FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION — ASSET TRACING
Map assets and financial interests when the complete picture is missing
You have reason to believe that assets remain out of view, but lack the overview needed to move forward. Property may have been moved, business activities may continue through other companies or financial interests may be located abroad. That uncertainty can prolong a dispute or financial decision unnecessarily.
Dutch Detective Agency maps available assets, companies and financial connections in the Netherlands and internationally. We combine relevant information, examine corporate structures and distinguish between confirmed facts and leads requiring further investigation.
You receive a clear report that helps your lawyer, financial adviser or other specialist determine which next steps may be available.
Licensed private investigation agency · POB 1758 · Dutch and international asset tracing
What is asset tracing?
Asset tracing is the investigation and mapping of property, companies, financial interests and other components of value that may be connected to a person or organisation. It may be used in legal or business disputes, fraud matters, inheritance, divorce, due diligence, unpaid claims or international proceedings.
The objective is to create a structured and verifiable picture of relevant assets and their connections.
When assets are not immediately visible
Assets are not always registered directly in the name of the person or company with the economic interest: several companies, relatives, foreign structures or other legal arrangements may be involved. Asset tracing may be relevant in matters involving suspected concealment of assets, a business dispute between shareholders or partners, suspected fraud, an unpaid claim, divorce or an alimony dispute, inheritance, due diligence, international trade disputes or a suspected transfer of assets abroad.
Which assets can be investigated?
An indicator does not automatically prove legal ownership or economic interest; we therefore document the underlying connections carefully. Depending on the assignment, countries and lawful possibilities, the investigation may examine real property, companies and shareholdings, shares and business interests, directorships, vehicles and other registered objects, employment and income indicators, receivables and financial interests, intellectual property rights, domain names, valuable movable property and digital asset indicators where lawfully researchable, and foreign property and companies.
Mapping the assets of individuals and companies
For an individual, the investigation may examine connections between personal, corporate and international interests: property, companies and directorships, employment and income indicators, business activities involving a partner or relative, and historical transfers.
For a company, it may be necessary to look beyond the entity directly involved in the dispute or transaction, for example at corporate groups, parent, subsidiary and associated companies, directors and shareholders where researchable, property and other business assets, shareholdings, intellectual property and notable changes in structure, address or management. We assess the purpose, legal context and proportionality beforehand; asset tracing is not conducted out of curiosity or without a demonstrable interest.
International research and the distinction between ownership, use and interest
Assets may be spread across several countries, companies and legal structures, making it harder to see quickly where interests and value are located. Depending on the countries involved, the investigation may examine foreign companies, local directors, real property, international trading activity and connections between Dutch and foreign assets. The availability and reliability of information differs by country; you receive advance information about feasibility.
A person may use an asset without being its registered owner, and an asset may be formally registered but economically connected to another party. Where possible, the report therefore distinguishes between registered ownership, business or financial involvement, factual use, control and a probable economic interest. Around a dispute or anticipated proceedings, we also examine whether activities appear to continue elsewhere or property was transferred shortly before the dispute, without presenting an indicator as proven ownership.
How an asset tracing investigation works
1. Submit the investigation question
You explain the reason, people or companies involved, relevant countries and the legal or financial interest. Do not submit complete files or sensitive documents through the standard contact form.
2. We assess feasibility
We assess the legitimate interest, available identifiers, jurisdictions involved and relevant research directions.
3. Receive an investigation proposal
The proposal explains the scope, recommended areas, expected depth, completion time and costs.
4. The investigation is conducted
We examine the agreed personal, corporate, financial and international connections. Information is checked and, where possible, compared across multiple sources.
5. Receive the report
The report clearly maps the assets, interests, structures and connections identified.
What does the report contain?
Dutch Detective Agency does not independently conclude that fraud, creditor prejudice or an unlawful transfer occurred; we document the relevant facts and chronology. Depending on the assignment, the report contains identification of relevant people and companies, an overview of relevant assets, international corporate and asset connections, a chronology of relevant changes, a distinction between ownership, use and probable interest, sources used and investigation dates, information that could not be sufficiently confirmed, and limitations affecting the investigation. For complex structures we include a clear relationship diagram.
Asset tracing identifies and maps property and financial interests; establishing current market or net value may require additional assessment from, for example, a valuer, accountant, financial expert, tax specialist, lawyer, notary or judicial officer. We clearly identify when a value is indicative or could not be established.
Do you need assets, companies or international interests to be mapped?
A debt recovery investigation belongs with an existing unpaid claim; a creditworthiness investigation is carried out before you accept financial exposure. Asset tracing is broader and is also used in fraud matters, business disputes, divorce, inheritance and international proceedings. We operate only within the law and do not obtain unauthorised access to accounts, devices or systems.
Send us the names of the relevant people or companies, the countries involved and a brief description of the legal or financial interest. We confidentially assess which assets and connections may be investigated, and you first receive clear information about feasibility, scope, completion time and costs.
Available by telephone and digital channels 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use this form only for a brief description. Legal files, identity documents, financial records and other sensitive documents can be supplied through an appropriate secure method after the initial assessment.
Frequently asked questions about asset tracing
- Which assets can be mapped?
- This depends on the purpose, legal basis, available identifiers and the countries involved. Following a confidential assessment, we explain which asset categories, such as property, companies, business interests, income and asset indicators or international connections, can be investigated in your situation.
- Can individuals, companies and international assets all be investigated?
- Yes. We first assess the identity of the party, the purpose and which asset categories are relevant. Options for international assets differ by country, legal structure and category; following an initial assessment you receive information about feasibility and expected depth.
- Can assets connected through other people or companies be investigated?
- Where there is a specific and legitimate reason, relevant personal and corporate connections may form part of the investigation. The report distinguishes between confirmed ownership, involvement, use and probable connections.
- Is the value of assets established and can the report be used in legal proceedings?
- Where reliable information is available, an indication or relevant value information may be included; a formal valuation may require a qualified valuer, accountant or another specialist. The report can be provided to a lawyer, financial expert or other authorised adviser; a court ultimately determines the meaning and evidential weight of the findings.
- How long does asset tracing take and what does it cost?
- This depends on the number of people and companies, countries, asset categories and required depth. After the initial assessment you receive a clear proposal with an estimated completion time and cost.