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Address Trace Investigations

An address trace investigation is a type of investigation that aims to locate the current address of an individual or entity. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to serve legal documents, to collect a debt, or to find a missing person. An address trace investigation might be needed by:

 

  • Legal Professionals: To serve legal documents to individuals who are difficult to locate.

 

  • Creditors or Collection Agencies: To find individuals who owe money, for the purpose of debt collection.

 

  • Businesses: For due diligence, verifying addresses of clients or business partners, or for recovering assets.
1

Public Records

This can include checking property records, motor vehicle records, and voter registration records.

2

Proprietary Databases

There are a number of commercial and government databases that can be used to search for addresses.

3

Interviewing Witnesses

People who know the person or entity whose address is being traced may have information about their current whereabouts.

4

Canvassing Proximity

In some cases, we may need to canvass neighbourhoods to knock on doors and ask people if they have seen the person or entity being traced.

Social Media Investigations

A social media investigation is a type of investigation that aims to gather information from social media platforms to support a legal case or other investigation. We conduct thorough analyses to:

 

  • Uncover Recent Activities: What posts, likes, shares, or comments the missing person made.

 

  • Identify Last Known Contacts: Who they were communicating with, newly formed connections, or online relationships.

 

  • Determine Potential Whereabouts: Geo-tagged posts, check-ins, or background details in photos that might indicate locations.

 

  • Assess State of Mind: Posts or messages that suggest emotional distress, plans to leave, or a change in behavior.

 

  • Locate Hidden Accounts: Identifying alternative or secret social media profiles.

 

  • Verify/Corroborate Tips: Using public social media information to confirm or refute witness accounts.

 

  • Monitor for Communication: Looking for any new activity on the missing person’s accounts or mentions of them by others.
1

Keyword Searches

We can search for specific keywords on social media platforms to identify relevant posts and profiles.

2

Geolocation Searches

We can search for posts that were made from a specific location. This is useful for identifying witnesses to a crime or for tracking the movements of a suspect.

3

Relationship Mapping

We use forensic tools to map out the relationships between different individuals and organisations. This can be useful for identifying potential witnesses.

4

 Open Source Intelligence

OSINT tools can be used to identify hidden profiles, track down deleted posts, and uncover other hidden information.

Background Checks and Fact Finding Investigations

At its core, a fact-finding investigation is a structured inquiry designed to gather objective, verifiable information related to a specific event or situation. Its primary goal is not to prove guilt or innocence, but to establish what happened, when, where, and how, based on credible evidence. In the context of a missing person, it aims to reconstruct the last known moments of the individual and understand the circumstances leading to their absence. The ultimate goal of a fact-finding investigation in a missing person case is to construct the most accurate, detailed, and objective narrative possible. This foundational understanding allows investigators to:

 

  • Identify Motives or Circumstances: Suggesting whether the disappearance might be voluntary, accidental, or involve foul play.

 

  • Uncover Key Individuals: Identifying people who might have critical information or a connection to the disappearance.

 

  • Provide Clarity for Families: Even in the absence of an immediate discovery, the detailed findings can offer families a clearer understanding of the circumstances, which is vital for their emotional processing and potential path to closure.
1

Consumer Checks

These checks are typically conducted to gather information about a person’s background for personal reasons, such as financial records and court records.

2

Employment Checks

Employment background checks may include more sensitive information, such as criminal records and credit history. Typically, these are used for witness verification.

3

Medical Records

Information about medical conditions, financial difficulties, substance abuse, legal issues, or past victimisation can highlight vulnerabilities that might have led to their disappearance.

4

Psychological Profiling

Our investigators can assess motives and intention which may contribute to disappearance, as well as uncover conflicts, threats, or involvement in illicit activities.

Hidden Assets Investigations

A hidden asset search is an investigation conducted to uncover assets that an individual or company has intentionally concealed. These assets may be hidden for various reasons, such as to avoid paying taxes, debts, or child support, or to protect them from creditors or legal claims. A hidden assets investigation can reveal:

 

  • Geographic Locations: Where funds were withdrawn, spent, or transferred.

 

  • New Identities: If a new name or business entity was used for financial transactions.

 

  • Associates: Who the missing person might have been financially involved with.

 

  • Motive or Intent: Evidence of planning a departure, or signs of financial exploitation.

 

  • Standard of Living: Whether the person is maintaining a certain lifestyle, which can contradict initial assumptions about their disappearance.
1

Public Records

This includes searching property records, business registrations, tax records, vehicle records and court filings.

2

Professional Licenses

Identifying any professional licences held by the subject, can best indicate salary and market value.

3

Financial Analysis

This involves examining bank statements, credit card records, investment accounts, and other financial documents.

4

Interviews

Talking to friends, family members, business partners, or other affiliates who may have knowledge of a person’s assets.

The Timeline

Our thoughtful approach: Your tracing journey

Initial Consultation & Empathetic Assessment

Every journey begins with understanding. We start with a confidential and empathetic discussion to truly grasp your unique situation, carefully gathering all available details about the individual you’re seeking and your specific objectives. This allows us to tailor a sensitive and effective approach just for you.

Strategic Planning & Resource Allocation

Our expert team then meticulously develops a bespoke investigation plan, thoughtfully deploying the most effective and ethical resources. This includes leveraging cutting-edge open-source intelligence (OSINT), advanced digital forensics, and skilled fieldwork specialists, all chosen to best suit your case.

Comprehensive Data Collection & Insightful Analysis

We diligently collect and analyse data from diverse and reliable sources, cross-referencing information with precision. This careful process allows us to build a comprehensive profile and uncover potential leads, ensuring no stone is left unturned in our search for answers.

Discreet Fieldwork & Sensitive Inquiries

When necessary, our experienced investigators conduct discreet fieldwork, sensitive interviews, and on-the-ground inquiries. Every step is taken with the utmost respect for privacy and confidentiality, ensuring information is verified and new avenues are explored thoughtfully.

Advanced Technical Tracing with Care

We enhance our tracing capabilities with cutting-edge technology, including sophisticated social media analysis, advanced facial recognition tools, and extensive database searches. These powerful tools are employed with great care and ethical consideration to ensure effective and responsible results.

Rigorous Verification & Clear Reporting

All findings are rigorously verified for accuracy and reliability. We then provide you with a detailed, clear, and actionable report, outlining the results of our investigation in an easy-to-understand format, empowering you with the information you need.

Achieving Resolution & Ongoing Support

Our ultimate goal is to bring you clarity and resolution. We offer continued support and compassionate guidance based on the investigation’s outcome, helping you navigate the next steps with confidence and a renewed sense of peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Merlin Hunter, we specialise in tracing a wide range of individuals for various purposes, including ex-partners for divorce proceedings, missing parents for child support, debtors for financial recovery, witnesses for legal cases, and lost loved ones for family reunification. We also assist with tracing for public health initiatives and next of kin identification.

The duration of a tracing investigation can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of information available, and the cooperation of various sources. While some cases can be resolved within a few days, others may take several weeks or even months. We provide a detailed timeline and regular updates throughout the process.

Absolutely. Discretion and confidentiality are paramount to our operations. All investigations are conducted with the utmost sensitivity, adhering to strict ethical guidelines and data protection regulations. Your information, and that of the individual being traced, is handled with the highest level of privacy and security.

To initiate a tracing case, any information you can provide about the individual will be helpful. This typically includes their full name, last known address, date of birth, previous contact details, and any other relevant personal or historical information. The more details you can provide, the more efficient our investigation can be.

Our approach is guided by a strong ethical framework. We adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, including data protection acts. We prioritize respect for privacy, accuracy of information, and the well-being of all parties involved. Our team is trained to handle sensitive situations with compassion and integrity, ensuring that all tracing activities are conducted responsibly.

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Jamie was excellent very thorough...

Jamie was excellent very thorough and gave info we wanted in record time.

Anonymous I

United Kingdom - 16 November 2023

Great experience with the service of this place...

Great experience with the service of this place that was able to help me find out more information about the person a family member of mine was dating and it helped with life altering decisions for us. Special thanks to Rami at Merlin Hunter with the work!

Anonymous II

Pakistan - 16 June 2024

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