32 Questions
What is Makani Kekoa's educational background?
Accounting and criminal justice
How long did Makani Kekoa work as a patrol officer before becoming a detective?
5 years
Why was Makani Kekoa recommended for the detective's position?
Unique educational background
What prompted Makani Kekoa to become a law enforcement officer?
Desire to combine accounting expertise with community service
What type of crime does Makani Kekoa specialize in?
White-collar crime
What qualification did Makani Kekoa obtain before becoming a detective?
Certified Public Accountant
What type of additional training did the detective receive with the FBI?
Forensic accounting training
Why was the detective chosen by Harmony PD to participate in the joint program with the FBI?
Due to experience as a CPA
What did the detective learn during the FBI training?
How to apply knowledge as a CPA to white-collar crime
What type of crimes has the detective handled in the white-collar crime division?
Financial crimes cases
How do embezzlement cases typically unfold according to the detective?
By using company funds for personal gain
What is the initial source of money for money laundering according to the detective?
Drug trafficking
How does money laundering make illegal money look legitimate according to the detective?
By investing in legitimate businesses
What type of businesses are frequently used for money laundering according to the detective?
"Cash intensive businesses" (CIBs)
How are embezzlement cases typically brought to the attention of the detective's office?
By the business owner noticing missing funds
What makes small businesses especially vulnerable to financial crimes according to the detective?
Limited employee oversight and control over finances
What was Makani Kekoa's major at Buckeye University?
Accounting and criminal justice
How long did Makani Kekoa work as a patrol officer before becoming a detective?
5 years
What qualification did Makani Kekoa obtain before becoming a detective?
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
What prompted Makani Kekoa to combine accounting expertise with a desire to serve the community as a law enforcement officer?
Reviewing the books of a local small business being investigated by the police
Why was Makani Kekoa recommended for the detective's position?
Unique educational background
What type of crimes does Makani Kekoa specialize in?
White-collar crime
What type of financial crimes has the detective handled in the white-collar crime division?
Money laundering, embezzlement, tax fraud, and similar offenses
How does the detective describe the process of money laundering?
It starts with money that comes from an illegal source, such as drug trafficking or embezzlement. This 'dirty' money needs to be 'cleaned' to make it look legitimate.
What training did the detective receive with the FBI, and how did it benefit the detective?
The detective received training in forensic accounting, which taught them how to apply their knowledge as a CPA to the world of white-collar crime. It helped them learn to sift through business records, notice discrepancies, and reconstruct paper trails for court use.
Why was the detective specifically chosen by Harmony PD to participate in the joint program with the FBI?
The detective was chosen due to their experience as a CPA, making them the most qualified to investigate financial crimes.
What makes small businesses especially vulnerable to financial crimes according to the detective?
Small businesses with only a few employees who have access to the company’s finances are especially vulnerable to financial crimes.
Describe the common methods used in embezzlement cases, as explained by the detective.
Embezzlement cases often involve an accountant or bookkeeper using company funds to pay off personal debts or fund lifestyles they cannot afford. They may write company checks to their personal accounts or change the billing information on an existing invoice to redirect money to their personal account.
What types of businesses are frequently used for money laundering, according to the detective?
Cash intensive businesses (CIBs) such as car washes, construction companies, or coin-operated laundromats are frequently used for money laundering.
How does the detective describe the uncovering of financial crimes, especially embezzlement cases?
The detective states that people have no idea how easy it is to uncover these types of crimes, especially when the perpetrators do almost nothing to cover their tracks. Typically, the office is tipped off, often by the business owner who notices missing funds, allowing them to connect the dots quickly.
What is the initial source of money for money laundering, according to the detective?
The initial source of money for money laundering comes from an illegal source, such as drug trafficking or embezzlement.
What role did the FBI training play in the detective's ability to investigate financial crimes?
The FBI training in forensic accounting helped the detective learn to apply their CPA knowledge to the world of white-collar crime, enabling them to sift through business records, notice discrepancies, and reconstruct paper trails for court use.
Learn about the experience of Detective Makani Kekoa, specializing in white-collar crime, from the Harmony Police Department. Gain insights into the process of becoming a detective and the required qualifications.
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