What type of crime was being investigated over a period exceeding a year?

The answer is fraud. Investigations into fraud often involve complex financial transactions and elaborate schemes that can take a significant amount of time to unravel. Fraud cases can involve extensive documentation, the need for financial forensic analysis, and cooperation with multiple agencies or stakeholders. This complexity frequently results in investigations extending over long periods, sometimes exceeding a year, as authorities work to gather comprehensive evidence and build a solid case.

In contrast, while thefts, burglaries, and assaults can also be serious crimes, they generally do not require the same level of prolonged investigation. Thefts and burglaries may involve more straightforward gathering of evidence, like identifying stolen property or witnesses, which can often lead to quicker resolutions. Assault cases can also be investigated relatively quickly based on witness testimony and medical reports.