Blog Layout

Pro bono - Case study

2 May 2021

Pro bono case study - Online dating

We had a request by an individual for a pro bono case. Due to the persons circumstances, they were eligible for a pro bono case due their economic and geographical location in South Asia.

The individual claimed they had been in contact with another person based in Ireland whom they met online and subsequently formed a relationship with. After a period in which they had exchanged explicit photographs and videos, the Irish Citizen cut off all contact. The person had discussed marriage and the client wanted answers. 

The goals were to establish whether they were still alive and if this was a repeated pattern of behaviour. 

Utilising information provided by the client we began investigating.


Initially, we were able to use 2 photographs from social media to identify 2 addresses. Forensics analysis of the photographs combined with particular databases we were able to identify links to the person.


We then identified a repeated misspelling of the person's name on their social media. We used that misspelling to identify further information which showed an IP address we were not familiar with.


After further investigation, we identified another South Asian person had created the accounts with the incorrect spelling of the name.


To establish the situation we requested the client inform us if they had spoken with the person by video. They confirmed they had.


So we have involvement from a third party but cannot establish their role in the events leading to the investigation.


Further discovery and research revealed that the individuals had created the accounts with the intention of impersonating the person we were investigating. 


Using fake online accounts and catfishing the individual can create a rift that our client was not aware of. 


Subsequently, the Irish Citizen ended the relationship unaware of the truth. Regardless of attempted contact by ourselves and the client, they would not engage in ironing out the situation with him. 


As a result, we had discovered the truth however the client remained heartbroken but assured it was not a repeated pattern of behvaiour. 

private investigator desk, computer, PI software, investigation
26 February 2023
A trained Private Investigator with years of experience reveals the 3 things you must know about Open Source Intelligence in the context of Private Investigations.
real investigator report, private investigator report, photographs, document, binder
by Grant 9 November 2022
How do Private Investigators find the information you are looking for? A detective working with Operant Investigators gives details on how OSINT provides significant data points for investigators.
private investigators desk, private investigator computer, monitor, desk, software
by Grant 18 August 2022
To understand investigations you must understand OSINT, to understand it you need to know the 5 reasons why it is critical. All Private Investigators use it, this is why.
5 March 2022
What types of overt photography do Private Investigators engage in and what equipment do they use?
17 January 2022
A common problem all agents encounter, especially so in cities is the problem of parking. A good parking location for a vehicle is essential in ensuring line of sight (LOS) and gathering recordings behind tint or disguised. Now you may be thinking, you would solve this problem through foot surveillance. This isn't always helpful, residential areas may not have many people on foot nearby, there may be nowhere to sit or bled in and a host of other reasons may want your bottom firmly planted in a car seat for this one. So you arrive or even better, as part of a recce (reconnaissance) or planning, you notice a parking problem. I find it helpful to break up the different problems into categories, I will list the types of scenarios. 2 Primary types of areas Urban - City or Town Rural - Villages, farms, greenery or forests Primary types of problems No LOS - Cannot observe the property or points of egress LOS but too distant - Cannot record of observe with any accuracy or with the level of responsiveness needed LOS but blocked - Your vision is obstructed temporarily Too close - The risk of exposure is too high and no places further away are available Primary causes of problems Temporary blockage by vehicle - A behemoth has just parked in your LOS Double yellow lines - No parking here Single yellow lines - Restricted at certain times, they will always be the times you need to be their All spaces are in use - The most frequent issue Moved too many times already - You've been moving around frequently and are reaching a point where further movement between spaces will compromise the surveillance A mixture - A mix of the above It is incredibly frustrating when your turn up to perform your surveillance and have nowhere to park. You know the client will not be happy and your stuck in a tough spot. Parking for private investigators is an essential part of the work and for some cases is strictly required to ensure good results.
man watching, investigator, private investigator, covert surveillance, car
by Grant White 25 September 2021
Who is able to hire a Private Investigator in the UK? Is it legal?
whatsapp, sherlock, investigator, glass, messaging, private investigator
by Grant White 25 September 2021
Can a Private Investigator access whatsapp messages? Can they see your private messages?
by Grant White 18 September 2021
How much does a Private Investigator charges for their services, what kind of fees can you expect and what will the cost be?
by Grant White 18 September 2021
Many people ask: "What do private investigators get hired for?" So, we've compiled a list: What do private investigators get hired for? 1. Surveillance. 2. Finding addresses. 3. Finding someone. 4. Verifying information. 5. Gathering intelligence for further action. However, this is not an exhaustive list of what a private investigator can do. There are many different applications and benefits of hiring a private investigator. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a private investigator: 1. Save money - Instead of dedicating an in-house employee to do the job, a quick and easy way would be to hire a PI short term to get the job done properly. 2. Save time - Time is money; private investigators investigate for a living, they can do the job quickly, professionally, and accurately getting the best results. The term 'Private Investigator is not that specific', but rather an umbrella term for people that act in the area of investigation - each with varying skill-sets and specialisations. Here are some of he common skill-sets a private investigator may specialise in. 1. Financial & Cryptocurrency investigations. 2. Business intelligence. 3. Surveillance. 4. Social engineering. 5. Tracing. 6. Fraud. 7. Background checks. 8. Employee absenteeism. 9. Property. 10. Company checks. Sometimes private investigators are picking up the pieces of a previous investigation, and can include many of these above listed investigations in one case.
8 September 2021
The penal code review in France which made Private Investigator use in civil proceedings legal.
Show More
Share by: