Forensic accounting as an investigative tool : insights from the FTX and Qatargate

It is well-known that failing to achieve key organizational goals may pressure managers to commit fraud, but can it be a facilitating factor in cartel formation as well? The purpose of this study is to understand if firms known to have been in a cartel were under financial stress in the period leading up to the cartel formation. A trend analysis is used to examine the performance of the firms before, during, and after the cartel period. The study uses accounting data on firms belonging to sanctioned cartels. In addition, the data is used to determine if firms can achieve joint profit maximization and what happens to firm performance after the cartel is broken down. The results support the proposition that financial stress can be a motivating factor for cartel formation. Moreover, the results show that several firms fall short of benefitting from cartel participation and that cartel breakdown often leads to a worse than initial outcome. The conclusion is that financial stress increases the chances of firms engaging in cartel activity. And, that structural break analyses can likely detect cartels using trends in the performance of firms.This paper examines the critical role of forensic accounting in investigating cross-border white-collar and state-organised crimes, focusing on case studies of the FTX collapse and the Qatargate scandal. Utilising a qualitative approach guided by the interpretivist paradigm, secondary data from scientific publications, case studies, business journals, and organisational guidelines were analysed. The study identifies significant challenges forensic accountants face, including regulatory inconsistencies and international cooperation barriers. Findings suggest that enhanced international collaboration, the application of advanced forensic techniques, and ethical leadership are essential in detecting such crimes and preventing systemic failures. The study introduces the "Velvet Claw Tactics" framework, which provides insights into these crimes and underscores the role of forensic accountants in understanding and combating them. Recommendations include strengthening global forensic accounting practices and developing a unified international framework to address these crimes effectively. The research contributes to both theoretical and practical advancements in forensic accounting and international cooperation.