Community Calendar https://www.iasiu.org/events/event_list.asp Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:12:21 GMT Thu, 10 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 International Association of Special Investigation Units Inc (IASIU) Georgia IASIU Chapter Meeting https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2068411 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2068411 Save the date for July 24th, 2026 for the GA IASIU Chapter meeting at Manuel’s Tavern at 11:30 AM.  Our guest speaker will be David Davich from Advantage Investigations speaking on Remote-Controlled Surveillance.

Lunch will be provided by the GA IASIU Chapter.

]]> Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:30:00 GMT IASIU Members-Only Webinar: Your iPhone's Second Life, from Music Festivals to Modern Slavery https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074109 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074109

IASIU Members-Only Webinar: Your iPhone's Second Life, from Music Festivals to Modern Slavery

Presented by Carlos Lang of Damage Control

Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
2:00PM - 3:00PM ET
Zoom

Overview:
Last summer, over 10,000 iPhones were stolen at major music festivals. Most victims thought it was just a local pickpocket looking for a quick payout. They were wrong. Your phone didn't stay in a pawn shop—it was digitized, exported, and plugged into a transnational machine. Today, we are tracing the journey of a stolen device from a mosh pit in California to a high-security 'scam farm' in Southeast Asia. We will expose how organized crime uses 'Ghost Tapping' to drain bank accounts and how the very device you use to text your friends is being powered by the forced labor of human trafficking victims in clandestine call centers.

Bio

Carlos Lang is a seasoned financial crime investigator with over 30 years of expertise in fraud prevention. He has pioneered advanced security solutions for financial institutions in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Europe, and the U.S., specializing in hardware, software, and process design to protect financial systems from fraud.

Carlos began his cybersecurity career in 1994, joining the security team of Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo. In 2006, he co-founded the Inter-Institutional Group Against Cyber Crime for Mexico's Federal Police and served as Vice President of Security for the Mexican Internet Association. His efforts have trained law enforcement agencies in several countries, including Spain, Canada, and the U.S.

Since joining the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) in 2014, Carlos has actively shaped the Latin American Chapter and the Skimming and Payment Terminal Attacks (SAPTA) workgroup, co-chairing the education committee. He became a Board Advisor in 2019. A Certified Cybercrime Investigator (CCCI) since 2018, he frequently speaks at IAFCI events and conferences worldwide.

]]> Wed, 5 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT Cryptocurrency Investigations Training Program with the IASIU SC Chapter and NICB https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2067860 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2067860 Cryptocurrency Investigations Training Program

The South Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Special Investigations Units (SCIASIU), in partnership with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), is pleased to announce a comprehensive two-day Cryptocurrency Investigations Training Seminar.

This in-depth and fully immersive training event will be instructed by Special Agents of the United States Secret Service, who will provide expert guidance, investigative strategies, and real-world case insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency-related crime.

Training Overview

This two-day intensive and informative program is designed to equip attendees with critical knowledge and practical investigative skills necessary to identify, investigate, and respond to cryptocurrency-related fraud and financial crimes.

Participants will gain exposure to:

  • Cryptocurrency fundamentals and terminology
  • Blockchain tracing methodologies
  • Crypto-related criminal schemes and investigative techniques
  • Emerging fraud trends and mitigation strategies
  • Hands-on practical applications using open-source tools and Chainalysis

Target Audience

This training is intended for professionals engaged in financial and criminal investigations, including:

  • Special Investigations Unit (SIU Insurance Fraud) personnel
  • Law Enforcement Officers
  • Banking and Financial Fraud Investigators

Training Dates

Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
(Full Two-Day Training Event)

Training Location

Myrtle Beach Police Department
Law Enforcement Center Annex
3340 Mustang Avenue
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577

Lodging Accommodations

A room block has been reserved at:

The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, Tapestry by Hilton
3200 South Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577

Online Reservations:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/investigators-seminar-2026/

Phone Reservations: 1-800-774-1500
Group Code (SRP): 90H

Training Agenda

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

  • 0900 hrs – Welcome, Opening Remarks & Introductions
  • 1000 hrs – FinCEN Overview (Paramore)
  • 1100 hrs – Cryptocurrency Introduction & Terminology
  • 1200 hrs – Lunch
  • 1300 hrs – Cryptocurrency Crimes & Investigative Techniques
  • 1400 hrs – Avoiding Common Investigative Pitfalls
  • 1430 hrs – Bitcoin ATM Investigations (Gillespie)

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

  • 0900 hrs – Fundamentals of Cryptocurrency Tracing
  • 1030 hrs – Crypto Swapping & Blockchain Bridges (Gillespie)
  • 1130 hrs – Lunch
  • 1230 hrs – Practical Exercises:
    • Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Tools
    • Chainalysis Platform Applications
  • 1600 hrs – Training Conclusion & Closing Remarks

RSVP / Registration Requirement

To ensure accurate attendance tracking and logistical planning, advance RSVP is required.

Please confirm your attendance by contacting:

Skee McAllister- SCIASIU Chapter President
Special Investigator – Nationwide Insurance
📧 mcallf1@nationwide.com

]]> Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT IASIU Webinar: Exploited Lives, Exploited Systems: The Human Trafficking-Insurance Fraud Connection https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2059141 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2059141

IASIU Members-Only Webinar: Exploited Lives, Exploited Systems: The Human Trafficking - Insurance Fraud Connection

Presented by Dr. Michael Skiba of Dr. Fraud

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026
2:00PM - 3:00PM ET
Zoom

Overview:
Behind the tragedy of human trafficking is a complex scheme of financial fraud, often involving the deliberate exploitation of the insurance industry. This webinar explores the "Human Trafficking–Insurance Fraud Connection," highlighting how illicit transnational, organized, dangerous criminal networks use fraudulent claims to launder money and sustain their criminal activity. Join us to examine exclusive, classified global case studies from UN-level investigations and learn how we can disrupt these global criminal cycles.

Bio

Dr. Michael Skiba, also known as Dr. Fraud ®, is an international expert on financial/cybercrime and has been named one of the top crime fighters in the world. He worked in the fraud industry for 22 years (investigator, analyst, director, and Vice President International Counter Fraud) and for the last nine years has worked as COO/President of the International Fraud Training Group, a company he cofounded, in every international region (101 countries!) as a consultant, trainer, and speaker on financial crime. International governments, private companies, and colleges regularly call upon him to speak (over 400 keynotes) and offer training on his global expertise including recent engagements in South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia, and the Nordics. He is also an International Financial Crime Expert and Tactical Intelligence Officer for the United Nations and is the lead consultant and trainer globally for the UN in his area of expertise.

 He has also been a professor for 21 years and is currently the Department Chair at Colorado State University Global where he oversees the Criminal Justice Department and also the Legal Studies Program including specializations in Fraud, Financial Crime, and Cybercrime. He holds an MBA and a PhD with a research focus on economic crime. He is highly sought after in the media and can be seen weekly in many media outlets including CNBC, CBS, NewsNation, Bloomberg, Cheddar, SiriusXM radio and his live talk show on KRDO Colorado named “Fraud Fireside Chat”. He is a staff instructor for INTERPOL, FBI and ATF and is an accomplished author that has published over 300 articles, including a book entitled “The Psychology of Fraud. He is also the host of DFTV, a TV series focused on investigating international scams. www.drfraud.org. 
 

 

]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT IASIU Webinar: Hidden Evidence Inside the Lock: Advantages of Engaging Certified Forensic Locksmiths https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074307 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074307

IASIU/CAIF Members-Only Webinar: The Hidden Evidence Inside the Lock: Advantages of SIU Investigators Engaging Certified Forensic Locksmiths

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026

2:00PM - 3:00PM ET
Zoom

Overview:
Brandon Whigham, Certified Forensic Master Automotive Locksmith, award winning author, instructor, and president of the North Carolina Locksmith Association will be doing an hour webinar on Certified Forensic Locksmiths. We will discuss what a forensic locksmith can give you and how to use that information to better mitigate claims. We will talk about how the forensic locksmith can completely rule out lies often told in cases of fraud or rule in the seemingly impossible. Example scenarios will be discussed to demonstrate the large variety of disciplines which fall under the forensic locksmith certification and ways that knowledge can help you with your next case.

Lessons taken from this webinar include

  • The different disciplines of Certified Forensic Locksmiths
  • The types of evidence obtained in an examination by a forensic locksmith
  • Ways of having a forensic locksmith often results in claims being withdrawn
  • Different methodology of forensic locksmiths to identify facts of a case
  • How to identify red flags in specific cases especially related to vehicular claims

Bio

Brandon Whigham, CFMAL, CFL, CMAL, CAI is a Certified Forensic Locksmith and forensic automotive security specialist with Auto Lock Forensics, where he provides technical forensic examinations involving locks, keys, and vehicle security systems. His work supports insurance Special Investigation Units, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and corporate security departments in matters involving suspected insurance fraud, theft investigations, liability losses, and security hardware failures.

Mr. Whigham holds advanced forensic locksmith certifications including Certified Forensic Locksmith (CFL) and Certified Forensic Master Automotive Locksmith (CFMAL), and he has completed specialized training in forensic evidence handling, investigative documentation, and expert witness testimony. His forensic work focuses on determining methods of entry, identifying evidence of lock manipulation or bypass techniques, analyzing key usage, and evaluating whether security hardware functioned as designed. In addition to his forensic examination work, Mr. Whigham regularly consults with insurers and investigators on the technical aspects of theft claims, commercial losses, vehicle theft investigations, and premises liability matters involving locking devices and automotive security systems. His work emphasizes objective, evidence-based findings designed to assist investigative decision-making and support defensible claim outcomes.

Mr. Whigham can be contacted through Auto Lock Forensics for consultation, forensic examinations, and expert witness services.

Contact:

Auto Lock Forensics
336-669-6349
Whigham.b@autolockforensics.com

 
]]> Wed, 2 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT Virginia Chapter Meeting https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2069474 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2069474 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT OH/Pittsburgh/WV Regional Fraud Training Conference https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2056925 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2056925 Mon, 5 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT IASIU Members-Only Webinar: Insurance Fraud Litigation and Recent Developments https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074316 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074316

IASIU Members-Only Webinar: Insurance Fraud Litigation and Recent Developments

Presented by Steven T. Henesy of Rivkin Radler

Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
2:00PM - 3:00PM EDT
Zoom

Overview:
This course explores important strategies, practical approaches, and emerging trends in anti-insurance fraud litigation. This course will provide investigators with insights into the latest strategies and help empower participants to tackle complex fraud cases.

Bio

Steven T. Henesy is a partner in Rivkin Radler’s Compliance, Investigations & White Collar; Critical Incident Response; and Insurance Fraud & Recovery Practice Groups.

An experienced litigator, Steve represents the nation’s largest insurers in their prosecution of civil lawsuits under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act – including affirmative actions by insurers to recover fraudulently obtained insurance benefits and to obtain injunctions preventing the continuation of large-scale fraudulent schemes. Steve also counsels his clients on fraud prevention and investigation strategies.

Admitted to practice in New York, Florida, and Michigan, Steve regularly represents his clients in courts around the country, including in Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon.

Steve began his career as an assistant district attorney in the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, where he gained invaluable trial and litigation experience and served as lead counsel in numerous jury trials.

Steve’s practice and prosecutorial experience enables him to provide practical and informed advice to his clients, especially regarding the intersection of civil and criminal liability – including issues surrounding Fifth Amendment invocations. His article, “NY Law Remains Unclear on Non-Party 5th Amendment Invocations and Negative Inferences,” was published in the New York Law Journal.

]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT Kentucky IASIU Fraud Training Seminar https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074049 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074049 Registration opens at 8:00 AM

Opening remarks begin at 8:30 AM

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT IASIU Members-Only Webinar: Vehicle Fraud and Auto Theft Trends https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074318 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2074318

IASIU Members-Only Webinar: Vehicle Fraud and Auto Theft Trends

Presented by George Ripley of Donegal Insurance Group

Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
2:00PM - 3:00PM ET
Zoom

Overview:
Vehicle fraud and auto theft are discussed in this course and the impact on Insurance Carriers and consumers. Specific focus will be on bringing attention to the emerging trends in auto theft and auto fraud in the USA.  Attendees will learn about the common insurance vehicle fraud trends and investigative tools to aid the SIU investigation. They will also learn about the following topics:

  • Chop Shops and Indicators
  • Strategic Cargo Theft/Auto Transport Theft
  • Keyless Auto Thefts
  • Technology Driven Tools for Auto Theft
  • Auto Finance Fraud and Insurance Impact
  • Odometer Rollbacks and Indicators
  • VIN Cloning and Impact to Carrier and Consumer
  • Vehicle Hacking
  • AI Driven Fraud Exposures
  • Automonous Vehicles
  • Future Considerations to Auto Fraud

Bio

George Ripley is the SIU Manager for Donegal Insurance Group where he has worked for 8 years. In this capacity, he manages the company’s anti-fraud program, anti-fraud compliance and insurance fraud investigations across multiple lines of business in 23 states.  He is also the 1st Vice President for the Northeast Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, a Certified Vehicle Crime Specialist and a member of the Vehicle Crimes Committee for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Prior to Donegal, he spent 21 years employed with the York City Police Dept. in York, PA.  During his career as a York City Detective, he investigated over 170 Homicide cases in which vehicles and vehicular evidence were a large part of every investigation. George’s lectures also address current criminal and civil trends trends involving artificial intelligence (AI), as well as AI-related liability mitigation. He has been internationally published and interviewed on regional television regarding the unconventional use of magic to remove barriers during interviews, interrogations and witness interactions.  Unsurprisingly, he is also a professional magician and public speaker. George holds a professional certificate in AI for Business from the Wharton College of Business as well as AI and Career Empowerment from the University of Maryland. 
]]> Wed, 4 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT 2026 NM IASIU Insurance Fraud Awareness Symposium https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2064470 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2064470 Sponsors and/or speakers from: Primeau Forensics, Digital Recognition Network - Insurance, Carfax, Carpe IO, Monson Law Firm, Command Investigations, Contego, Albuquerque Public Schools, and NM Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.

Join us in person for an engaging day focused on insurance fraud awareness. Network with experts, share insights, and learn the latest strategies to tackle fraud effectively. Don’t miss this chance to connect and collaborate with fellow professionals in the field.

Enjoy training provided by:

  • Scot Barton - Carpe IO Chief Product Officer
  • Micahel Primeau - Primeau Forensics
  • Presbyterian Health Plan
  • Carfax
  • Tami Rockholt- Rockholt & Associates
  • Lin Werkehiser - Command Investigations
  • Matt Monson - Monson Law Firm
  • Digital Recognition Network, Insurance - DRN

 

Register Here

]]> Thu, 5 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT IASIU Webinar: Counterfeit Parts, Fraudulent VINs, & Hidden Safety Threats: What You Need to Know https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2075163 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2075163

IASIU Webinar: Counterfeit Parts, Fraudulent VINs, & Hidden Vehicle Safety Threats: What Insurance Professionals Need to Know

Presented by Thomas Nichols of General Motors

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026
2:00PM - 3:00PM EST
Zoom

Overview: 

What if a vehicle tied to a claim, underwriting review, or investigation contains a counterfeit airbag that could harm an occupant in a crash — or a fraudulent VIN hiding a stolen vehicle's true identity? Join this eye-opening session to explore the growing threat of counterfeit automotive parts, rebuilt safety systems, and vehicle fraud schemes affecting the insurance industry. Learn how counterfeit airbags, rebuilt seat belts, counterfeit VINs, and other substandard components are entering repaired vehicles, salvage operations, and criminal enterprises, putting drivers at risk and complicating insurance decisions and claims investigations.

Session Objective:

Participants will gain familiarity with counterfeit and substandard automotive parts and apply investigative strategies to minimize fraud and support consumer safety.

Key Topics:

  • Counterfeit airbags and occupant safety risks
  • Key indicators to support the identification of rebuilt seat belts and counterfeit airbags
  • Counterfeit VINs and vehicle identity fraud
  • Investigative red flags and fraud indicators in claims and investigations
  • Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2) resources and industry support in counterfeit parts investigations

Bios:

Thomas Nichols is a Global Brand Protection Specialist at General Motors and a career security professional with experience across government, corporate security, and academia. His work includes intelligence analysis, brand protection investigations, and collaboration with organizations such as state police agencies, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center to combat counterfeit automotive parts. He also supports anti-counterfeiting education through the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2) and instruction at Michigan State University.

]]> Wed, 2 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT Virginia IASIU Chapter Meeting https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2069475 https://www.iasiu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2069475 Thu, 10 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT