Engagement
A global bank engaged Gryphon to conduct a background check on an attorney representing a high-profile popstar as part of onboarding a new private wealth account.
Investigation
Initial research revealed no major red flags about the attorney, originally from Argentina yet with extensive U.S. residency. However, during the investigation, Gryphon uncovered a brief reference to a Brazilian investigation involving the attorney. With the help of an in-house Portuguese speaker, the team expanded the search to Portuguese-language media. This led to the discovery that the attorney and three Peruvian partners were allegedly involved in laundering $150 million in the 1990s, for which Brazilian Federal Police had issued an arrest warrant. The attorney who regularly traveled internationally, was unable to be detained by the Brazilian police, prompting them to seek Interpol’s help.
Result
The attorney was ultimately arrested, and the bank ceased business with them, protecting its reputation and mitigating potential legal and financial risks.
