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Trusted Private Detectives

June 5, 2019 by pdldevv2

TRUST – A KEY ISSUE

Trust is quite possibly the single biggest concern for our clients and potential clients. Quite understandably, before they agree to work with a private detective, they want to ascertain that that private detective is a trustworthy operative, working with honesty, transparency, diligence and a strong ethical code. Especially as very often the client’s need to hire a private detective may itself have arisen from an apparent breach of their. It is a sensitive issue – one we work extremely hard to overcome.

PREVIOUS BAD EXPERIENCES

It can sometimes take a few weeks consultation for a client to feel comfortable and confident to instruct us, and this is often down to previous bad experiences with incompetent, untrustworthy or rogue private detectives.

The most uncertain clients often cite previous instances in which a detective they’ve instructed has unfortunately proven under-qualified or incompetent. This even stretches to detectives taking a client’s initial payment then ceasing communication, or taking payment then not actually completing the task in hand – for example, taking payment for a surveillance service, not undertaking the surveillance, and reporting no findings.

Experiences like these have naturally made the client more guarded in future dealings with private detectives, meaning we need to work to show how trustworthy they are. This includes demonstrating our strong, established background in the industry, as sadly there are unqualified operatives with little genuine experience.

RE-BUILDING TRUST IN THE INDUSTRY

We’re wary also of conveying too negative a message about the state of the industry. This stems from our frustration with the industry, having many times faced the challenging (but rewarding) task of restoring the trust of a client whose trust has been damaged elsewhere.

Not all private detectives are rogues, of course, very far from it indeed. Certainly we pride ourselves on our transparency, honesty and ethics. We’d like to see an honest conversation about the trust issues in the industry and play our part in re-building essential trust in the profession.

TRUSTING US

The success we achieve for our clients speaks for itself in the number of referrals we receive from previous clients and other trusted sources.

Having had a referral from a trusted colleague, friend or associate, many of our clients begin working with us secure in the knowledge that we’re a thoroughly trustworthy, ethical company.

With all clients, any trust concerns are quickly eased as we begin to deliver clear results early on. Or even following an initial conversation, we do our utmost to provide the reassurances they need. Our trustworthiness is something on which we pride ourselves, and something that’s crucial to our ongoing successful working relationships.

WANT TO TALK?

The best way for us to allay any trust concerns you may have is to have a chat. To discuss how and why you can trust us, or anything else about our services, get in touch

The Disappearance Of Madeleine McCann: Rogue Investigators?

April 28, 2019 by pdldevv2

In my last post, on Netflix’s “Dirty John” I mentioned enjoying watching a film or TV series in my rare moments of downtime. When I’d finished the aforementioned series, Netflix pointed me in the direction of “The Disappearance Of Madeleine McCann”. This documentary on the well-known, incredibly sad story greatly intrigued me, as someone in the investigation industry.

Of course, it wouldn’t be professional of me to speculate on the case itself, but one aspect I am well-placed to comment on is the investigative element – specifically the involvement of two private detectives – Spanish company Metodo, and British investigator Kevin Halligen. The stories surrounding these detectives’ activities really serve to highlight an issue that’s a real personal bugbear – rogues in the industry.

Metodo – McCann Case Misconduct?

Certainly it’s clear that investigator Julian Peribanez – working at the time for Spanish investigation company Metodo – had the passion and determination to succeed. Something on which, sometimes, it’s impossible to put a price. However, some of the practices Metodo used during the investigation are questionable, to say the least.

This relates in particular to surveillance operations. As an outside observer, but one with over 25 years in the industry, with a focus on quality, success of service, and ethical conduct at all times, it is plainly apparent that so much of what we at PDL build into good surveillance services was absent.

Here are a few of the most crucial standards of good surveillance, and how Metodo didn’t meet them:

Multiple Operatives Needed: We would use a disciplined cell of multiple dedicated surveillance operatives. Metodo used only one private detective

Specialist Tools / Equipment / Vehicles Needed: The key is of course that subject under surveillance is unaware. Metodo did not even change their surveillance vehicle, working several days straight in the same car.

A good private detective knows his/her weaknesses, and knows when it’s right to delegate or call in specialist teams. The above errors are ones that properly trained surveillance operatives simply wouldn’t make. The bad surveillance practice exemplified by the above points led to the Russian suspect at that time becoming aware he was under surveillance.

Additionally, Metodo gave press interviews and statements which would appear to falsely claim they were close to solving the case. A private investigation company (as opposed to a public service with certain public duties) giving press interviews is something we deem wholly unprofessional. This is something we’d never do at PDL – not least due to our duty to private clients, but moreover legally, due to our nondisclosure agreements.

Kevin Halligen – Rogue Investigator?

It would appear that British investigator Kevin Halligen used the position and power he held to benefit from some of the funds intended for the Madeleine search. Halligen denied doing so, then later was convicted of a separate fraud in the USA and imprisoned.

Taking on any client, whether a business matter, matrimonial matter, or anything else is a very serious process. The accuracy and honesty an investigator provides to a client informs decisions going forward and are vital in the success of any investigation.

Halligen was trusted to find a missing child, and it would appear he may have had a personal agenda in mind, and acted wrongly and dishonestly.

Summary

Notwithstanding that I was not present and didn’t work on any investigations in relation to these matters, it would seem that these private detectives may have been lax and taken advantage of the situation, exploiting it to their advantage after something evidently unthinkable happened to the McCanns.

Netflix’s Dirty John: Does That Really Happen?!

March 6, 2019 by pdldevv2

It’s not often, but when I do have some downtime, I like to watch a film or a TV series. Recently I discovered a series on Netflix called ‘Dirty John’. The name didn’t particularly capture my attention, but the preview video certainly did. One episode later, I was hooked and ended up for the first time, ‘binge-watching’ a series.

Dirty John is a dramatisation of a true story, and the whole storyline is extremely familiar to me and my team here at PDL.

Mum meets an ostensibly charming new man. Some of her family take to him, though others see that something is not quite right, finding him a bit too good to be true. With many complications – money and assets involved, children being pushed out as Mum is blinded by love, a family member instructs a private investigator to research the new man’s past. Something that turns out to be very revealing.

From experience, I can say that many elements of the story are true to life. As I sat and watched, going “Oh no” and “No, don’t” I got to thinking about all the cases we’ve worked on at PDL over the last 25 years. Pondering similar cases I’ve encountered, I thought about how, simply put, ‘you don’t really know someone until you know them’. Love can cloud our judgement.

Background checks can help to understand a person’s past, and confirm their back story. I’m often asked how these things turn out, in the end. My answer is that generally, provided the person’s motive is correct when instructing the investigator, we will usually find something wrong there. Often our instincts are fairly reliable. Sometimes of course, it turns out to be entirely innocent, which is just a good result for both investigator and client.

We have to move with the times, of course. The world has moved on and the internet has made things move so fast over the past 15-20 years. Everything operates on a global level now, and we have to do so too, investing in people and intelligence sources and technology more than ever, to continue to achieve answers and success for our clients.

Dirty John’ covers just one story of course, whereas we’ve seen many different situations over the years and continue to do so. But if asked “Does this really happen?” I’d have to say yes, the events in ‘Dirty John’ do really happen – and any viewer who has experienced something similar will understand that – and yes we do help people to resolve these situations.

To discuss background checking in more detail, and how we can help you simplify these situations, get in touch with PDL now

Are Private Investigators Regulated In The UK?

February 4, 2019 by pdldevv2

We’re often asked about the regulation and licensing of private investigators in the UK.

The short answer is that currently, a UK private investigator does not need to be licensed. Something with which we disagree, and take our own measures to ensure safe, ethical success for our clients and operatives.

The Challenges

Admittedly, private investigation is a complicated business to regulate – with so many areas from process serving, to insurance, to criminal defence, and not least surveillance, which poses the question: How to regulate an operative who isn’t ‘supposed’ to be there?

In 2013, Theresa May, then in the home office, tried to regulate the industry following the News Of The World phone hacking scandal. This subject has now gone quiet, however the Scottish government support private investigator licensing and it could soon become a criminal offence to operate unlicensed in Scotland. This is something that would be welcomed by our Edinburgh Private Investigators team.

The Benefits

Licensing can bring benefits, such as investigators having improved access to data for legitimate reasons, to help prevent crime. Which consequently also relieves some of the growing pressure on the police force in times of rising crime.

Without private investigator licensing and regulation in the UK, anyone could wake tomorrow, build a website and market themselves as a private investigator. We have witnessed a big increase in individuals and companies intentionally taking clients’ money for very poor services lacking proper training, experience and diligence.

Of course, any licensing mustn’t be too restrictive – we must have some freedom to bring about justice. However, we would be entirely in favour for at the very least, a basic UK licensing that would eradicate this issue of improper service from unqualified operatives.

As always, we continue to hire, train and serve to the highest standards in all possible regards – quality, ethics, service, discretion and so on. Success for our client is key and our exemplary 25 year reputation absolutely depends on it. If we didn’t always operate with the utmost in quality, ethics and care, we simply wouldn’t have had the longevity and success we’ve had.

Our ICO fee-paying resignation number

Until there is licensing and regulation of private investigators in the UK, we will of course continue to monitor and uphold the quality of our own service. We have paid our fee to register with The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which can be viewed here . You can also read more on the relationship between private investigators and the ICO in this parliament publication .

Contact PDL

If you’d like to discuss licensing and regulation, our internal processes of upholding standards, or anything about our approach to legality, ethics and diligence, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at PDL here

Cheating partner or spouse? We will uncover the truth

January 4, 2017 by pdldevv2

Cheating Partner? Matrimonial Investigation.

One of the harshest truths someone may have to face up to is whether or not they’re with a cheating partner. The consequences of infidelity can be devastating.

Most people will recognise that living with their doubts is not a viable option. Perhaps you’ve suspected that your partner is seeing someone else for some time. Has your partner suddenly lost interest? Has his or her behaviour changed? Perhaps there is other suspicious behaviour you have noticed. Are you really being cheated on? Or are you just imagining that your partner is being unfaithful?

These are all questions Private Detective London (PDL) clients have asked themselves. Getting conclusive proof of infidelity is another matter. This is where the services of a private detective come in. This may sound like a drastic measure, but the discreet services offered by a professional investigator can be the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide the information you need. The best way to ease your mind once and for all.

A tailored solution

An experienced private detective knows that no two cases are the same. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to get the evidence required to prove or disprove infidelity. If convenient, one of the senior detectives at our Private Detective Agency can meet with a client. They’ll establish the individual circumstances of the case, and see what grounds the client has to be suspicious of a possible cheating partner. An appropriate plan of action will then be created and acted on.

Considering divorce proceedings?

If divorce proceedings are being considered by the client, proof of infidelity provided by an investigator should be both conclusive and incontestable. But even where legal action is not envisaged, the quality of evidence has to be such that the client is left in no doubt where the truth lies. Only then, will he or she be able to make an informed decision about what is best to do next. PDL has the expertise required to ensure no stone is left uncovered and no ‘T’ is left uncrossed.

What a matrimonial private investigation entails

As we have already stated, no two matrimonial investigations are the same. It, therefore, follows that the methods used by our trusted private investigators are likely to differ from case to case. Strategies will be formed so that the best results are obtained. For example, vehicle tracking can be used to see where a partner goes over the course of a few days or weeks and what, if any, pattern emerges.

Covert surveillance is another technique our private investigators will use to find out who a partner is seeing. This will be substantiated with photographic and digital evidence where possible. PDL’s leading private investigators will also be equipped to carry out mobile phone forensics, where appropriate, while always operating within legal boundaries. In short, we will deploy all the tools available to get the kind of proof the client requests.

Don’t leave it to chance, get in touch with PDL today; at our London office. we’re waiting for your call: +44(0)203 747 1865 o

Corporate Fraud: How to protect your business

January 1, 2017 by pdldevv2

With corporate fraud on the rise, it’s crucial to ensure your business is protected in the modern age. Here’s some information on the ways that corporate fraud can operate, and how best to protect yourself.

Consider The Modern World

Arguably – in this modern, technological world – we know more about each other than ever before. However, the flipside to this is that there can be great difficulty verifying information or put simply – knowing what we can believe. We’re also in an age of unprecedented global mobility. These two factors in conjunction mean modern businesses – of all kinds, from sole trader to international corporation – face many challenges.

Internal Fraud

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for businesses large and small to face the threat of internal corporate fraud – that is to say, fraud from within the organisation itself. The most common forms of this strand of corporate fraud include financial theft, data theft, or overall abuse of a position by an employee or group of employees.

It’s important to remember that by definition it is usually those in positions of trust who are able to commit fraud. A fraudulent individual usually requires some autonomy to be able to act in a fraudulent manner.

We also advise corporate clients concerned about potential internal fraud to be mindful of which employees or partners might be under increased pressure, which is often a major factor in pushing a predisposed individual towards any fraudulent activity. Of course, it’s good practice in general to be trying to alleviate pressure within your organisation where possible.

Background Checks

Background checks are part of essential risk assessment. Before signing important contracts, agreeing to high-stakes deals, or giving job offers, background checks can be both useful and reassuring – whether you have specific concerns, or are simply undertaking thorough due diligence.

As an employer it’s important to establish what it is you need to know before being happy to commit to any agreement of a business-sensitive nature. Read more on our background checking services

Discretion Is Key

At PDL, discretion is key in everything we do. However, the necessity for the utmost discretion is something we often have to remind corporate clients when they’re attempting to uncover and prosecute fraudulent individuals who pose a threat to their business.

In order for any fraudulent individual to be successfully prosecuted – and any assets recovered – it’s essential that evidence is gathered and fraudulent individuals are identified in the most professional and inconspicuous manner.

We are here to advise further on discretion and all other aspects of handling corporate fraud investigation. If you need our assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Ongoing Disputes

Disputes can vary in nature and magnitude, but they all can drain resources and impact upon your ability to manage business as usual. It’s important that any ongoing disputes – including legal issues, partnership disagreements, and so on – are handled professionally throughout, to bring matters to a satisfactory close.

Bespoke Solutions

Remember that every case requires a bespoke solution. Situations should be judged on the evidence, and solutions found with the protection of your business firmly in mind. We don’t give catch-all advice because we prefer to analyse the specifics of a case and deal with its details up-close. You may require data forensics, for example, or vehicle tracking. It might be surveillance, or background checking. The key is that the circumstances themselves indicate the best course of action.

Monitoring, Early Detection, and Process

We’ve worked on many corporate fraud cases in our history, and it has become apparent that by far the most effective way to prevent corporate fraud either from occurring, or from escalating or causing irreparable damage, relates to good monitoring, early detection, and establishing processes to handle any relevant cases.

Of course, what this specifically means is different from company to company, but what doesn’t change is that the first question we’ll ask an organisation concerned about preventing corporate fraud is – what process do you have in place to ensure good monitoring and early detection of any initial warning signs of impending fraud?

To discuss how we can help you prevent or resolve corporate fraud, please call us on:

+44(0)203 747 1865