China Case Study: Tech - Grey Market
Kreller was hired by General Counsel to assist in investigating grey market activity related to their distributors. The case involved a tech company in China facing challenges with unauthorized distribution channels.
The Investigation
Kreller assisted in conducting an audit of the distributor records. Once the records with anomalies were identified, Kreller obtained corporate registration details and researched the reported trading activities against the products purchased to confirm if there were any inconsistencies or red flags.
Key Findings
During this corporate investigation, one distributor immediately stood out. Kreller conducted a due diligence investigation of the entity, which found that there was no company registration; the company website was determined to have been spoofed entirely from a different, unrelated company; the telephone number was forwarded to an unrelated survey line, and the physical address was a vacant lot.
The Result
After due diligence was completed effectively and evidence came to light, the distributor relationship with this entity was immediately discontinued. Kreller successfully exposed and eliminated a threat to the company’s operations.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of corporate investigations putting an end to grey market activities. Ultimately, the tech company protected its brand, revenue, and intellectual property because of Kreller’s due diligence.
About the Kreller Group
For nearly 30 years, Kreller has relied on “extensive boots-on-the-ground” research, conducted by investigators who are well-versed in worldwide military, law enforcement, business and government matters to deliver the concise information our clients need to make decisions.