About
IRS Forensic Investigations (“IRS”) is a private company whose members have received multiple awards. IRS members have received more awards from the security industry regulator and representative associations than any other registered private investigations company in South Africa.
IRS has four divisions:
- Complex Financial Crime Investigations
- Compliance and Governance
- Technical
- Training
IRS celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021.
History
Integrated Risk Solutions (the origin of the “IRS” acronym) was founded in 2001 by Chad Thomas, initially as a division of Revenue & Asset Protection Services, to fulfil the need for a reactive forensic financial crime investigation service, risk mitigation service, financial restitution service, and proactive fraud awareness company servicing primarily the SMME market.
In 2011, IRS Forensic Investigations, became a standalone company with Glenda Paul and Chad Thomas as directors.
Notable Cases and Achievements
IRS has investigated many high-profile cases in South Africa and abroad, including multi-million-rand tender frauds; hi-jacking of mines and other companies; illegal sale of state land; racketeering, investment fraud, Ponzi schemes, advance fee scams and crypto/forex frauds.
IRS was the first private investigation company in South Africa to open a criminal case of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment fronting; and worked side by side with the Public Protector on a land restitution case. IRS has also been a part of joint investigations with the specialised components of the Directorate Priority Crime Investigation, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Special Investigating Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority; as well as other state law enforcement agencies. Our ethos is that the only way to fully combat fraud and corruption is through effective public private partnerships.
IRS has undertaken investigation assignments throughout Africa and sent a team to the country of Benin to investigate the attempted assassination of the then President of Benin. IRS represents clients from across the globe and liaises with each jurisdiction’s law enforcement agencies.
IRS, through mainstream media and social media, reaches in excess of 2 million people per month, and IRS rates as the top influencer in the private investigations industry on social media in Africa.
Awards
Staff members have received many awards and commendations over the years from many different organisations.
Glenda Paul was featured as one of four women in the Justice Category of the Mail & Guardian “Women Changing South Africa in 2019”.
Chad Thomas
1998 Gold Medal Recipient
Security Officers Board
Chad Thomas
2019 Bronze Award Recipient
Security Industry
Glenda Paul
2019 Bronze Award Recipient
Security Industry
Andre Van Wyk
2019 Bronze Award Recipient
Security Industry
Leonna Ballian
2019 Bronze Award Recipient
Security Industry
Jarod Paul
2019 Bronze Award Recipient
Security Industry
Paul Farrow
2019 Bronze Award Recipient
Security Industry
Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment
The majority shareholder of IRS is a historically disadvantaged female.