What if everything on paper looked perfect but the truth on the ground told a different story?

In this episode of Due Diligence Download, Sylwia and Amritha dig into one of the most powerful and sometimes misunderstood tools in corporate investigations: the site visit.

From government-funded “ghost” road projects to fake factory façades and tender-rigging schemes hiding in plain sight, they reveal how a simple visit can uncover what no spreadsheet or satellite image ever could. You’ll learn:

- What a site visit actually is (and the different types: open, covert, internal, external)


- Why Google Maps alone won’t lead you down the right path


- Who really carries them out (hint: not James Bond)


- The legal, ethical, and safety lines every professional must respect


- Real-world case studies where on-the-ground verification exposed fraud, sanctions risk, and political associations


Whether you’re a compliance officer, investigator, or simply someone who loves a good “the truth is out there” story, this episode shows why boots on the ground still matter in a digital world.


🎧 Tune in to find out what’s really happening beyond the glossy reports and how one site visit can change everything.

Got your own field or site visit mystery? Share it with us and we might feature it in a future episode!

Resources and links:

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/china-green-agricultures-imaginary-fertilizer-production-and-vanishing-cash-2014-10-01

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-04-26/wall-street-scion-lost-in-china-agritech-as-shorts-cry-scam-

https://toolkit.bii.co.uk/investment-cycle/cdc-guidance/site-visits/

https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/insights/articles/due-diligence-business-investigations-checklist


Sponsors

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A Data Pro turns global data into actionable intelligence. For over 26 years, we have helped decision-makers in risk, compliance, and communications with tailored solutions. Our three core divisions deliver measurable impact: Risk Intelligence strengthens compliance and KYC/AML programmes through due diligence, sanctions lists, UBO tracing, and PEP/SEP screening; Media Intelligence equips PR, marketing, and executives with insights on reputation, crises, competitors, influencers, and trends; and Data Solutions provide clean, structured data for automation and AI. With 500+ multilingual specialists across 80+ jurisdictions, we catch risks before they catch up to you—helping your business act confidently and proactively.
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Ground Truth Intelligence (GTI) is a platform designed to simplify third-party risk management. GTI solves the three core TPRM challenges: unclear program design, fragmented execution across multiple providers, and poor system integration. Their all-in-one platform handles everything from screening to deep-dive in-country investigations through one annual fee – supporting more consistent, transparent and efficient risk management. With coverage across 250+ jurisdictions and 2,500+ human intelligence sources, compliance and risk teams get the optimal blend of human insight and AI efficiency. Learn more at gtintel.io.

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