OSINT Investigation in Portugal: What It Is and Which Cases It Solves
Quick answer
An OSINT investigation (Open Source Intelligence) is the gathering, cross-checking and verification of publicly accessible information: public records, the press, company publications and open content on the internet and social media. At Detetives Privados Portugal we use OSINT to identify who is behind a fake profile, check out a person or company before doing business and locate debtors, heirs or relatives. We only work with lawfully obtained information, in compliance with the GDPR.
What an OSINT investigation is
The difference between a Google search and an OSINT investigation lies in the method. An investigator knows where to look, cross-checks data from different sources, confirms every lead and separates fact from coincidence. The result is a clear report, with the date and source of each piece of information.
OSINT originated in the intelligence services and is now used by journalists, companies and private investigators. For the client, the value lies in getting well-founded answers without invading anyone's privacy.
Cases where an OSINT investigation solves the problem
Fake profiles, harassment and online defamation
Someone insults, threatens or defames you through an anonymous account. We analyse the profile's public trail to reach concrete indications of who controls it, and we document the content before it is deleted. Find out more about technology investigations and digital forensics and about evidence from social media and WhatsApp.
Online scams and cryptocurrency
You lost money in a fake shop, a fake investment or a romance scam. We follow the public trail of websites, accounts and wallets to identify who is behind it and gather useful information for the police report and for your lawyer. See our cryptocurrency tracing and digital fraud service.
Locating people and debtors
When someone has moved and left debts or pending proceedings behind, OSINT is often the first step towards finding them. Find out more about locating people and tracing assets. If all you have is a number plate, see how to find out who owns a car from its number plate.
Assets and property
Before going ahead with a lawsuit or an enforcement, it is important to know whether the other party has assets and economic activity. See our asset investigations and our asset investigation and asset tracing.
Heirs and relatives
An estate stuck because an heir is missing, or the search for a father or a relative who emigrated. We help with locating heirs in Portugal and with searching for relatives, including in the diaspora.
Checking partners, associates and companies (due diligence)
Before signing, investing or hiring: who the managers are, what other companies they have, what disputes or news exist. See our investigation of business partners and associates and corporate intelligence.
Information leaks in the company
Internal documents turning up outside the company, competitors who know too much. OSINT shows what is exposed and helps find the source. Find out more about corporate counter-espionage.
Sick leave and absenteeism
Public posts by an employee on sick leave can confirm or rule out a suspicion before any surveillance on the ground. See our sick leave monitoring.
Suspected infidelity
Parallel profiles, contacts and public behaviour on social media can confirm or rule out a doubt. See our marital investigation service and the article on micro-cheating on social media.
Family and children
A child talking to unknown adults online, or a relative involved with people you do not trust. Find out more about family investigation and about child custody and juvenile behaviour.
How we work
Confidential conversation. You explain the case by phone or using the form. We assess whether OSINT is the right approach or whether the case needs other enquiries.
Objective and legal framework. We define in writing what is being sought and confirm that the investigation has a legitimate basis.
Research and cross-checking. We gather the relevant public information and cross-check different sources to confirm every piece of data.
Confirmation on the ground, if needed. When online information is not enough, we complete it with enquiries on the ground throughout the country, booked 24 hours in advance.
Report. We deliver a factual, well-organised report, with the date and source of each piece of information.
What an OSINT investigation does not do
We do not access other people's accounts, passwords, private messages or phones. We do not install software or use unlawfully obtained data. If someone promises you that, they are proposing a crime, and any evidence obtained that way can harm your case.
If your concern is the opposite, and you suspect you are being watched, see how we carry out GPS tracker detection and how we check for spied-on phones.
OSINT and your lawyer
The OSINT report is designed to be handed to your lawyer. Each piece of information is identified with its source and the date it was collected, and the relevant content is preserved. How the report is used in proceedings is assessed by your lawyer.
Why Detetives Privados Portugal
Team coordinated by Alexandre Ribeiro, a private investigator since 2001.
Members of WAD (no. 1687), APDPE (no. 1326), LIDEPPE (no. 33) and IKD.
Online investigation combined with field teams throughout the country.
Service in Portuguese, English and French, including for clients abroad.
Total confidentiality, from the first contact to the report.
Frequently asked questions
What does OSINT mean?
OSINT stands for Open Source Intelligence. It is investigation carried out with publicly accessible information, gathered, cross-checked and verified by investigators.
Is OSINT investigation legal in Portugal?
Yes, when it uses only publicly accessible information, has a legitimate purpose and complies with the GDPR. It does not include access to accounts, private messages or unlawfully obtained data.
Can you find out who is behind a fake profile?
It is often possible to reach strong indications of who controls a profile, but it depends on the trail the person has left. We assess the case before starting and tell you frankly what is realistic.
Can you access another person's messages or account?
No. That is a crime and we do not do it. We only work with public information and with lawful enquiries on the ground.
How long does an OSINT investigation take?
A simple check can be completed in a few days. Cases involving several people, companies or countries take longer. We give you a timescale once we know the case.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the objective and the complexity. We give you a quote after a confidential conversation about the case.
Can the report be used in court?
The report is factual and states the source and date of each piece of information, so that your lawyer can assess it. Whether it is used in proceedings is decided by your lawyer.
Do you work throughout the country and with clients abroad?
Yes. Online investigation has no borders, and we have field teams throughout the country. We work in Portuguese, English and French.
Contact us
Call +351 936 225 975 or use the contact form. Tell us what you need to know and we will show you the right way to find out.
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