The fraud triangle is a framework used in the determination of aspects that motivated an individual to conduct crime. In the case of the Kwame Kilpatrick case, the opportunity was presented by the lack of strong internal control. Since Kilpatrick and his father were not questioned on their decisions, fraud was allowed to occur because Kwame Kilpatrick was in a position of power. The incentive for indulging in fraudulent activities is needed to amass revenue to fund lavish lifestyles. The Kilpatricks rationalized the fraud as an endeavor that would allow them to gain some sought of compensation as can be inferred by Bernard Kilpatrick’s assertion which insinuated that now that his son is in office they can get as much “white money” as they want.
Based on the fraud scale, occupational fraud was more likely to occur because Bernard Kilpatrick, Kwame Kilpatrick’s father, pressured his son because he perceived Kwame’s election as an opportunity. Moreover, the absence of proper checks and balances accorded the fraudsters to embezzle funds without the fear of arraignment. The fact that Kwame Kilpatrick lied about cheating on his wife shows that integrity was low, hence the risk of occurrence of fraud was high.
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In the case, Kwame Kilpatrick orchestrated the fraud by using his authority to direct all construction and water projects to his friend, Bobby Ferguson. Bernard Kilpatrick also participated by offering fraudulent consultancy services to determine companies that could be awarded contracts. Victor Mercado also played a part in the scandal; he assigned well-paying jobs to Bobby Fergusson. The elements of the evidence square availed in the case are testimonial evidence and documentary evidence. The text messages between Kwame Kilpatrick and Fergusson proved that the two conspired to defraud the city. Furthermore, the fact that Mercado and Kwame both plead guilty demystifies the extent of the fraud.
