How Private Investigators Use OSINT in Investigations
September 21, 2024 - Reading time: 10 minutes
Updated October 8, 2024
Open Source Intelligence, commonly referred to as OSINT, has become an indispensable tool for private investigators. OSINT refers to the collection and analysis of publicly available data from various sources, such as social media, news reports, websites, and databases. With the abundance of information available online, OSINT offers investigators a cost-effective and efficient way to uncover hidden details about individuals and organisations.
In this article, we will explore how private investigators use OSINT in a range of cases, from background checks to romance investigations, and even asset tracing. OSINT’s versatility makes it applicable across many investigative areas, providing valuable insights that are crucial to successful case outcomes.
OSINT in Employee Background Checks
One of the most common uses of OSINT is in employment background checks. Employers seek to hire individuals with a clean track record and professional credibility. However, not all candidates present an accurate picture of their past. OSINT allows private investigators to verify the information provided by job candidates and identify red flags that might affect their suitability for a role.
For example, OSINT can be used to search for any history of criminal convictions, civil litigation, or negative media exposure. Private investigators can scour news reports, court records, and other online platforms to see if the individual has been involved in incidents that could pose a reputational risk to the employer.
In one case, an individual applying for a senior management position at a financial firm claimed to have an impeccable record. However, through OSINT research, it was discovered that the person had a criminal conviction for financial fraud, which they had failed to disclose. This information was found through open-source searches of local news archives and public records, saving the firm from making a potentially costly hiring mistake.
Romance Investigations: Uncovering the Truth
Another growing use of OSINT is in romance investigations, where individuals seek to verify the background and intentions of their romantic partners. The prevalence of online dating platforms has increased the potential for deception, and OSINT helps to expose dishonesty in relationships.
In one notable case, a man suspected his girlfriend was being unfaithful, but had little concrete evidence to prove it. Our investigators used OSINT techniques to investigate her digital footprint. By analysing her social media presence, they uncovered multiple Facebook accounts that the woman had created under different aliases for different boyfriends. Each account painted a distinct version of her life, revealing her infidelity. The client was provided with solid proof, which helped him make an informed decision about the relationship.
In another case, a facial recognition search through OSINT uncovered that a former bar girl who had been involved in the adult entertainment industry was also maintaining an active dating profile under a different name. In addition, her face was found to have featured in various adult videos. This use of facial recognition tools, paired with open-source image searches, enabled the private investigator to connect the dots between her past and present, revealing a pattern of dishonesty.
OSINT in Asset Tracing and Financial Investigations
OSINT is also a powerful tool in asset tracing, where investigators attempt to locate hidden or undisclosed assets, often as part of divorce settlements, corporate disputes, or debt recovery cases. Through the analysis of public databases and records, private investigators can locate property ownership details, company directorships/shareholdings, and even outstanding mortgages that reveal the financial standing of the individual or company in question.
For example, a client suspected that their former business partner had hidden assets after a company liquidation. By utilising OSINT, the investigator was able to uncover properties and financial interests in multiple countries, information that the business partner had deliberately withheld. This led to the recovery of significant assets that had otherwise been concealed.
Identifying Media Exposure and Reputational Risk
Organisations, particularly in the public eye, need to be wary of how their employees’ past actions can affect their reputation going forwards. OSINT is useful in identifying whether an individual has been involved in negative media exposure or public scandals that could harm an employer's standing.
Through the use of keyword searches and analysis of news archives, private investigators can quickly find any past media coverage of criminal behaviour, civil suits, or other incidents that could become a liability. For example, a media company looking to hire a presenter discovered through OSINT that the candidate had been involved in a highly publicised civil lawsuit that cast them in a negative light. This discovery helped the company avoid potential public backlash had the hiring gone ahead.
Locating People Using OSINT
Another area where OSINT proves invaluable is in locating individuals. Whether it’s finding a missing person, tracing a debtor, or identifying the whereabouts of a witness, OSINT helps investigators piece together information about someone's location through social media activity, online profiles, and other public sources.
In some cases, OSINT can also help identify aliases, phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal information that individuals try to hide. This is particularly useful in situations where someone is intentionally trying to avoid being found.
Private investigator OSINT verses DIY OSINT
In a bid to cut costs, some may choose to perform OSINT investigations themselves rather than instructing the help of a professional investigator. While there are some free or low cost tools available online which can be used to perform 'DIY OSINT investigations', most of the advanced tools are only available to licensed detectives. Furthermore, the most powerful and extensive OSINT tools are often relatively expensive and only cost-effective when used in a professional capacity.
Private investigators possess specialist knowledge, training and experience which can be used to locate data which might otherwise be missed by an amateur; it is therefore advisable to hire a professional for the best possible results in your case.
The Future of OSINT in Investigations
The potential of OSINT is constantly evolving, as new tools and techniques become available to investigators. From facial recognition software to advanced social media analysis tools, the future of OSINT in private investigations is bright.
As more information becomes accessible online, private investigators will continue to rely on OSINT to provide accurate and comprehensive insights for their clients. Whether it’s uncovering hidden assets, verifying a romantic partner’s fidelity, or preventing reputational damage in the workplace, OSINT remains a critical component of modern investigative work.
In summary, OSINT is a versatile and cost-effective resource for private investigators, providing valuable information that can be used in a wide variety of cases. Its power lies in the ability to access, analyse, and cross-reference publicly available information, offering insights that would otherwise remain hidden. For private investigators, OSINT is a key tool in uncovering the truth.
About us
Whether you need help with background checks, locating hidden assets, or investigating personal relationships, Bangkok Private Investigators have the expertise to utilise OSINT to your advantage. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help.
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Most Requested Investigation Services in Bangkok
September 19, 2024 - Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated September 24, 2024
At Bangkok Investigators, we provide a comprehensive range of investigative services in Bangkok, catering to both private individuals and businesses alike.
While our team of skilled detectives is experienced in all forms of investigation, and gladly accepts instructions from both private and corporate clients; the majority of our demand in Bangkok comes from infidelity investigations. Particularly in cases involving foreign men that are visiting, as well as investigating bar girls that work in the city. However, people from all different backgrounds and walks of life can be suspected of infidelity, and we will gladly investigate them all. Below is a detailed breakdown of the different services that we offer.
Infidelity Investigations
The bustling nightlife in Bangkok has made it a destination for those looking for a good time, but it’s also a city where relationships can be tested. Many individuals contact us to investigate their partners, who they suspect may be cheating while visiting, or living in, the city. Our detectives have extensive experience in investigating bar girls, who are often involved in multiple romantic relationships with foreign men at the same time, as well as tracking the activities of men visiting Bangkok who are suspected of being unfaithful to their partners back home.
Corporate Investigations
In addition to personal matters, Bangkok Investigators provides a wide range of services to the business sector. Our corporate investigations are designed to help companies safeguard their interests. These include:
- Due Diligence: Before entering into any partnership or financial agreement, it's essential to conduct suitable due diligence checks. We verify the legitimacy, reputation, and financial stability of potential business partners in Bangkok.
- Process Serving in Bangkok: Legal documents can be difficult to serve in a foreign country, especially in a city as vast and complex as Bangkok. Our team handles the service of process professionally and discreetly.
- Secret Shopper Service: We help businesses assess the performance and conduct of their staff by providing secret shopper services to evaluate customer service quality and operational integrity.
- Insurance Fraud Investigations: Insurance fraud can be a serious problem for businesses, and our detectives are trained to identify fraudulent claims and gather evidence that can help you protect your assets.
Background Checks
Our background screening services are in high demand, particularly for those looking to hire new employees or enter into personal relationships. We offer both preemployment background checks to ensure that your prospective hires are trustworthy and reliable, and premarital background checks, which are particularly popular among foreigners who consider marrying Thai nationals.
Other Services
We pride ourselves on being able to adapt our services to meet the needs of our clients. Whether you need assistance with personal matters or corporate issues, our team of highly trained investigators is ready to help. Some of our additional services include:
- Locating missing people in Bangkok
- Conducting asset search investigations
- Carrying out site visits
- Checking suppliers in Bangkok
- Honeytrap investigations
- Tracing biological parents (adoption tracing)
Free Quotes and Confidentiality
At Bangkok Investigators, we offer free, no-obligation quotes for all our investigative services. We understand the sensitive nature of many cases, and your confidentiality is our top priority. To receive a free quote, we encourage you to provide as much information as possible through our secure website. Our team is committed to handling your case with professionalism, discretion, and a focus on delivering the best possible results.
For more information or to request a free consultation, visit our homepage at BangkokInvestigators.com. We're here to help wherever possible.
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A Guide to Asset Tracing and Property Deeds in Thailand
September 17, 2024 - Reading time: 8 minutes
Updated October 8, 2024
Asset tracing is an essential process for identifying and recovering hidden assets, particularly in complex legal scenarios such as divorce cases or situations involving suspected money laundering. In Thailand, asset tracing can be a crucial tool for locating hidden wealth, which may include real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, or other valuable assets.
Why Asset Tracing is Important
In divorce cases, spouses may attempt to conceal assets to avoid sharing them. Similarly, individuals involved in illegal activities, such as money laundering, might hide their assets to evade detection by authorities. Asset tracing can uncover these hidden assets, ensuring that rightful claims are upheld and illegal activities are brought to light.
Types of Assets
Various types of assets in Thailand can be subject to investigation, including:
1. Real Estate and Land Ownership: Properties, including land and buildings, are often valuable assets that individuals may attempt to conceal.
2. Vehicle Ownership: Cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles can also represent significant hidden wealth.
3. Bank Accounts: Thai and international bank accounts may be used to store hidden funds.
4. Other Assets: These could include investments, businesses, or high-value personal property.
Searching Land and Property Deeds in Thailand
Land and property deeds in Thailand are stored in paper format and managed at a sub-provincial level. To search for property ownership across the country, one would theoretically need to visit every provincial land office, manually searching through their records. Given that Thailand has thousands of land offices, this method is impractical.
While traces may reveal addresses which are linked to an individual, it is not possible to type a name into a computer in order to find all land/property which is owned by that person. Other investigative techniques are therefore needed.
There is however an online resource which can assist in the process of acquiring property deeds in Thailand. The Department of Lands (DOL) website (https://landsmaps.dol.go.th/) allows users to find title deed numbers based on the coordinates of a piece of land. Once you have the deed number, you can visit the relevant local land office with the that number, a copy of the owner's ID card, and any other pertinent details to request a copy of the deeds.
Although the website provides information about parcels of land in Thailand, it does not reveal ownership details.
Thailand Real Estate Ownership for Non-Thai Citizens
It is important to note that non-Thai citizens are generally not allowed to own land in Thailand directly. However, many set up a Thai holding company to acquire property indirectly. This can complicate asset tracing efforts, as the real owner may be hidden behind corporate structures.
If the subject sets up a holding company in order to retain assets within Thailand, then they may well seek to retain directorship in the firm, which will afford them a level of control. We can help to search for these instances through reverse directorship searches, and compile reports on any companies that were discovered.
Foreign nationals can own condominium units in Thailand, but the building must be at least 51% owned by Thai citizens. This regulation ensures that foreigners cannot own the land on which the condominium is situated. Holding companies are also used for the purpose of retaining ownership.
Types of Land Titles in Thailand
Thailand has several types of land titles, each with different levels of ownership rights and restrictions:
Nor Sor Si Jor (Chanote Title or Title Deed Certificate): This is the most secure land title, accurately surveyed and demarcated by Land Office markers. It allows for the sale or transfer of the land; unless the previous owner has imposed restrictions that prevent the new owner from selling or transferring the land, which typically exist for a period of five or ten years from the date of acquisition.
Nor Sor Sam (NS 3): These land title deeds are issued by the District Land Office and include clear records of ownership. They can be sold or leased with a 30-day public notice. However, they are less precisely surveyed compared to Chanote titles.
Nor Sor Sam Kor (NS 3 K): Similar to the NS 3, the NS 3 K is surveyed in areas without specific parcel points, using aerial surveys instead. This document is issued by the corresponding land office. There are no restrictions on the use of the land, and there is no requirement to publicise legal acts. The land can be subdivided into smaller plots.
Nor Sor Song (NS 2): The NS 2 is a consent letter issued by the Land Department granting temporary occupancy and use of the land. The holder must commence use within six months and complete the utilisation within three years from receipt of the NS 2. This land cannot be sold or transferred except through inheritance. Depending on the location, it may be upgraded to NS 3, NS 3 K, or NS 4 J (Chanote); however, the prohibition on sale or transfer remains in effect until upgraded.
Sor Kor Nung (SK 1): The SK 1 is a land possession notification form with limited rights. It allows the holder to occupy and use the land, typically for agricultural purposes. The person who occupies the land may have stronger rights than the holder of the notification form. The land may be transferred through inheritance, but no formal rights (such as sale, lease, usufruct, or mortgage) can be registered over it. Depending on the location, this document may be upgraded to an NS 3, NS 3 K, or NS 4 J (Chanote).
Conducting Asset Tracing in Thailand
Given the complexities involved in tracing assets, particularly real estate, in Thailand, professional assistance is often necessary. As leading private investigators in Bangkok, we specialise in conducting thorough and discreet asset investigations. Our team has extensive experience in navigating the intricacies of Thai law and property records to locate hidden assets.
How We Can Help
At our firm, we offer comprehensive asset tracing services that include searching for real estate, vehicles, and other valuable assets. Whether you are involved in a legal dispute or suspect someone of concealing assets, we can provide the expertise you need to uncover the truth. We offer free quotes for all our work, ensuring that you receive transparent and reliable service.
If you require assistance with asset tracing in Thailand, contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can help protect your interests. Please provide us with as many details as possible so that we are able to understand your needs and requirements.
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Locating People: How to Find People in Thai Hospitals
September 13, 2024 - Reading time: 5 minutes
Updated October 8, 2024
Locating a loved one or friend in a Thai hospital can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local healthcare system or cannot speak the local language. Without knowing the specific hospital where the person is staying, the search can become even more challenging. This article will guide you through the steps to take in order to find someone in a hospital in Thailand, including useful tips for contacting hospitals, embassies, and private investigators.
Making Enquiries at Hospitals in Thailand
If you do not know which hospital the person is staying at, you will need to contact every hospital in the area. Unfortunately, there is no central database of hospitalised individuals in Thailand, so each hospital must be contacted individually in order to find the missing person. This process can be done either by telephone or by physically visiting each hospital within a given area.
Start by compiling a list of all the hospitals within the region where the person was last known to be. You can find this information online or through local directories. When you contact each hospital, be prepared to provide the person’s full name, nationality, and any other relevant details. Keep in mind that hospitals are bound by confidentiality laws, so the information they can provide may be limited.
Assistance for Foreign Citizens in Thailand
If the person you are looking for is a foreign citizen, you may wish to contact their embassy for assistance. Embassies may have the resources to make enquiries on your behalf, but their level of involvement will depend on their own protocols. Some embassies are more active in assisting their citizens than others, so it’s important to manage your expectations. While an embassy can be a helpful ally, they may not always be able or willing to get involved in locating someone in a hospital.
Hiring a Private Investigator
If you are struggling to locate someone in a Thai hospital despite your efforts, hiring a private investigator may be a practical solution. Private investigators, such as those at BPI, are experienced in navigating the complexities of the Thai healthcare system and can assist in your search.
A private investigator can visit hospitals in person or make phone calls to each facility within a given area, saving you time and effort. They can also help bridge any language barriers, ensuring that your enquiries are understood and that you receive clear information. However, it’s important to note that private investigators do not have access to medical records, as these are confidential and protected by law.
The Challenge of No Central Database
One of the main challenges in locating someone in a Thai hospital is the lack of a central database of hospitalised individuals. This means that the search must be done manually, either by contacting each hospital in the area or by hiring someone to do it for you. While this can be a time-consuming process, it is often the only way to find someone who has been hospitalised in Thailand.
About Bangkok Private Investigators
This article is presented by Bangkok Private Investigators, a leading firm of private detectives in Thailand. We specialise in finding missing people and can assist in locating someone in a hospital in Thailand. We offer free, no-obligation quotes for all work, ensuring that you receive professional support without any financial commitment upfront.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of successfully locating someone in a Thai hospital. Whether you choose to make the enquiries yourself, seek assistance from an embassy, or hire a private investigator, persistence and thoroughness are key to finding your loved one.
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