Verify the Truth Behind the Documents.
Beyond the Public Record
In China’s dynamic business environment, relying solely on provided financial statements or online databases is a calculated risk. Public records can be outdated, bureaucratic layers can obscure ownership, and "shell companies" are not uncommon.
Aegis Eagle provides Investigative Due Diligence. While accounting firms audit the numbers, we verify the reality of the business. We combine open-source intelligence (OSINT) with discreet human intelligence and physical site visits to paint an accurate picture of your potential partners, suppliers, or acquisition targets.
Why Standard Checks Are Insufficient
A standard credit report might tell you a company is registered. It won’t tell you that the registered address is an empty warehouse, or that the "General Manager" is a proxy for a competitor.
We protect you from:
- Phantom Entities: Companies that exist only on paper to siphon deposit payments.
- Operational Misrepresentation: Factories claiming 500 employees when they only have 50.
- Undisclosed Liabilities: Hidden debts, off-book guarantees, or pending litigation not yet digitized in national databases.
- Conflict of Interest: Uncovering if your procurement manager has a hidden family relationship with your supplier.
Our Due Diligence Methodology
We employ a multi-layered approach to validation:
1. Corporate Registry & Litigation Checks (The Foundation)
We access official AIC (State Administration for Industry and Commerce) filings to retrieve authoritative data.
- What we verify: Legal registration status, registered capital vs. paid-in capital, history of name changes, and official shareholder structure.
- Litigation Search: Scrutinizing court records for breach of contract lawsuits, labor disputes, and enforcement orders.
2. Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Analysis
Complex holding structures are often used to hide the true decision-makers. We peel back the layers of corporate hierarchy to identify the Ultimate Beneficial Owner.
- Why it matters: We check for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), sanctioned individuals, or individuals with a history of fraud.
3. Operational Site Visits ("Boots on the Ground")
This is our key differentiator. Our investigators physically visit the target company’s listed locations.
- Visual Verification: Does the factory exist? Is there activity? Is the machinery operational or rusting?
- Asset Confirmation: Verifying that inventory and assets claimed in the deal actually reside on the premises.
4. Reputation & Human Intelligence
We utilize local networks to conduct discreet inquiries within the industry.
- Market Reputation: What do former employees, local competitors, and suppliers say about their payment habits and business ethics?
Case Examples: When to Engage Us
- Pre-M&A / Joint Ventures: Before finalizing a merger or partnership with a Chinese entity.
- Vendor Vetting: Verifying a new supplier in a remote province before wiring a deposit.
- Internal Fraud Investigations: When you suspect a local manager is self-dealing or engaging in kickback schemes.
- IP Protection: Investigating if a partner is running a "shadow shift" to produce counterfeit goods using your molds.
Compliance & Discretion
All investigations are conducted in strict accordance with Chinese laws, including the Data Security Law and Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL). We do not engage in illegal hacking or wiretapping. Our methods are legal, ethical, and admissible.