What is one way to verify the existence of corrupt payments in schemes?

Utilizing insider testimony is an effective method to verify the existence of corrupt payments in schemes because insiders often have firsthand information about the operations within an organization, including any unethical practices or fraudulent activities taking place. Insiders can provide insights into processes, identify individuals involved in corrupt transactions, and reveal the motivations behind such activities. Their testimony can serve as a key piece of evidence that helps investigators understand the context of suspicious transactions and may lead to uncovering further evidence of fraud.

In contrast, while random audits, cross-referencing invoices, and reviewing third-party statements can be useful in detecting anomalies that may indicate fraud, they do not directly confirm the existence of corrupt payments. These methods primarily focus on identifying irregularities or discrepancies that require further investigation, but they might not always provide the direct insider knowledge that can corroborate specific instances of corruption. Therefore, insider testimony stands out as a more direct and potentially revealing approach to understanding and verifying corrupt payment schemes.