White paper
When several reports contain the same name, wording or sequence of events, the challenge is to identify a meaningful pattern without treating it as evidence. Cross-case analysis should prompt targeted checks while preserving context, source independence, access rights and the integrity of each case.
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The document distinguishes between repeated names, processes, time periods, documents and wording. It helps separate functional presence, a common origin, independent accounts, genuine contradictions and mere coincidence.
A useful cross-case link should change an investigative decision, such as locating a source, comparing workflows, reassessing protective measures or broadening a mandate. The selected action should be capable of weakening the proposed explanation, not merely accumulating confirmation.
Cross-case analysis can remain separate from the source cases to limit the circulation of identities and documents. Each link retains its rationale, date and status so that it can be challenged, corrected or removed without rewriting earlier conclusions.
This white paper presents a method for assessing relationships between cases, including factual, temporal, documentary, digital and relational similarities, source dependencies and apparent contradictions. It explains how to turn a cross-case signal into an investigative question and an action capable of either supporting or weakening the hypothesis. It also addresses cross-contamination, access minimisation, the shift from an individual case to organisational risk, and the distinction between functional exposure and behaviour. Finally, it describes a cross-case record that preserves the rationale, date, status and revisions of each identified link.
Heads of internal investigations, compliance and ethics teams, managers of workplace reporting systems, legal departments, internal control and internal audit teams, data protection officers, and those responsible for governing sensitive case files.
