Causal Factors of Forensic Investigators Professional Traits to Expedite The Investigation Process

Abstract

Financial crimes have become dominant in the contemporary business environment. It is one of the most serious crimes endangering a country's national security and public safety. It is directly associated with legal, social, human rights, political and development issues. This research identifies the causal factors of the professional traits of forensic investigators in investigation process expeditions based on Malaysian evidence. Data for this study is collected through a questionnaire survey. A sample was driven from two enforcement agencies in Malaysia: National Audit Department (NAD) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). A total of 83 questionnaires were distributed, collected and usable. Statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Three hypotheses were developed, and the findings reveal a significant relationship between investigative technique and knowledge of forensic investigators and investigation process expedition. In contrast, the skills of forensic investigators show an insignificant relationship with the investigation process expedition. Issues on process expeditions are significant as the disruption in the process expedition will delay the case solving. Hence, this research provides insights into the forensic investigations process which would be useful for the Malaysian government to incite interest in forensic accounting for monitoring and investigation of suspected financial crime cases.