Christopher W. Knight, CFE, CAMS, CFCI, CHTI, CCTA
Founder & President
With over two decades of experience as an award-winning executive leader in fraud, risk, and compliance, Christopher has consistently demonstrated unparalleled expertise and leadership in the field. With a strong background in program design, data analytics, and strategic initiatives, Christopher has spearheaded groundbreaking fraud programs, resulting in substantial savings, including an impressive $25 million in the fourth year of one program’s inception.
Having spent eight years at the executive level overseeing large international teams, Christopher has a proven track record of enhancing internal controls, fraud detection, and risk assessment methodologies across diverse industries. Notable achievements include identifying some of the largest cases of financial malfeasance with leading companies such as Amazon, Sidecar Health, and TD Bank, totaling millions in proceeds of crime identification.
During his tenure as Head of Fraud at Sidecar Health Insurance, Christopher achieved remarkable milestones, including an 867% increase in fraud case velocity referrals and identifying the company’s largest fraud collusion case. His strategic leadership and implementation of over 30 alerts effectively prevented, detected, and corrected fraudulent activities.
At Amazon.com, Christopher spearheaded the development of loss prevention investigative departments, achieving exponential savings and accountability back to the business, with a stellar 98% team success rate. He also played a pivotal role in identifying and leading one of Amazon’s largest recorded cases of internal embezzlement, demonstrating his prowess in managing complex investigations.
As Head of Fraud at Game Show Network, Christopher led the overhaul of the fraud department, resulting in a significant reduction in fraud financial losses and program savings of $500,000 per year. His expertise extends to regulatory compliance, evidenced by the development and implementation of GSN Games’ first official “Policy on Anti-Money Laundering.”
Christopher’s extensive career also includes roles at TD Bank, where he was instrumental in identifying and reporting on a suspected international terrorist organization, and at the Oxford Police Department & County E911, where he uncovered a multi-state drug trafficking ring.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a plethora of certifications, including Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), and Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI). Additionally, he has taken advanced courses including Advanced Scientific Content Analysis for Interrogation & Deception Detection (SCAN) from the Laboratory for Scientific Interrogation and Wicklander-Zulawski Interview & Interrogation Techniques.
With his unwavering commitment to excellence, Christopher continues to drive innovation and lead teams to success in the ever-evolving landscape of fraud, risk, and compliance.
On a personal note, Christopher is an avid SCUBA diver, traveler, and pilot, as well as professional mentor with the ACFE. He was also a Search-and-Rescue (SAR)/Transport Mission Pilot with the United States Air Force Auxiliary- Civil Air Patrol in Maine.
He currently resides in Mesa, Arizona with his wife, Dr. Zoe Knight, and their animals.
Christopher W. Knight, CFE, CAMS, CFCI, CHTI, CCTA
Founder & President
With over two decades of experience as an award-winning executive leader in fraud, risk, and compliance, Christopher has consistently demonstrated unparalleled expertise and leadership in the field. With a strong background in program design, data analytics, and strategic initiatives, Christopher has spearheaded groundbreaking fraud programs, resulting in substantial savings, including an impressive $25 million in the fourth year of one program’s inception.
Having spent eight years at the executive level overseeing large international teams, Christopher has a proven track record of enhancing internal controls, fraud detection, and risk assessment methodologies across diverse industries. Notable achievements include identifying some of the largest cases of financial malfeasance with leading companies such as Amazon, Sidecar Health, and TD Bank, totaling millions in proceeds of crime identification.
During his tenure as Head of Fraud at Sidecar Health Insurance, Christopher achieved remarkable milestones, including an 867% increase in fraud case velocity referrals and identifying the company’s largest fraud collusion case. His strategic leadership and implementation of over 30 alerts effectively prevented, detected, and corrected fraudulent activities.
At Amazon.com, Christopher spearheaded the development of loss prevention investigative departments, achieving exponential savings and accountability back to the business, with a stellar 98% team success rate. He also played a pivotal role in identifying and leading one of Amazon’s largest recorded cases of internal embezzlement, demonstrating his prowess in managing complex investigations.
As Head of Fraud at Game Show Network, Christopher led the overhaul of the fraud department, resulting in a significant reduction in fraud financial losses and program savings of $500,000 per year. His expertise extends to regulatory compliance, evidenced by the development and implementation of GSN Games’ first official “Policy on Anti-Money Laundering.”
Christopher’s extensive career also includes roles at TD Bank, where he was instrumental in identifying and reporting on a suspected international terrorist organization, and at the Oxford Police Department & County E911, where he uncovered a multi-state drug trafficking ring.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a plethora of certifications, including Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), and Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI). Additionally, he has taken advanced courses including Advanced Scientific Content Analysis for Interrogation & Deception Detection (SCAN) from the Laboratory for Scientific Interrogation and Wicklander-Zulawski Interview & Interrogation Techniques.
With his unwavering commitment to excellence, Christopher continues to drive innovation and lead teams to success in the ever-evolving landscape of fraud, risk, and compliance.
On a personal note, Christopher is an avid SCUBA diver, traveler, and pilot, as well as professional mentor with the ACFE. He was also a Search-and-Rescue (SAR)/Transport Mission Pilot with the United States Air Force Auxiliary- Civil Air Patrol in Maine.
He currently resides in Mesa, Arizona with his wife, Dr. Zoe Knight, and their animals.
PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENTS
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
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Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS)
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Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI)International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI)
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Certified Counterintelligence Threat Analyst (CCTA)McAfee Institute
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Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI)McAfee Institute |
Certified Reserve Police OfficerMaine Criminal Justice Academy
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Advanced Scientific Content Analysis for
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Interview & Interrogation TechniquesWicklander-Zulawski & Associates
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HIPAA Security & AwarenessDigitalCompliance
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OSHA 30-Hour CardOccupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
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Guest Speaker (2018)Compliance, Governance, & Oversight Council (CGOC)
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Guest Speaker (2022)LearnFormula
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Guest Speaker (2023)Compliance Today
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Instructor (2023)LearnFormula
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Guest Speaker (2023)LearnFormula
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Guest Speaker (2023)Greater Fort Myers Chapter of the ACFE
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Guest Speaker (2023)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott Campus)
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Author (2023)KVFI
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Author (2023)KVFI
|
Check out the Learning Center for videos/recordings on some of these engagements! |
PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENTS
CERTIFICATIONS
______________________________
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
______________________________
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS)
______________________________
Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI)
International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI)
______________________________
Certified Counterintelligence Threat Analyst (CCTA)
McAfee Institute
______________________________
Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI)
McAfee Institute
______________________________
Certified Reserve Police Officer
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
______________________________
ADVANCED COURSES
______________________________
Advanced Scientific Content Analysis for
Interrogation & Deception Detection (SCAN)
LSI Laboratory for Scientific Interrogation, Inc.
______________________________
Interview & Interrogation Techniques
Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates
______________________________
HIPAA Security & Awareness
DigitalCompliance
______________________________
OSHA 30-Hour Card
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
______________________________
ENGAGEMENTS & PUBLICATIONS
______________________________
Guest Speaker (2018)
Compliance, Governance, & Oversight Council (CGOC)
Topic: Data Security & Privacy Issues in International
Internal Investigations
______________________________
Guest Speaker (2022)
LearnFormula
Topic: Fraud and Shifting Ethical Norms
______________________________
Guest Speaker (2023)
Compliance Today
Topic: Fraud and Compliance Oversight Partnerships
______________________________
Instructor (2023)
LearnFormula
Topic: Fraud Fighter Series
______________________________
Guest Speaker (2023)
LearnFormula
Topic: Why Ethics Matter
______________________________
Guest Speaker (2023)
Greater Fort Myers Chapter of the ACFE
Topic: Fraud Program Essesntials
______________________________
Guest Speaker (2023)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Topic: CFE, Investigations, & Business Ownership
______________________________
Author (2023)
KVFI
Topic: Conducting Initial Assessments on a Fraud Program
______________________________
Author (2023)
KVFI
Topic: FraudOps Foundations
______________________________
Check out the Learning Center for videos & recordings on some of these engagements!
CURRICULUM VITAE
Sidecar Health Insurance- Chief Fraud Officer (Sr. Director/Head of Fraud)
Recruited to join this insure-tech startup to design, implement, and lead the inaugural fraud and loss prevention program and manage a domestic staff. Reporting to CEO and C-Suite Executives.
- Initiated and conducted the company’s inaugural Fraud Risk Assessment, leveraging comprehensive data sources encompassing known fraud trends, forthcoming regulatory audit priorities, historical fraud incidents, and internal fraud data. The assessment identified urgent vulnerabilities in 2 business units while also pinpointing 31 specific fraud risks to the company as a whole. Among these risks, 2 significant threats were identified, while an additional 20 required immediate attention due to emerging threats. This proactive approach provided actionable insights for targeted risk mitigation strategies, contributing to enhanced fraud prevention and safeguarding the company’s financial integrity.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive suite of 30 fraud prevention, detection, and correction alerts, resulting in a nearly 200% increase in the identification of actual fraudulent activity within the first six months of deployment. Additionally, successfully integrated and configured a companywide case management system for all business units, streamlining incident management processes and reducing resolution times by several months.
- Generated an 867% increase in fraud case velocity referrals, leading to the identification and successful resolution of the company’s largest fraud collusion case.
Amazon- Head of Occupational Fraud & Abuse (OFA) Investigations
Tapped by Amazon to design, implement, and lead a new loss prevention investigative department specializing in workers’ compensation fraud, identity theft, COVID-19 fraud, and bereavement fraud.
- Successfully reclaimed and mitigated over $4.5 million in losses within the first year, resulting in a remarkable 2,306% increase in realized savings and accountability returned to the business. This exponential trend in fraud loss savings continued, reaching $25 million by the fourth year through expanded fraud pillars.
- Attained a team success rate of 98%, as evidenced by the successful execution of advanced program development initiatives. This accomplishment was recognized with an award from Amazon for outstanding contributions in program development.
Amazon- Sr. Program Manager of Global Internal Investigations & Prevention
Drove the development of loss prevention investigators specializing in internal fraud and theft conducted by employees and vendors while also managing global teams and staff. This included managing payment processors and fraud rules, overseeing fraud prevention and detection tech implementation, and working with retail banking partners to ensure AML and corporate card compliance.
- Led the investigation and resolution of Amazon’s largest recorded case of internal embezzlement, resulting in the recovery of $400,00 in misappropriated funds. Managed all investigation aspects, including building a compelling case for law enforcement referral, delegating investigation tasks, conducting over 20 employee and external interviews, personally interviewing the suspect and obtaining admission, gathering and analyzing nearly 500 pieces of intelligence and data, and authoring multiple detailed investigative reports.
- Implemented new technology and systems that significantly improved fraud prevention, detection, and reimbursement efficiency. The new system immediately detected and prevented a $250,000 false invoice fraud attempt.
Game Show Network / GSN Games- Chief Fraud Officer (Director/Head of Fraud) & AML Compliance Officer
Led and overhauled the fraud department which investigated all types of fraudulent activity related to transactions while managing a global staff. This included managing payment processors and certain vendors, project management of tech implementations, conducting internal and external investigations, risk assessments, loss prevention, AML compliance, and other regulatory requirements. Reporting to CFO and C-Suite Executives.
- Developed, authored, and implemented GSN Games’ inaugural “Policy on Anti-Money Laundering,” establishing comprehensive guidelines and protocols to combat financial crime.
- Implemented a comprehensive overhaul of the company’s fraud prevention program, resulting in a 49% reduction in financial losses attributed to fraud. Additionally, found innovative ways such a technology implementation, procedure updating, and fraud team education that yielded substantial program savings of $500,000 per year, demonstrating significant improvement in the company’s financial security and efficiency.
Consulting- AML & BSA Subject Matter Expert
Subject matter expert covering, but not limited to, know your customer (CIP/KYC), enhanced due diligence (EDD), Bank Secrecy ACT (BSA), US PATRIOT Act, Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), emerging trends, product risk, and risk assessments. Main engagements with Boston Private Bank & Trust, Santander Bank, and Citizens Bank.
- Conducted expert analysis of a financial institution merger, identifying high-risk customers and outlining necessary compliance remediation measures. This analysis facilitated the mitigation of potential regulatory risks and ensured seamless integration, safeguarding the institution’s reputation and financial stability.
- Received commendation from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for outstanding performance, specifically cited for successfully identifying an on-shore organization that appeared to be involved in trade-based money laundering with high-risk countries that previously went undetected by internal staff.
TD Bank- Bank Officer of Global AML & Terrorist Financing Investigations
Part of a specialized investigative unit conducting the company’s most complex and high-risk cross-border financial crimes investigations related to AML and credit/debit card fraud. The special unit team consisted of 5 investigators for the entire company engaged in full cycle of Know Your Customer (KYC+), AML/EDD Investigations, Customer Identification Program (CIP), Reg E, risk management programs, and filing of Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) for US and Canada, respectively.
- Identified, investigated, and reported on a suspected international terrorist organization, leading to the identification of approximately $1 million in proceeds of crime and funds believed to be linked to terrorism financing. The report was submitted to both US and Canadian task forces, contributing to ongoing efforts in combating terrorism financing and criminal activities across borders.
- Achieved recognition as the top performer in credit card fraud cases (Reg E) and AML investigations, with a nearly twofold increase in case resolutions compared to peers. This accomplishment resulted in a 50% reduction in average case resolution time.
Oxford Police Department & County E911- Police Officer & Emergency Telecommunications Specialist
Sworn police officer for the city of Oxford, Maine & Emergency 9-1-1 Dispatcher and Operator for Oxford County, Maine. Upheld Maine Criminal and Civil statutes through detective work, physical security, reactive and proactive investigations, and more. Included routine patrol, alarm responses, community engagement, and other law enforcement activities.
- Volunteered during personal time to spearhead the local Maine Child Identification Program (CHIP), facilitating the collection and distribution of vital information to the public and law enforcement agencies in the event of a missing child situation. Through this initiative, around 100 children were registered, providing essential identification resources to their families and law enforcement partners, enhancing community safety and responsiveness to emergencies.
- Discovered and dismantled a multi-state drug trafficking ring through strategic investigative techniques, comprehensive interviews, and analytical methodologies. This collaboration with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) led to the arrest and prosecution of multiple individuals on felony charges, resulting in the seizure of kilograms of illicit substances and the disruption of criminal operations across state lines. The successful outcome underscores the effectiveness of partnership efforts in combating organized crime and ensuring public safety.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Sidecar Health Insurance- Chief Fraud Officer (Sr. Director/Head of Fraud)
Recruited to join this insure-tech startup to design, implement, and lead the inaugural fraud and loss prevention program and manage a domestic staff. Reporting to CEO and C-Suite Executives.
- Initiated and conducted the company’s inaugural Fraud Risk Assessment, leveraging comprehensive data sources encompassing known fraud trends, forthcoming regulatory audit priorities, historical fraud incidents, and internal fraud data. The assessment identified urgent vulnerabilities in 2 business units while also pinpointing 31 specific fraud risks to the company as a whole. Among these risks, 2 significant threats were identified, while an additional 20 required immediate attention due to emerging threats. This proactive approach provided actionable insights for targeted risk mitigation strategies, contributing to enhanced fraud prevention and safeguarding the company’s financial integrity.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive suite of 30 fraud prevention, detection, and correction alerts, resulting in a nearly 200% increase in the identification of actual fraudulent activity within the first six months of deployment. Additionally, successfully integrated and configured a companywide case management system for all business units, streamlining incident management processes and reducing resolution times by several months.
- Generated an 867% increase in fraud case velocity referrals, leading to the identification and successful resolution of the company’s largest fraud collusion case.
Amazon- Head of Occupational Fraud & Abuse (OFA) Investigations
Tapped by Amazon to design, implement, and lead a new loss prevention investigative department specializing in workers’ compensation fraud, identity theft, COVID-19 fraud, and bereavement fraud.
- Successfully reclaimed and mitigated over $4.5 million in losses within the first year, resulting in a remarkable 2,306% increase in realized savings and accountability returned to the business. This exponential trend in fraud loss savings continued, reaching $25 million by the fourth year through expanded fraud pillars.
- Attained a team success rate of 98%, as evidenced by the successful execution of advanced program development initiatives. This accomplishment was recognized with an award from Amazon for outstanding contributions in program development.
Amazon- Sr. Program Manager of Global Internal Investigations & Prevention
Drove the development of loss prevention investigators specializing in internal fraud and theft conducted by employees and vendors while also managing global teams and staff. This included managing payment processors and fraud rules, overseeing fraud prevention and detection tech implementation, and working with retail banking partners to ensure AML and corporate card compliance.
- Led the investigation and resolution of Amazon’s largest recorded case of internal embezzlement, resulting in the recovery of $400,00 in misappropriated funds. Managed all investigation aspects, including building a compelling case for law enforcement referral, delegating investigation tasks, conducting over 20 employee and external interviews, personally interviewing the suspect and obtaining admission, gathering and analyzing nearly 500 pieces of intelligence and data, and authoring multiple detailed investigative reports.
- Implemented new technology and systems that significantly improved fraud prevention, detection, and reimbursement efficiency. The new system immediately detected and prevented a $250,000 false invoice fraud attempt.
Game Show Network / GSN Games- Chief Fraud Officer (Director/Head of Fraud) & AML Compliance Officer
Led and overhauled the fraud department which investigated all types of fraudulent activity related to transactions while managing a global staff. This included managing payment processors and certain vendors, project management of tech implementations, conducting internal and external investigations, risk assessments, loss prevention, AML compliance, and other regulatory requirements. Reporting to CFO and C-Suite Executives.
- Developed, authored, and implemented GSN Games’ inaugural “Policy on Anti-Money Laundering,” establishing comprehensive guidelines and protocols to combat financial crime.
- Implemented a comprehensive overhaul of the company’s fraud prevention program, resulting in a 49% reduction in financial losses attributed to fraud. Additionally, found innovative ways such a technology implementation, procedure updating, and fraud team education that yielded substantial program savings of $500,000 per year, demonstrating significant improvement in the company’s financial security and efficiency.
Consulting- AML & BSA Subject Matter Expert
Subject matter expert covering, but not limited to, know your customer (CIP/KYC), enhanced due diligence (EDD), Bank Secrecy ACT (BSA), US PATRIOT Act, Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), emerging trends, product risk, and risk assessments. Main engagements with Boston Private Bank & Trust, Santander Bank, and Citizens Bank.
- Conducted expert analysis of a financial institution merger, identifying high-risk customers and outlining necessary compliance remediation measures. This analysis facilitated the mitigation of potential regulatory risks and ensured seamless integration, safeguarding the institution’s reputation and financial stability.
- Received commendation from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for outstanding performance, specifically cited for successfully identifying an on-shore organization that appeared to be involved in trade-based money laundering with high-risk countries that previously went undetected by internal staff.
TD Bank- Bank Officer of Global AML & Terrorist Financing Investigations
Part of a specialized investigative unit conducting the company’s most complex and high-risk cross-border financial crimes investigations related to AML and credit/debit card fraud. The special unit team consisted of 5 investigators for the entire company engaged in full cycle of Know Your Customer (KYC+), AML/EDD Investigations, Customer Identification Program (CIP), Reg E, risk management programs, and filing of Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) for US and Canada, respectively.
- Identified, investigated, and reported on a suspected international terrorist organization, leading to the identification of approximately $1 million in proceeds of crime and funds believed to be linked to terrorism financing. The report was submitted to both US and Canadian task forces, contributing to ongoing efforts in combating terrorism financing and criminal activities across borders.
- Achieved recognition as the top performer in credit card fraud cases (Reg E) and AML investigations, with a nearly twofold increase in case resolutions compared to peers. This accomplishment resulted in a 50% reduction in average case resolution time.
Oxford Police Department & County E911- Police Officer & Emergency Telecommunications Specialist
Sworn police officer for the city of Oxford, Maine & Emergency 9-1-1 Dispatcher and Operator for Oxford County, Maine. Upheld Maine Criminal and Civil statutes through detective work, physical security, reactive and proactive investigations, and more. Included routine patrol, alarm responses, community engagement, and other law enforcement activities.
- Volunteered during personal time to spearhead the local Maine Child Identification Program (CHIP), facilitating the collection and distribution of vital information to the public and law enforcement agencies in the event of a missing child situation. Through this initiative, around 100 children were registered, providing essential identification resources to their families and law enforcement partners, enhancing community safety and responsiveness to emergencies.
- Discovered and dismantled a multi-state drug trafficking ring through strategic investigative techniques, comprehensive interviews, and analytical methodologies. This collaboration with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) led to the arrest and prosecution of multiple individuals on felony charges, resulting in the seizure of kilograms of illicit substances and the disruption of criminal operations across state lines. The successful outcome underscores the effectiveness of partnership efforts in combating organized crime and ensuring public safety.