primarily dealing with fraud-related matters. This led my team to collaborate with regional and state police, as well as tax authorities, in complex tax case investigations. That’s how I made my entry into the anti-fraud field.
Pradeep Akkunoor: It’s fascinating how you stumbled into the field. Did you undergo any specific training or education in anti-fraud topics?
Kirill Tchashchin: Interestingly, I have not received any formal training in anti-fraud topics. I consider myself self-taught in this regard. When I began my career, there wasn’t a structured anti-fraud education available. However, looking at the recent developments in educational offerings, I do feel a slight tinge of envy toward the younger generation. They now have access to more detailed knowledge through education rather than relying solely on fieldwork experiences.
Pradeep Akkunoor: Your journey of self-learning is impressive. In your opinion, what are the important qualities of a forensic accountant?
Kirill Tchashchin: From my experience, I believe sincere love for real challenges, curiosity to seek irregularities in non-traditional places, meticulousness while dealing with vast amounts of data, individuals, and connections, and integrity are essential qualities for a forensic accountant. It’s worth noting that pursuing a career as a forensic accountant does come with some risks, as investigations can lead to creating enemies. However, for those with a curious mindset, it can be both a challenging and rewarding occupation.
Pradeep Akkunoor: Thank you for sharing those insights. Let’s talk about your work in Russia. Could you shed some light on the fraud landscape and the state of anti-fraud efforts there?
Kirill Tchashchin: Unfortunately, in Russia, balance sheet tampering is not considered a serious crime or fraud, primarily due to the reasonable non-public nature of the Russian economy. Most fraud cases occur in the upper echelons of corporate management, and municipal contract frauds are also widespread. Bribery remains prevalent, and the state’s efforts to reduce it have proven to be ineffective. Even public opinion towards fraud is quite lenient, often dismissing anti-fraud efforts as worthless.
One positive development in recent years is the mandatory posting of all state procurement tenders on publicly available sites. This has enabled effective public scrutiny and created high-profile events related to questionable purchases by government bodies. Consequently, government contractors are now forced to behave more responsibly.
Pradeep Akkunoor: It’s intriguing to learn about the unique challenges faced in Russia. Could you share a couple of significant and memorable cases you’ve worked on during your career?
Kirill Tchashchin: Certainly! One of the most significant and memorable cases I was involved in was the prosecution of the former Russian Nuclear Minister, E. Adamov, for fraud and money laundering charges. It was a lengthy process, but achieving success in that case fills me with pride.
Another recent memorable case was when our team exposed a fraudulent stock market acquisition deal worth US $500 million.
Pradeep Akkunoor: That’s impressive work, Kirill. It’s fascinating to see how your team uncovered such a significant fraudulent scheme. Now, you mentioned that you have interacted with anti-fraud communities in different countries. Could you tell us about your experiences and what you’ve learned from them?
Kirill Tchashchin: Absolutely. I have had the opportunity to engage with fraud prevention professionals from various countries, particularly in Europe and the US. Through these interactions, I have gained valuable advice and insights that I’ve tried to incorporate into my own work. It’s always beneficial to exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of professionals in the field.
I have also visited India and attended a conference organized by Indiaforensic. I must say, I was highly impressed by the efforts of Indiaforensic. The conference brought together a dedicated community willing to share their experiences and help each other in investigations. It was my first close encounter with the Indian forensic accounting community, and I found a wealth of country-specific information that I couldn’t have found anywhere else.
Pradeep Akkunoor: It’s great to hear that you’ve been able to connect with professionals from different countries and benefit from their expertise. Finally, Kirill, what message would you like to convey to our readers?
Kirill Tchashchin: I would like to emphasize that greed has been a fundamental flaw of humanity for centuries, and fraud will continue to occur. Efforts to combat fraud are always necessary. The anti-fraud community faces increasing demands for continuing education, as technologies evolve and fraudsters adapt to new methods. Organizations like Indiaforensic play a crucial role in the growth and development of the anti-fraud community. I encourage more people to get involved, take advantage of the education and awareness they provide, and consider entering this field. It requires individuals who are one step ahead and willing to catch those who engage in fraudulent activities.
Pradeep Akkunoor: Thank you for your insightful words, Kirill. Your experiences and perspectives shed light on the challenges and importance of fighting fraud. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Kirill Tchashchin: Thank you, Pradeep. It was my pleasure to share my journey and thoughts with you. I hope it inspires others to actively participate in the fight against fraud.