Getting to Know Various Investigation Methods | Application and Mission

Investigation Methods

Did you know that there are various investigation methods that can be applied by a Private Investigator, depending on the mission and needs?

A ‘professional Private Investigator‘ must be able to master various investigation methods according to the background of the case, mission, and situation.

• Overt Investigation
  An investigation using open monitoring techniques.
• Covert Investigation
  An investigation conducted secretly without the subject realizing it.
• In-depth Investigation
  A deep, highly detailed, and comprehensive investigation.
• Close-Proximity Covert Observation
  This means covert observation of the subject from a close distance.
  Close-Proximity undercover operations mean undercover operations near the subject without interaction — for example, in a café or restaurant, sitting just 1–2 tables away from the subject.
• Direct-Contact Undercover Operation
  This is an undercover investigation method that requires special skills and a high level of caution, as the investigator interacts directly with the subject.

What is a Direct-Contact Undercover Operation?

Direct-Contact Undercover Operation is an investigation method using undercover techniques in which an investigator disguises themselves as another individual and interacts directly with the target subject.

The main goal of this method is to obtain in-depth information, build trust, or confirm the target’s behavior without raising suspicion.

This method is generally applied in cases that require primary evidence or direct observation of the subject’s responses and actions — for example, investigations into fraud, corporate internal violations, or illegal activities that are difficult to detect through ordinary observation.

The Most Challenging Investigation Method

This method is considered the most challenging undercover technique, as an investigator must act convincingly as someone else based on a predesigned scenario, blending in naturally within the target environment.

‘Direct-contact undercover operation’ is usually applied in cases requiring primary evidence or direct observation of the subject’s responses and actions, such as fraud investigations, corporate internal misconduct, or illegal activities that are hard to uncover through regular observation methods.

Due to its complexity, this method demands careful planning, advanced communication skills, and extra caution to ensure the investigator’s identity remains protected and the operation runs effectively.

Example of a Direct-Contact Undercover Operation in Corporate Investigation

In a joint venture company between an international corporation and a local partner, suspicions arose that one of the local directors was involved in internal corruption practices, such as receiving under-the-table commissions from suppliers or inflating prices during the procurement process.

To obtain strong, undeniable evidence, our investigation team applied the direct-contact undercover operation method. An investigator posed as a representative of a new supplier company and directly approached the director through a professionally arranged business meeting.

Through this direct interaction, our investigator gradually built trust and steered the conversation toward relevant topics, such as price negotiations, partnership terms, or hidden commission opportunities. If the director was involved, they would typically give indications or even make explicit requests for such illegal compensation.

In this way, our investigation team was able to obtain primary evidence in the form of recorded conversations, proposal documents, or other communications that could be used as the basis for legal action or strategic decisions by shareholders or international partners.

When choosing a Private Investigator service, which are now widely available online, it is very important for prospective clients to fully understand the types of investigation services offered, and ensure that the methods and expertise match the needs of their case.

Note:
The main purpose of any investigative activity is to obtain the truth in a legal and ethical manner, not to violate privacy or engage in actions beyond the limits of the law. Therefore, thorough planning, regulatory understanding, and adherence to professional standards are essential in every investigative operation.