Last week, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire unsealed an indictment charging eight individuals in connection with an international scheme to obtain $10m in fraudulent market survey data.

The Insights Association said in a statement: “Upon learning of the charges and following an expedited internal review, the Insights Association suspended the IA memberships of SliceMR and SNWare Research, as well as the named individuals in the U.S. Attorney’s Office indictment. Op4G, which ostensibly was a predecessor and/or affiliate company of SliceMR, was not an IA member.”

The US judicial system maintains a presumption of innocence. As such, the Insights Association said it would make any final decisions relating to permanent bans from the organisations after a final judgment or other ruling or plea bargain in the case. The suspensions will remain in effect indefinitely.

Melanie Courtright, chief executive of the Insights Association, said: “This moment demands that we all, as professionals, resoundingly condemn any behaviour that undermines the integrity of our work. 

“We must be diligent in exposing suspected fraudulent or illegal behaviour at any place, at any time, from any person or organisation connected to our profession. Our industry’s hard-earned reputation should not be sullied by the actions of a single organisation, but this must serve as a stark reminder that we all must do everything we can to maintain the integrity of the work we do.”

Courtright continued: “While this case is a disturbing example of misconduct, it is crucial to emphasise this is an isolated incident. It should not cast doubt upon the integrity of thousands of honest, professional organisations and individuals who comprise our industry.”

The Insights Association also said in its statement that any individual or organisation that had dealings with Op4G/SliceMR or SNWare Research between 2014 and 2024, and has any pertinent information relating to the matter, should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at usanh.webmail@usdoj.gov.

The Insights Association is a founding leader of the Global Data Quality initiative, working with other organisations, including MRS, to create, promote and implement best-practice guidance and tools.

Jane Frost, chief executive, MRS, said in a statement: “We can’t hide our heads in the sand and deny that where there are monetary incentives there will be people who seek to abuse those payments. This deeply regrettable, and luckily fairly rare, case demonstrates the importance of initiatives such as the Global Data Quality Initiative sponsored by MRS.  It is also a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in the management of all aspects of the supply chain."