Serving clients across India and internationally+91 89468 83420
CA IndiaSomesh Chandak& AssociatesCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

ACCOUNTING & CFO

Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation

Forensic accounting support in India: transaction analysis, evidence review and documented findings. Scope and limitations are agreed for each assignment.

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Services for clients across India. Applicable state, sector and professional requirements are assessed before an engagement.

Accounting & CFO

Financial detective work — examining records to uncover fraud, trace missing money and produce clear, evidence-backed findings.

In simple words: Forensic accounting is financial detective work. We examine records to find fraud, trace where money has gone, or support a dispute or investigation — then follow the money and produce clear findings backed by evidence.
🔎 Financial investigation💸 Trace missing money📄 Evidence-backed report⚖ Dispute support
Overview

Follow the money, find the truth

When something does not add up — suspected fraud, a partner dispute, unexplained losses or an AML concern — forensic accounting digs into the records to establish what actually happened. We analyse transactions, trace fund flows and identify red flags.

The result is a clear, documented report that stands up in a dispute, investigation or negotiation. Discretion and a careful evidence trail are central to how we work.

What it isFinancial investigation
FindsFraud, missing money
OutputEvidence-backed report
Used forDisputes, AML, diligence
ApproachFollow the money
Best forOwners, boards, lawyers
Is this right for you?

Who should choose this

✓ A good fit if

  • You suspect fraud, theft or fund leakage
  • You are in a partner or shareholder dispute
  • You need documented evidence for a case
  • You need an AML or compliance review

✕ Maybe not, if

  • You only need routine bookkeeping or audit
Checklist

Documents required

Keep clear, recent and readable copies ready — mismatched documents are the most common cause of delays.

To scope the work

The concern
  • A description of the concern or suspicion
  • The period and people or accounts involved
  • Relevant financial records and ledgers
  • Bank statements for the period

Supporting material

Where available
  • Contracts, invoices and approvals
  • Emails or communications, if relevant
  • Any earlier reviews or complaints
The sooner an investigation starts, the better the evidence trail — records and access are easier to preserve early.
How long it takes

Timeline & time limits

Timelines depend on the scope and volume of records; we agree a clear plan at the start.

Step 1

Scope

We define the concern, the period and what a good outcome looks like.

Step 2

Gather & analyse

Records are collected and transactions analysed for red flags.

Step 3

Trace

Fund flows are traced to establish where money went.

Step 4

Report

A clear, evidence-backed report is prepared for your use.

Key dates to remember
EarlyPreserve records & access
ScopedTimeline agreed upfront
ConfidentialHandled with discretion
On closeDocumented findings delivered
How we work

Our simple 5-step process

1
Scope
2
Gather & analyse
3
Trace funds
4
Report
5
Support next steps
What's included

Everything you need to be operational

Fraud detection & red-flag analysis
Asset tracing
Fund-flow analysis
AML & compliance review
Dispute & litigation support
Clear expert report
Avoid these

Common mistakes we help you avoid

  • Delaying, so the evidence trail goes cold
  • Confronting people before the evidence is gathered
  • Handling it informally with no documentation
  • Destroying or overwriting records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is forensic accounting?
It is investigating financial records to uncover fraud, trace missing money or support a dispute — financial detective work backed by evidence.
When do I need it?
When you suspect fraud or leakage, are in a partner or shareholder dispute, need evidence for a case, or need an AML review.
Will the findings hold up in a dispute?
We build a careful, documented evidence trail designed to support disputes, investigations and negotiations.
Is the work kept confidential?
Yes. Discretion is central — investigations are handled quietly and carefully.
How long does an investigation take?
It depends on the scope and volume of records; we agree a clear plan and timeline at the start.
Related

Related services

Bookkeeping & AccountingVirtual CFOIncome Tax Notice Management

Something not adding up in the numbers?

Talk to CA Somesh Chandak & Associates — we investigate discreetly and give you evidence-backed answers.

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Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for advice on your specific facts and the latest law. Government timelines and fees vary. Please consult before acting.

Compliance-grade books, by designAudit-trail (edit log) accounting software is mandatory for companies — and auditors must report on it. Clean monthly books are now a statutory posture, not a luxury.First-year compliance checklist →
Key due dates at a glance — FY 2026-27
ComplianceDueNote
Monthly closeBy the 10th (good practice)Feeds GSTR-3B, TDS and MIS on time
GST + TDS calendar11th / 13th / 15th / 20thBooks must be reconciliation-ready
Audit trail softwareMandatory for companiesRule 3(1), Companies (Accounts) Rules
MIS / cash-flow packMonthlyInvestors and banks expect it
Year-end audit prepFrom AprilSchedule III + ICAI disclosures

Dates as generally applicable on 15 July 2026; extensions/notifications can change them — confirm current dates before relying.