Exploring the value of computer forensics in the investigation of procurement fraud

Abstract

The research problem for this study was that forensic investigators in the Forensic Services (FS) of the City of Tshwane (CoT) are unable to successfully deal with procurement fraud as a result of the lack of knowledge, skills and resources required to conduct computer forensics during the investigation of procurement fraud. This research was conducted to ascertain the value of computer forensics in the investigation of procurement fraud. Further, the study sought to determine how to improve the CoT forensic investigators’ knowledge and competence regarding the application of computer forensics in the investigation of procurement fraud. The purpose of this study was to explore the procedures that should be followed by CoT forensic investigators when conducting computer forensics during the investigation of procurement fraud. The research also aimed to discover new information, not previously known to the researcher, related to computer forensics during the investigation of procurement fraud by exploring national and international literature. In addition, the study explored existing practices so as to use this information to improve the current CoT procedure, within the confines of the legislative requirements. The overall purpose of this study is to provide practical recommendations for best practices, based on the results of the data analysis, which address the problem and enhance the investigative skills of CoT forensic investigators. The study established that it is imperative and compulsory to apply computer forensics in any procurement fraud investigation in order to efficiently track down cyber criminals and solve complicated and complex computer crimes. It was also established that forensic investigators within the FS in the CoT lack the necessary computer skills to optimally investigate procurement fraud. It is therefore recommended that CoT forensic investigators acquire the necessary skills and essential training in computer forensics in order to improve their knowledge and competence regarding the application and understanding of the value of computer forensics in the investigation of procurement fraud.