Unlawful Employee Poaching

Many large companies in Bochum frequently face economic espionage. Everyone wants to stay ahead and outperform the competition, often using any means necessary: break-ins to steal data carriers, bribing employees, surveillance technology, or planting a “mole” – to name just a few methods. When none of these measures are feasible, companies may attempt to poach employees specifically to gain insider information. At the first sign of suspicion, the affected company should take action, as the disclosure of sensitive data can have catastrophic consequences. The detectives at Kurtz Detective Agency Bochum assist you in verifying your suspicions: +49 234 3075 0073.

Employee Poaching as a Means of Information Acquisition

There are numerous methods for poaching employees. A common approach involves “discreet” initial contact, where it is not immediately apparent that the lure works for a competing company. The first meeting often takes place outside the workplace, after gathering information about the target’s personal activities. This allows for a seemingly coincidental encounter. Such encounters are repeated more frequently over time until more extensive conversations occur. Eventually, the subject is presented with the advantages of joining the competitor: higher salary, bonuses, a company car, better working hours, improved holiday arrangements, and so forth. Psychological techniques are subtly used to make the employee feel they would be unwise not to switch employers – and the trap is set.

Two Men Playing Squash; Kurtz Detective Agency Bochum, Corporate Investigators in Bochum, Corporate Detective Bochum, Detective Bochum

A “coincidental” encounter during the target’s hobby (here: squash) often provides a solid starting point for poaching strategies.

Employee Complicity is Common

The sophistication of poaching methods does not absolve the recruited employee of responsibility – they may be naïve but have acted disloyally toward their current employer and, depending on the competition clauses in their employment contract, may have committed a breach of contract. If you suspect an employee may be inclined to be poached, or if they have already been approached by a competitor and are disclosing company secrets, contact the corporate investigators at Kurtz Detective Agency Bochum: +49 234 3075 0073.