DIGITAL INVESTIGATION — OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE
Turning digital traces into verifiable information
Do online names, profiles or companies keep raising questions? Separate search results can increase uncertainty when you cannot tell what is current, genuine or connected. Real clarity comes from checking sources, identifying connections and distinguishing facts from assumptions.
Dutch Detective Agency conducts focused OSINT investigations into people, companies, digital identities and business connections. You receive a structured report containing relevant findings, source references and a clear explanation of what could and could not be established.
Licensed private investigation agency · POB 1758 · Dutch and international source research
What is an OSINT investigation?
OSINT means Open Source Intelligence: the focused collection, verification and analysis of information from public and lawfully accessible sources.
The objective is not to collect as much data as possible, but to find information relevant to a specific question, compare sources, examine inconsistencies and document digital connections.
What can OSINT research examine?
A name, username, photograph, phone number or website may leave digital traces that are outdated, inaccurate or misleading. OSINT research can bring clarity, for example around a suspected false profile, online fraud, inconsistent information about a person or company, undisclosed business connections, digital leads on a missing person, or online threats and harassment.
Depending on the question, the investigation may focus on:
- people: public profiles, usernames, aliases and inconsistencies in a stated identity;
- companies: registrations, directors, associated companies and relevant news or reputational indicators;
- websites and domains: current and historical information, registration data and the likely operator;
- imagery: origin and prior use of photographs, visible location characteristics and public metadata.
OSINT for business, legal and private questions
Businesses use OSINT for example in due diligence, verifying a business partner, potential conflicts of interest or investigating online fraud.
For lawyers, OSINT can map relevant connections and risk indicators, preserve public statements before they are changed, and identify leads for further investigation. It does not replace an audit or legal advice.
Private individuals sometimes encounter a false profile, identity misuse, misleading sellers or online threats. We do not provide a legal opinion; the report can be provided to a lawyer for assessment.
Every assignment begins with a specific question
We do not conduct investigations out of curiosity, for stalking or to publicly disclose private information. We assess the purpose, interest and proportionality of every assignment beforehand, so no unnecessary information is collected.
From digital trace to investigation report
A search engine displays results but does not automatically determine whether they concern the same person, remain current or are interpreted in the correct context.
1. Defining the investigation question
We discuss what you need to know, why the information is required and which decision the results will support.
2. Checking starting information and sources
We assess available names, usernames, photographs or other identifiers, and examine relevant public and lawfully accessible sources.
3. Verifying information
Where possible, findings are compared across multiple sources. People with similar details are not linked without sufficient supporting information.
4. Reporting the findings
You receive a structured report containing source references, research dates, relevant connections and an explanation of the reliability and limitations of the information.
Facts, assumptions and the limits of OSINT
The report clearly distinguishes between verified information, probable connections and information that could not be confirmed; a probable connection is never presented as a proven fact.
In specific situations we may investigate whether an indicator appears in sources associated with the dark web or known data breaches, where there is a legitimate reason and lawful tools are available. Dutch Detective Agency does not hack accounts, purchase stolen data or provide access to illegal marketplaces.
OSINT is not cybersecurity testing: we do not access private accounts, phones, cloud storage, bank information or restricted government databases. Public information also cannot be used without limit; we assess the purpose, necessity and proportionality of every assignment.
Digital traces do not stop at the border: where relevant, we also examine international sources, taking into account local restrictions and differences in reliability by country.
Do you have a name, profile or company that requires investigation?
Send us a brief description of your question and the available starting information. We will confidentially assess which sources are relevant and give you clarity on feasibility, approach, timeline and cost in advance.
Use the contact form only for a brief description; sensitive information is exchanged through an appropriate secure method after the initial assessment. Available by telephone and digital channels 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Frequently asked questions about OSINT investigations
- What does OSINT mean?
- OSINT means Open Source Intelligence: the focused collection, verification and analysis of information from public and lawfully accessible sources to answer a specific investigation question.
- Is OSINT the same as searching for someone online?
- No. Search engines produce separate results. OSINT involves systematic research, comparison of sources, verification of digital connections and assessment of the correct context.
- Can all public information be used freely?
- No. Public information may still contain personal data and remain subject to privacy legislation. The purpose, necessity and proportionality of the investigation are assessed in advance.
- Can you access private profiles or investigate the dark web?
- No, we do not access private accounts or systems. In specific situations we may investigate whether an indicator appears in lawfully accessible sources associated with data breaches or the dark web; we do not hack or purchase stolen data.
- How long does an OSINT investigation take and what does it cost?
- This depends on the question, number of identifiers, countries involved and the amount of information requiring verification. You receive a clear proposal with an estimated completion time and cost in advance.