Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Darwin Makhija

Driven by an early passion for uncovering financial crime and a commitment to integrity, Darwin Makhija has built an impressive academic and professional record of high achievements. As the first Indian recipient of the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship, Darwin shares how the scholarship has accelerated his work in the fight against fraud. 

How did you hear about the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship and what made you decide to apply? 

I first learned about the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship through the ACFE’s official channels a few months before the application cycle. At that point, I was already deeply involved in forensic accounting and anti-money laundering (AML) research, having authored two internationally published books and contributed to various academic projects. The scholarship immediately resonated with me because its values — integrity, professionalism and advancing the fight against fraud — mirrored my own journey. I saw it as an opportunity not just for financial support, but as a platform to give global recognition to my work and reaffirm my commitment to the anti-fraud community. 

Another motivating factor was the fact that no Indian had ever received this honor before. While that initially felt intimidating, it also inspired me to represent my country in this global space. I wanted to show that contributions from developing countries like India are equally impactful in shaping the fight against financial crime. For me, applying was less about competing and more about stepping into a community where my passion, hard work and contributions could be recognized and amplified. 

How did you become passionate about fighting fraud? 

My passion for fighting fraud began with a realization during my early academic years in India:  Fraud is not just about numbers or transactions, it impacts real people, trust in institutions and even the pace of national development. While many of my peers pursued traditional careers in commerce or accountancy, I was drawn to the investigative and analytical nature of forensic accounting. Enrolling in India’s first integrated MBA program in forensic accounting and fraud investigation gave me the foundation to follow this calling, and from there my journey only deepened. 

Hands-on experiences fueled my passion even further. At Prudent Insurance, I investigated cyber frauds and high-value claims, which taught me how financial crimes exploit loopholes. At Precisa, I worked directly on forensic bank statement analysis, unearthing layering and money laundering patterns. And at Karmine, I refined skills in money mule profiling and source of wealth identification. These experiences, combined with authoring two books and engaging with global experts, transformed my interest into a mission: to dedicate my career to unmasking deceit and strengthening financial integrity worldwide. 

What advice do you have for students who are interested in applying for the scholarship? 

My advice would be to approach the application with both confidence and authenticity. This scholarship is about much more than financial aid— it’s about showing your commitment to the profession and how you have contributed to advancing the fight against fraud. When I applied, I carried doubts, especially because no Indian had ever been awarded before me. But I chose to highlight my academic dedication, internships and contributions to the anti-fraud field. That authenticity and passion ultimately made a difference. 

For students applying, I would also encourage you to engage deeply with the ACFE community. Attend webinars, join local or student chapters and seek mentorship from professionals in the field. These not only enrich your application but also give you experiences and networks that will serve you for years to come. The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship can be a career-defining moment; it certainly was for me. It opened doors to recognition at my university, my country’s ACFE chapter and even in international circles. If you are passionate about fraud prevention, don’t hold back. Apply wholeheartedly and let your journey speak for itself. 

Apply for the 2026-2027 Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship