Gathering lawful evidence in the field — what neither OSINT nor official channels can always obtain
Private investigation is the professional practice of gathering evidence and information on behalf of individuals, businesses or law firms — outside the powers of law enforcement and in strict compliance with the law.
A private investigator has no state powers. They cannot make arrests, access confidential files or obtain private data by coercion. Their work relies onobservation, tailing, gathering evidence in public spaces and OSINT investigation.
Suspected infidelity in a contentious divorce, child custody disputes, checking the environment a child lives in, proof of cohabitation or hidden income in support proceedings. This area accounts for a significant share of the cases handled by investigators in every country.
Fake sick leave, suspicious workplace accident claims, insurance fraud, exaggerated personal injury in litigation. Field investigation provides timestamped visual evidence that contradicts — or confirms — the disputed claims.
Illustrative example: an employee on long-term sick leave is filmed doing physical activity incompatible with the declared disability.
Locating people who have disappeared voluntarily or not, untraceable debtors, accident witnesses, heirs who have lost contact. A combination of OSINT and field enquiries (neighbourhood, address cross-checks, indirect contacts).
Suspected leaks of confidential information, an employee suspected of passing data to competitors, detection of listening devices in sensitive premises (TSCM — Technical Surveillance Countermeasures). These assignments require specialized skills and dedicated equipment.
Threat assessment (harassment, stalking, real or perceived threats), risk analysis for an exposed person, occasional close protection. The line with private security in the strict sense depends on local regulations.
Presentation of the facts, definition of objectives (what are we trying to prove or establish?), assessment of feasibility and legality. A serious investigator will turn down an assignment whose objectives cannot be achieved lawfully.
Signing a mandate that sets out the scope, the authorized methods and the fees. The contract protects both parties and defines what can be done — and what will not be.
Discreet surveillance, tailing, observation and timestamped photo or video documentation in public spaces. Agents work in plain clothes, often in rotation to avoid being spotted. Everything stays within the law — no intrusion, no illegal devices.
A structured document with a precise timeline (dates, times, places), geotagged visual evidence and factual conclusions. The report contains no interpretation — only observed and documented facts, usable in legal proceedings.
Rules vary by country, but some principles are almost universal. A provider who offers to cross these lines is not a professional — they are a risk to you and to themselves.
Private investigation is often romanticized by fiction. The reality is more sober:
Fees vary with the country, the type of assignment, the number of agents involved and the duration. The ranges below indicate rates generally charged:
Observation on public roads, timestamped photos and videos, summary report.
Agent rotation to avoid detection, several vehicles, continuous surveillance.
In-depth investigation with a court-ready report, findings and long-term follow-up.
Before entrusting an assignment to a private investigator, a few checks are essential:
Seek & Find lists licensed professionals operating within the legal framework of the country concerned.
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