Alumnus, Daniel Sibthorpe talks to Esher Sixth Form College about getting his Masters Degree in Cybercrime and Counter Fraud Corruption.

YOUR EDUCATION JOURNEY?

After I completed my A Levels at Esher in 2014. I went on to study an undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Portsmouth, then completing a masters degree in Cybercrime and Counter Fraud & Corruption. Following my university graduation, I was fortunate enough to gain two internships, one at the Cabinet Office in the Fraud and Error team, and a second internship at Crowe UK in the National Forensics Services team, where I have been for the last two years. 

FAVOURITE PART OF WORKING IN CYBERCRIME?

The best part of my job is my day-to-day tasks are always different due to the evolving nature of fraud and cybercrime. I could be working on an investigation into a case of fraud in the morning, and assessing the cyber security of an organisation in the afternoon. The fact that fraud and cybercrime is not restricted by borders also means I work on investigations in a variety of countries. 

ANY INTERESTING CYBER CRIME CASES YOU ARE WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

We work on a variety of cases and projects from all over the world. Most notably I just finished a remote investigation into an individual who worked for a company based in West Africa. Due to this individual’s senior position, they were able to abuse their position to control the recruitment of candidates. The individual created a fictitious CV that was used as a ‘competitor’ as part of a rigged recruitment process, which meant the individual’s friend was awarded the job unchallenged. It is common in some countries for individuals in job roles that are perceived as reputable to be offered bribes to recruit certain candidates, which is likely to have happened in this investigation. The investigation also revealed that an individual in the another team used fraudulent means to send nearly €1,000,000 over a six month period to a supplier that they had associations with. Due to the individual’s senior position, they were able to influence the tendering process and award contracts to suppliers of their choosing. It was quickly established that the supplier did not provide any services for the company and had been receiving the money fraudulently. The relationship between the company and supplier was then terminated and resulted in very satisfactory outcome for the client. 

We also recently finished an investigation in the UK involving a senior member of staff who defrauded their employer of hundreds of thousands of pounds. The company employed us to investigate the extent of the fraud, and any other potential wrongdoings. As part of the investigation we were provided with access to their emails and files from his computer to collect evidence. In addition, we performed due diligence checks on the individual to determine their assets, should the client seek to retrieve funds from their estate.

HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED WORKING REMOTELY?

Fortunately a lot of the work I do can be conducted remotely and I had worked from home in the past on multiple occasions, so I had some experience in not working in the office all the time. To stay focused and motivated I try to keep a balance of work and home life because it can become easy for the two to blend. Aside from the obvious, such as taking regular breaks, I try to have a designated area for work and avoid working in my bedroom, for example. Keeping in touch with my friends and family over video calls and through gaming has also helped as it can be easy to become isolated from people. 

CYBER CRIME AND COVID . HOW HAS THIS IMPACTED ON YOUR ROLE?

COVID has impacted my role in different ways. Fortunately, much of the work I do can be, and already was, conducted remotely. However, COVID has massively impacted the social aspect of my role, where I used to previously attend lots of events and network with people in the industry, which is now not as easy. However, I am hopeful this changes in 2021! 

Trust your instincts and follow the things that you enjoy most, or have an interest in. I would also say to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way, and take more risks as things always work out in the end.