Jacobi Journal of Insurance Investigation

Unveiling the truth behind insurance claims.
Protecting integrity in every investigation.

Check out our blog about Fraud Examiners: United in the Fight for Truth

Fraud examiners and investigative journalists share a core mission: uncovering the truth. Both professions rely on interviewing, data analysis, and research tools to gather evidence, often collaborating to expose fraud. At the heart of their work is a commitment to seeking the facts and presenting them objectively.

Why the Guardian Award Matters

This shared mission inspired the creation of the Guardian Award, which is given annually to a journalist who has made a significant contribution to the fight against fraud. Nominees are selected based on their efforts to expose fraud and white-collar crime or raise awareness about fraud prevention and detection. The award celebrates qualities like determination, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to truth—values that fraud examiners also hold dear.

The 2016 Guardian Award Winner: David Barboza

The recipient of the 2016 Guardian Award was David Barboza, a business correspondent for The New York Times. Barboza earned recognition for his groundbreaking investigative work exposing corruption within the Chinese government. His reporting revealed billions of dollars in hidden wealth controlled by the family of then-Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, earning him the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting.

Barboza’s Investigation

In a detailed cover article, Barboza recounts how his investigation began by focusing on “state capitalism” and the business dealings of China’s political elite, often called “princelings.” He gained access to corporate records and shareholder information, leading him to uncover startling evidence. His investigation linked Wen Jiabao’s family to Ping An, one of China’s largest insurance companies. Initially, he discovered hundreds of millions of dollars tied to the family. However, further investigation revealed a total of $2.7 billion, which Barboza suggests may only represent a fraction of their true wealth.

A Keynote Address at the ACFE Global Fraud Conference

David Barboza will deliver a keynote address and receive the Guardian Award at the 27th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference. This event will take place from June 12-17 in Las Vegas.

According to a report from ACFE

For more information on David Barboza’s investigative work and the Guardian Award, visit the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ official article: ACFE.


FAQs: Fraud Examiners and the Guardian Award

What role do fraud examiners play in uncovering financial crimes?

Fraud examiners investigate and analyze financial records to detect and prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring transparency and accountability in organizations.

How does the Guardian Award recognize contributions to fraud prevention?

The Guardian Award honors journalists who demonstrate exceptional dedication and perseverance in exposing fraud and white-collar crimes, highlighting the importance of investigative reporting in the fight against fraud.

Can you provide an example of a significant fraud investigation?

David Barboza’s investigation into the hidden wealth of China’s political elite uncovered over $2.7 billion in assets, showcasing the critical role of investigative journalism in exposing corruption.

How do fraud examiners collaborate with journalists?

Fraud examiners and journalists often work together, combining their expertise in data analysis and investigative reporting to uncover complex fraud schemes and bring them to public attention.


Stay informed about the latest developments in fraud prevention and investigative journalism. Subscribe to JacobiJournal.com for expert insights and updates.

Leave a Reply