Area Investigation Manager

PeopleStrong; India; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

PeopleStrong is seeking an Area Manager – Investigation (Gold Loan) to lead fraud risk investigations across the assigned region. You will detect, investigate, prevent, and mitigate fraud incidents involving gold loans, including fake pledges, documentation fraud, and valuation irregularities.

The role requires leadership of a regional investigations team, coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and reporting per RBI guidelines within a Fraud Risk Management framework.

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end investigations of suspected frauds, thefts, pledge irregularities, and valuation discrepancies in gold loan accounts.
• Analyze transaction trails, CCTV footage, branch records, and customer documentation to establish facts.
• Conduct field investigations and surprise checks at branches and vault locations.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports with findings, root cause analysis, and actionable recommendations.
• Coordinate with law enforcement agencies and legal/compliance teams for case handling and asset recovery.

Skills

Fraud investigations

Data analytics

Forensic techniques

Investigation leadership

Education

Graduate

Job description

Investigation Risk Management Financial Risk Insurance Risk Assessment Vendor Management MIS Operations Management

Graduate

Job Description

Job Title: Area Manager – Investigation ( Gold Loan )

Reporting To: Head – Investigation & Vigilance (FRMU)

Role Purpose:

The Area Investigation Manager is responsible for leading fraud risk investigations related to the Gold Loan portfolio across the assigned region. The role focuses on detection, investigation, prevention, and mitigation of fraud incidents involving gold loans, including fake gold pledges, collateral substitution, employee collusion, documentation fraud, identity fraud, valuation irregularities, and operational lapses.

The incumbent shall conduct end-to-end investigations, coordinate with business units, law enforcement agencies, legal teams, and regulatory compliance functions, and ensure timely reporting of fraud cases as per RBI guidelines and the NBFC's Fraud Risk Management Framework.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end investigations of suspected frauds, thefts, pledge irregularities, and valuation discrepancies in gold loan accounts.
• Analyze transaction trails, CCTV footage, branch records, and customer documentation to establish facts.
• Conduct field investigations and surprise checks at branches and vault locations.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports with findings, root cause analysis, and actionable recommendations.
• Identify systemic gaps in gold loan processes (appraisal, storage, disbursement, auction).
• Recommend and implement corrective controls to mitigate fraud risks.
• Collaborate with internal audit, risk, and product teams to strengthen SOPs.
• Coordinate with law enforcement agencies (police, economic offenses wing) for fraud cases and asset recovery.
• Support legal teams in filing FIRs, charge sheets, and court proceedings.
• Act as the nodal point for external agencies during investigations.
• Lead a team of investigators across regions.
• Allocate cases, monitor progress, and ensure timely closure of investigations.
• Develop investigation frameworks, SOPs, and reporting standards.

5. Surveillance & Intelligence Integration

• Work closely with E-surveillance teams to identify suspicious patterns and triggers.
• Leverage data analytics and MIS reports to proactively detect fraud trends.
• Maintain a database of fraud cases and modus operandi for future prevention.
• Conduct training sessions for branch staff on fraud prevention, gold appraisal risks, and compliance.
• Share learnings from past cases to enhance awareness and vigilance.

7. Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal vigilance policies.
• Submit periodic reports to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Support audits and inspections related to fraud and vigilance.

8. Stakeholder Management

• Branch Teams
• Gold Loan Operations
• Credit & Risk Functions
• Compliance Department
• Internal Audit
• Legal & Recovery Teams
• Provide investigation updates to senior management and fraud governance committees.
• Lead and mentor Investigation Officers across the assigned area.
• Allocate investigation assignments and monitor closure timelines.
• Ensure quality and consistency of investigation reports.
• Build fraud awareness and investigation capabilities within the team.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Number of cases investigated and closed within defined TAT
• Recovery amount / loss minimization
• Reduction in repeat fraud incidents
• Quality and accuracy of investigation reports
• Implementation rate of recommended controls
• Strong investigative and analytical skills
• Knowledge of gold valuation and lending processes
• Familiarity with forensic techniques and evidence handling
• Excellent report writing and documentation skills