Connecting People and Fighting Fraud Since 1982
5-13-2026 8am to 4pm
5 CPE Credits
Full Program Details at: https://mfrin.org/program
Register soon! Seating is limited.
Piercing the Privacy Veil: Investigating Romance +
Investment Scams and Other Fraud Online
Intelligence-driven Asset Searches: How to Steer Public Information Research and Human Insight Efforts into Results
Artificial Intelligence in Investigations & Fraud:
Understanding AI as a Tool — and as a Threat
Join us at 1pm on 3-11 to hear David Kalat give a presentation on Using Computer Forensics to Fight Fraud. A link to the meeting has been sent to members email.
Investigative digital forensics explores a wide variety of data sources including deleted files, system logs, memory dumps, and an array of data structures maintained by the operating system that the user cannot even see. This presentation explores real-world case examples to illustrate how expert analysis of electronic evidence can uncover key information, solve problems, and win cases. Case studies cover identifying the author of disputed communications, and establishing evidence of intentional destruction of evidence.
Mr. Kalat is an information scientist and a testifying expert in electronic evidence, digital forensics, data analytics, and information security. He is a licensed private detective and the author of numerous publications on the history of information technologies. He leads the digital forensics lab for BRG’s Chicago and San Francisco offices.
Licensed Private Detective – Illinois and Texas
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Certified Computer Examiner (CCE), International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2
Certified Telecommunications Analyst (CTA), Telecommunications Certification Organization
Board Member, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Greater Chicago Chapter and Bay Area Chapter
The 2026 Election results are in.
For Vice President – 2 year term
George Quiroga – BMO
For Director – 2 year term
Anna Kotsovos – NCIB
Kristin Ferguson – TIAA
A big thanks to all who particpated.
Join us on November 5th at 12pm for a free one hour webinar hosted by Midwest Fraud Investigators Network and the Chicago Chapter of Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Each attendee will receive 1 CPE credit for attending.
Email to webadmin@mfrin.org for a link invitation.
Jennifer Mackovjak and Chris Brenner—221b Partners
How to Leverage OSINT, Traditional Public Records Sources and the Deep and Dark Web
This presentation will focus on threat and violence risk assessments from a public records and open-source intelligence perspective and how to leverage tools available to investigators and the public, conduct research and gather intelligence. We will discuss how we can use this information and intelligence both proactively for prevention and to mitigate risk and reactionary during an investigation or incident response.
The presenters will use real case scenarios, pulling out the important details to provide to a threat assessment team or law enforcement. Real examples used will illustrate the value of these records and practitioners will be compelled to include these searches and the results in their approach to future threat assessments.
This event has been cancelled. See the post above for information on a new webinar.
Midwest Fraud Investigators Network and the Chicago Chapter of Association of Certified Fraud Examiners are partnering to host a Half Day Conference on November 5th from 9am to 1pm. Registration will begin at 8am. The cost is $30 per person.
Through the ACFE, each attendee will receive 3 CPE credits.
Refreshments and snacks will be served before and during the conference. Our location will be at BluSky Restoration, 3200 Squibb Ave, Rolling Meadows, IL.
Here’s the lineup of speakers:
Andrew Keith and Craig Kelbus—221B Partners
Digging Deeper: Why Primary Sources Matter Most
A presentation and discussion on the importance of going beyond what is reported in commercial databases and what can be gleaned from analyzing data from primary sources. We will discuss, among other things, limitations of commercial databases and provide real examples of how finding and analyzing primary source documents helped us to identify relevant information and connect the dots in our investigations.
Taylor Etzell—FINRA
Red Flags of Crypto Investment Schemes and Best Practice Considerations
A discussion on red flags financial institutions may come across that could indicate a customer is the victim of a crypto investment scheme. Taylor will also share her perspective on processes and controls that may help address these schemes.
Jennifer Mackovjak and Chris Brenner—221b Partners
How to Leverage OSINT, Traditional Public Records Sources and the Deep and Dark Web
This presentation will focus on threat and violence risk assessments from a public records and open-source intelligence perspective and how to leverage tools available to investigators and the public, conduct research and gather intelligence. We will discuss how we can use this information and intelligence both proactively for prevention and to mitigate risk and reactionary during an investigation or incident response.
The presenters will use real case scenarios, pulling out the important details to provide to a threat assessment team or law enforcement. Real examples used will illustrate the value of these records and practitioners will be compelled to include these searches and the results in their approach to future threat assessments.
Join us at 1pm on September 10th to hear Noel Thomas give a presentation on Human Trafficking. A link to the meeting has been sent to members email.
Noel Thomas is the Founder and CEO of Dark Watch, where he leads with a vision to create a world where every individual is valued, protected, and free from exploitation. A recognized leader in the global fight against human trafficking, Thomas brings a unique background spanning law enforcement coordination, organizational leadership, and technological innovation.
His journey began in the mission fields of Operation Mobilization and Youth With A Mission (YWAM), where he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of trafficking on vulnerable communities worldwide. This experience ignited his lifelong mission to dismantle exploitation at its core. He went on to serve as the Statewide Counter Trafficking Coordinator for Florida, where he worked to align law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and government bodies in disrupting trafficking networks and supporting survivors.
Driven to harness technology for social good, Thomas founded Dark Watch, an intelligence platform that leverages advanced data analytics to expose and combat organized crime and trafficking. Under his leadership, Dark Watch equips financial institutions, law enforcement, and hospitality partners with actionable intelligence to safeguard communities and prevent exploitation.
Thomas is also a Whitaker-published author of Dark Traffic, a book that sheds light on the hidden economies of organized crime while offering pathways to hope and action. His unwavering dedication, grounded in faith and a commitment to justice, continues to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide to join in the mission to set captives free.