Services
Background Checks & Sanctions Screening
Make confident hiring and partnership decisions with our thorough background screening services. We analyze:
-
Employment history & education credentials
-
Sanctions & watchlist screenings
-
Overall background and reputational risks
Comprehensive Investigative Due Diligence
Our deep-dive investigations offer a full risk assessment of individuals and entities, ensuring transparency and compliance. We investigate:
-
Litigation records & bankruptcy filings
-
Corporate affiliations & financial standing
-
Source of wealth & asset tracing
-
In-depth media searches & reputational analysis
-
Political & professional connections, highlighting potential risks
Media & Social Media Intelligence
Uncover potential red flags or strategic insights with our advanced media and social media analysis, including:
-
Adverse media & reputation screening
-
Social media footprint & sentiment analysis
-
Follower and audience engagement insights
-
Network and association mapping
-
Regional social media coverage, including VK.com, Telegram, and other localized platforms
Human Intelligence
On-the-ground intelligence collection through discreet source enquiries or direct site visits. We offer:
-
Verification of operational claims
-
Reputational insight gathering
-
Targeted commentary from industry insiders
Tailored for matters where context beyond open-source records is critical.
Bespoke Investigative Reports
Every case is unique. That’s why we provide custom-tailored reports designed to meet your specific needs. May include:
-
Sectoral analysis
-
Market mapping
-
Regulatory landscape reviews
-
Competitor intelligence
-
Thematic research supporting litigation or arbitration strategy
Why Steppe Forward?
We provide comprehensive, discreet, and legally compliant investigative research internationally with deep expertise in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to help you make informed business, hiring, and compliance decisions.
We go beyond simply gathering data—we build a comprehensive story from our findings, helping you understand the bigger picture. Our expert analysis not only delivers detailed records but also interprets the significance of missing or unavailable data, providing you with clear insights into potential risks and hidden connections.
We prioritize ethical research, data security, and compliance with global privacy regulations. Partner with us for reliable, legally compliant intelligence solutions—get in touch today!
Leadership Team
Helen Tian
Co-founder &
Chief Analyst
Helen is a Washington D.C.-based ACAMS-certified investigative due diligence analyst with 4+ years of experience in compliance and financial services.
Prior to founding Steppe Forward, she worked at BDO USA in Washington, D.C., where she conducted international investigations, litigation support, asset tracing, and investigative interviews, and at Wise in Tallinn, Estonia, where she specialized in financial and integrity due diligence within a financial crime compliance framework. Helen holds a Master’s degree in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Oxford and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).
Multilingual and skilled in complex investigations, she specializes in identifying regulatory and reputational risks, fraud, and corruption across Eastern Europe and globally. Helen excels in data interpretation and building compelling narratives from research findings. She also has extensive experience in conducting investigative and verification interviews.
Mira is a Lviv-based business development and operations lead with over 7 years of experience in international client management and project delivery.
Prior to co-founding Steppe Forward, she held management roles across marketing, operations, and customer delivery in international business environments. Born in Kyiv, she brings native Ukrainian & Russian language capability and deep familiarity with local institutions, data points and professional networks across Ukraine.
Multilingual and skilled in coordinating complex, multi-jurisdictional projects, Mira is responsible for client relationships, source network management, and the firm's strategic growth. She holds a certification in executive management and ensures every engagement meets the highest standards of quality and timeliness.
Mira Vyslovukh
Co-founder &
Executive Officer
Let's Connect
Fill in the form and our team will get back to you shortly with more details and next steps
Or reach out to us directly at:
contact@steppe-forward.com or via LinkedIn
Your inquiry is confidential. Our team ensures secure and thorough due diligence for your needs.
Once you submit, our team will review your request and contact you within 2 working days to discuss your needs.
Resources & Publications
Work Samples
Want to see what our corporate intelligence research looks like? Enter your email to receive our samples from real due diligence projects in Ukraine and Russia.