See also: 

Note the procedures below are similar to those for research fraud

Complainant must be made aware that matter cannot be investigated unless the journal Editor informs the corresponding (or complained-about) author (due process) and possibly the institution or company at which the research took place

In the communication to the corresponding author (see Form Letter A), Editor should indicate that matter is likely to be referred to institution or company where research took place, the standard-setting body (if relevant), the institution or company which provided undisclosed financial support (if relevant), or any other relevant institution or agency (for example a funding agency) unless the author provides a reasonable explanation (accepted as reasonable by the Editor)

If corresponding/complained-about author accepts the position of the complainant...

... then note, corrigendum or journal retraction procedures are appropriate remedies (there may still be disagreement concerning the appropriate description of the wrong-doing) unless the privacy rights of an individual have been violated (one of the few instances where removal may be appropriate)

• it may be appropriate to simply say that the research work reported in the article violated certain standards (such as treatment of research subjects) accepted in the field (if the results would not be affected)
• if the violations errors are more critical, or if privacy rights have been seriously infringed and remedial consent cannot be obtained (in the judgment of the Editor), then a more critical statement may be appropriate (with legal review for defamation)
• ultimately the Editor may need to make a judgment as to the appropriate language for the statement, if there is no consensus, and should do so in consultation with Elsevier staff

If corresponding/complained-about author rejects the position of the complainant...

... then the Editor will have to consider whether the author’s explanation is reasonable—normally the Editor would also inform the complainant of the author’s explanation and seek comment (see Form Letter B)