We are legal experts in fraud, corruption and cybercrime investigations in Africa, as well as anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering compliance and risk management.
Our highly skilled team of forensic lawyers, accountants, investigators, digital forensic experts, data analysts and fraud prosecutors has extensive expertise and experience in forensic investigations.
We specialise in complex, large-scale investigations into white collar crime, including fraud, corruption and cybercrime. Our success rate is attributed to our multi-disciplinary collaboration, strong interviewing skills and comprehensive data analysis through the use of cutting edge technology.
In addition, we are renowned for our anti-bribery, anti-corruption and regulatory compliance advice, which covers anti-money laundering, sanctions and counter-terrorist financing.
Our multidisciplinary forensics team is ranked in band 1 for corporate investigations by prestigious international legal rankings agency Chambers Global, who describe us as “highly regarded”, with “a strong track record”.
We are led by Steven Powell, who was named Financial Crimes Investigator of the Year for 2022 at the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) annual global awards ceremony. He is the first person in Africa to be given this honour, and was recognised for his outstanding investigative efforts in 2021.
Our forensics lawyers are accredited members of IAFCI, as well as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the South African Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP) and TRACE International.
We are Africa’s largest law firm, with offices in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa. With more than 600 specialist practitioners, we have deep expertise and the capacity to solve all your legal, tax, forensics and IP requirements, and help you navigate regulatory hurdles, no matter where in Africa you do business. Because we have had many years of practical experience working on the ground throughout the continent, we have developed a proven track record and a solid understanding of local cultural, commercial and geopolitical contexts, as well as long-standing partnerships with trusted firms with whom we work.
We provide fast, high quality solutions for compliance-related challenges facing multinational organisations in Africa and beyond. We do this by applying global best practices, such as recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations, regulators and law-enforcement agencies, global industry initiatives and international watchdogs such as Transparency International.
We have in-depth knowledge of the requirements of anti-bribery and corruption legislation, including the South African Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, The UK Bribery Act, the Canadian Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and the French Sapin II legislation.
We have an excellent track record in achieving criminal convictions and internal dismissals resulting from forensic investigations and internal disciplinary proceedings. This often results in our cases going to plea bargains, leading to faster access to justice and greater recoveries.
Because complex, large-scale investigations into fraud and corruption almost always require strong data analysis skills, our in-house digital forensics experts specialise in forensic computer imaging and e-discovery techniques. Having access to the latest analytical processes and forensic tools allows us to easily identify fraud patterns and new trends through reviewing electronic evidence. We also identify potential red flags, to mitigate reputational and regulatory risks.
We have deep experience in cybercrime investigations, including business email compromise attacks, and can assist you no matter where in the world the incidents take place.
We also have a strong focus on proactive cybersecurity measures like comprehensive planning, training, risk identification and assessments, to prevent and minimise devastating financial and reputational losses.
ENS is recognised by leading international ranking agencies, including Chambers Global, Legal 500, IFLR1000 and the World Tax Guide, for achieving consistently high standards.
Furthermore, the firm is a regular recipient of regional awards such as DealMakers and the African Legal Awards.
