White-collar crimes often attract the attention of high-ranking members of law enforcement. As such, they will have plenty of weapons at their disposal to investigate the crimes. Law enforcement may use a search warrant or wiretap to gather information related to the crime. Investigators may seize electronic records to try to uncover a paper trail of the alleged offense.
Whistleblowers often kick off many white-collar investigations. They may provide a journalist or investigator with a tip of illegal activity.