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.