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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