Abstract
In 2021, UN-supported experts unveiled the ground-breaking ‘Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering’(also called the Méndez Principles), shifting from traditional accusatory methods to a more collaborative “information-gathering approach.”This innovative strategy emphasises the importance of interpersonal, cultural, and linguistic skills to foster “rapport” with a focus on open-mindedness, open-ended questions, and a diminished focus on controlling the interviewee. This approach was criticised in particular for not being fully apt to white collar crime investigations, e.g., such as those conducted by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), where suspects are often strategic and assertive. This seminar will delve into those issues with two renowned interviewing experts to examine the question: how to make for a scientifically grounded, legally sound, and ethically robust interviewing approach specifically tailored for fraud and corruption investigations?
Programme
-
Introduction and Chairing
Professor Stanisław Tosza, Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance, University of Luxembourg
-
Effective investigative interviewing of suspects in fraud and corruption investigations
Speakers:
- Professor Dave Walsh, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
- Tom Willems, OLAF & Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance, University of Luxembourg
Discussant: Professor Silvia Allegrezza, Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance, University of Luxembourg
About the speakers
Professor Dave Walsh is professor of criminal investigation in the School of Law at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, books and book chapters on the subject of criminal investigation, particularly in the area of investigative interviewing. He works with many academics and law enforcement agencies around the world, advising on their investigation and interview methods. He is the lead editor of a 2024 published “Handbook of Investigative Interviewing and Interrogation”, part of a series covering contributions on interviewing in 70 countries. He is currently leading an international group of 300 scholars and practitioner from 56 countries on a four year project titled, ImpleMendez, (ww.ImpleMendez.eu) in efforts to strengthen research networks, further develop academic collaborations and help implement the Mendez Principles around the world.
Tom Willems, a seasoned investigator with over 30 years of national and international experience in conducting interviews in fraud and corruption investigations. He is author of a peer-reviewed book on “behaviourally Informed Interviewing” and serves as a lecturer in investigative interviewing at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Vienna. He is a PhD student under the supervision of Professor Tosza at the University of Luxembourg preparing a thesis on interviewing suspects in fraud and corruption cases.
Language
English.
This is a free event. Registration is mandatory.
Cold lunches are provided to registered participants.