Midwest Fraud Investigators Network

Connecting People and Fighting Fraud Since 1982

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Fred Kwong to Speak on How to Create and Spot Deepfakes at 7-8 Meeting

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Join us at 1pm on July 8th to hear Fred Kwong. Deepfake technology has grown by leaps and bounds with the proliferation of AI. In this discussion, we will review how to create and spot deepfakes and what you can be doing in your organization to address it.  A link to the meeting has been sent to members email.

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Dr. Fred Kwong is Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at DeVry University, where he provides executive leadership for enterprise cybersecurity strategy, governance, risk management, and regulatory alignment. With more than 20 years of experience spanning higher education, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, and insurance, he has built and led mature security programs that strengthen institutional resilience, improve risk visibility, and support business objectives. Previously serving as Chief Information Security Officer at Delta Dental Plans Association, Dr. Kwong is recognized for advancing cybersecurity as a board-relevant business imperative through disciplined oversight, cross-functional partnership, and a strong culture of accountability. He also contributes to the broader profession through board service and national speaking engagements. Dr. Kwong holds a doctorate in organization development from Benedictine University, an MBA in management information systems, a BA in psychology and professional communications from Roosevelt University, and industry certifications including CISSP, CISA, CISM, CDPSE, PCIP, PMP, and ITIL.

2026 Annual Fraud Conference

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5-13-2026 8am to 4pm
5 CPE Credits
Full Program Details at: https://mfrin.org/program
Registration has ended as of May 8th.

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

David Kalat to Speak On Using Computer Forensics to Fight Fraud at 3-11 Meeting

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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

2026 MFIN Election Results

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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.

MFIN-ACFE Webinar Public Records Sources-Deep and Dark Web

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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.

MFIN – ACFE Half Day Fraud Conference 11-5-25

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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.

Pay and register Here

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.