Legal Investigations, Asset Tracing and Information Gathering
We gather and verify information, identify evidence and establish facts relevant to protecting the client’s interests and developing an effective legal strategy.
Legal Investigations in Civil, Criminal and Commercial Matters
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the work may include searching for documents and information, verifying facts, analysing relevant circumstances, locating individuals, identifying property and assets, and conducting due diligence on counterparties.
Investigation support is provided in matters connected with the following countries:
For certain projects, we engage specialists with professional backgrounds in law enforcement, investigative agencies, prosecutorial authorities, forensic institutions and the security sector.
Where required by the circumstances of the case, local partners, lawyers, experts and other professionals in the relevant jurisdiction are involved.
Types of Cases We Investigate
Investigations may be conducted in criminal, civil, family, commercial, insurance and other matters. Specific assignments may involve family disputes, marriage fraud, property disputes, corporate background checks and verification of the circumstances surrounding transactions.
Where necessary, information and documents may also be obtained through formal requests for information made by a lawyer in accordance with the applicable procedure.
When a Legal Investigation May Be Required
In practice, these services may be required for debt recovery, tracing property and assets, locating individuals, conducting due diligence on individuals and companies, investigating fraud, inheritance and family disputes, corporate conflicts, and preparing evidence and supporting materials for court proceedings.
When entering into transactions, making investments, acquiring a business or beginning a commercial relationship, it may be necessary to conduct an assessment of business reputation and a company’s financial position, ownership structure and corporate connections.
Key Areas of Legal Investigation
The main areas of work include tracing property and assets, locating individuals, conducting background checks on individuals and companies, analysing corporate links and ownership structures, obtaining information from available registers and databases, locating documents, and verifying information relevant to a particular case.
One area of this work is OSINT (open-source intelligence) and digital investigation, which enables the analysis of information from public registers, court databases, corporate sources, media publications and other lawful sources. The information obtained is used to verify facts, assess risks and develop a legal position.
International Legal Investigations
International investigations are conducted where the parties involved, documents, property or sources of information are located in different countries. Such projects may involve asset tracing, due diligence on foreign companies, obtaining documents, and supporting inheritance, family, commercial and other disputes with a cross-border element.
What the Client Receives Following an Investigation
Following the investigation, the client receives relevant information, documents, investigative findings and supporting documentation required to protect their interests, develop a legal position, engage with public authorities or pursue court proceedings.
Depending on the scope of the assignment, the results may include information concerning assets, companies, litigation, the whereabouts of individuals, corporate relationships and other circumstances relevant to the specific case.
Documents and Information Required for an Investigation
The materials required depend on the nature of the case and the scope of the assignment. A preliminary assessment will usually rely on documents and information already available to the client, including contracts, court decisions, correspondence, financial records, details concerning individuals or legal entities, and other materials relevant to the matter.
How We Conduct a Legal Investigation
The work begins with an assessment of the circumstances, the available documents and the specific objectives of the investigation. We then identify the areas requiring investigation, the available sources of information and the appropriate sequence of actions. The information obtained is analysed and cross-checked against the existing case materials.
Timeframes and Cost of a Legal Investigation
Timeframes and fees are determined individually and depend on the nature of the assignment, the scope of the required checks, the number of information sources involved, the complexity of the case and whether there is an international element.
Following a preliminary review of the materials, the client receives information about the proposed approach, estimated timeframe for completing the assignment and legal fees.
FAQ — Legal Investigations
What is a legal investigation?
When might a legal investigation be required?
Can you trace a debtor’s assets?
Do you provide people tracing services?
What is OSINT and how is it used?
Can you investigate a company or counterparty?
Do you conduct international investigations?
Can investigation results be used in court?
How long does a legal investigation take?
What determines the cost of the service?
Request a Preliminary Assessment of Your Case
Contact us to discuss the circumstances of your case and the information or evidence you need to obtain.
- more than 20 years of practical investigation experience
- investigation support in international and cross-border matters
- assistance for international clients
- obtaining documents and information through public authorities
- interaction with law enforcement agencies and courts
- support in commercial disputes, family matters and criminal cases