High-Risk Due Diligence for Strategic Operations in a Challenging Environment

Overview:

Valar was tasked with conducting a comprehensive due diligence investigation to support a client operating in one of the world’s most challenging environments. The client required a highly detailed understanding of the human terrain, local networks, asset control, and influence structures in order to proceed with strategic investments and operational deployment.

Our Approach:

Valar applied a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven methodology to map out and analyze the critical variables affecting the client’s operational success. Our team combined human intelligence (HUMINT), open-source intelligence (OSINT), and in-country expertise to provide a discreet yet robust assessment across the following areas:

  • Personnel profiling to assess the backgrounds, affiliations, reputations, and motivations of key individuals—ranging from government officials and contractors to security actors and fixers.
  • Asset verification and tracing, including ownership structures, land title validity, and the physical location and security of strategic infrastructure.
  • Network analysis to uncover hidden relationships, identify beneficial ownership, and expose influence chains that could present compliance, security, or reputational risks.
  • Intent and capability assessments of local actors, including tribal groups, political elites, and commercial stakeholders who could obstruct or enable project delivery.
  • Influence mapping to identify pressure points and gatekeepers at national and subnational levels that could impact regulatory approvals or operational continuity.

Outcome:

Valar’s investigation equipped the client with actionable, granular intelligence that allowed for:

  • Informed decision-making on partner selection and risk allocation.
  • Proactive engagement with stakeholders likely to shape operational success.
  • Avoidance of entanglement with high-risk individuals or entities that could compromise compliance or reputation.

Impact:

Through this work, Valar enabled the client to operate with confidence and precision in a volatile environment. The due diligence findings directly supported strategic risk mitigationregulatory compliance, and enhanced situational awareness, allowing the client to move forward with critical operations while safeguarding long-term interests.