How We Work

We begin with a confidential, no-obligation discussion to understand your situation and requirements. This can be conducted via secure telephone, encrypted video conference, or in person at a location of your choosing. Following this initial assessment, we provide a tailored proposal outlining our recommended approach, timeline, and fee structure. We never pressure clients into hasty decisions; complex situations require careful consideration.

Our client base spans multinational corporations, financial institutions, law firms, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, government bodies, and international organisations. We also undertake pro bono work for select cases involving human rights, press freedom, or matters of significant public interest. The common thread is clients facing complex challenges requiring discretion, expertise, and results.

Engagement structures vary based on the nature of the work. Some matters are best addressed through discrete project-based engagements with defined scope and deliverables. Others, particularly ongoing security advisory or monitoring services, benefit from retainer arrangements. We discuss the most appropriate structure during our initial consultation and remain flexible to client preferences.

For genuine emergencies (kidnapping, active security threats, or crisis situations), we maintain 24/7 capability and can mobilise response teams within hours. Our emergency hotline is monitored continuously. For urgent but non-emergency matters, we typically begin preliminary work within 24-48 hours of engagement confirmation.

Flexibility is fundamental to our approach. Investigations frequently uncover unexpected information, and situations evolve. We maintain ongoing dialogue with clients and adapt our approach as circumstances require. Any significant changes to scope or budget are discussed and agreed before implementation.

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of our practice. We operate on a strict need-to-know basis internally, utilise end-to-end encrypted communications, maintain air-gapped systems for sensitive materials, and never retain client data longer than necessary. Our staff undergo rigorous vetting and are bound by comprehensive confidentiality agreements. We do not acknowledge client relationships without explicit permission.

We accommodate client preferences whilst maintaining security standards. Options include encrypted email (PGP/S-MIME), secure messaging platforms (Signal, Wire), encrypted voice calls, and in-person meetings. For highly sensitive matters, we can establish bespoke secure communication protocols. We advise against discussing sensitive matters via standard email or unsecured telephone lines.

Yes, we routinely execute NDAs and are happy to sign client-provided agreements or mutual NDAs. Our standard engagement letters include comprehensive confidentiality provisions. For matters requiring enhanced protection, we can implement additional safeguards including information barriers and restricted access protocols.

We maintain rigorous conflict-checking procedures before accepting any engagement. If a potential conflict exists, we disclose this immediately and discuss appropriate measures, which may include declining the engagement, implementing information barriers, or obtaining informed consent from affected parties. We will never compromise one client's interests for another.

We operate globally, with particular depth in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Our headquarters in London coordinates with branches in Casablanca and Prague, and representative offices across the continent. For regions outside our direct presence, we maintain trusted partnerships with vetted local specialists who meet our standards.

Our core team operates fluently in English, Polish, German, French, Arabic, Russian, and Czech. Through our extended network, we can deploy personnel with native-level proficiency in virtually any language required. Language capability is critical for effective HUMINT operations and cultural navigation.

We maintain professional relationships with law enforcement and intelligence services across multiple jurisdictions. However, we are an independent private entity and our primary obligation is to our clients. We coordinate with authorities when appropriate and lawful, but never at the expense of client interests or confidentiality, except where legally compelled.

Our technical capabilities span cyber forensics, blockchain analysis, OSINT collection and analysis, technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM), secure communications infrastructure, and digital evidence handling. We continuously invest in technology and training to remain at the forefront of an evolving threat landscape.

Yes. Our investigators are experienced in preparing evidence and reports to court-admissible standards across multiple jurisdictions. Several team members regularly provide expert witness testimony in commercial litigation, criminal proceedings, and arbitration. We work closely with legal counsel to ensure our work product meets evidentiary requirements.

We typically work on either a fixed-fee basis for defined projects or time-and-materials for ongoing or evolving engagements. Fees reflect the complexity, urgency, and risk profile of each matter. We provide transparent cost estimates upfront and maintain regular communication about budget utilisation. Exceptional expenses are agreed in advance.

In select circumstances, particularly asset recovery matters, we may consider hybrid arrangements incorporating success fees. Pure contingency arrangements are generally not appropriate for our work, as they can create perverse incentives that compromise objectivity. We discuss fee structures openly and find arrangements that align interests appropriately.

Standard terms require an initial retainer upon engagement, with subsequent invoicing monthly or upon milestone completion. For crisis response or urgent matters, we can accommodate expedited arrangements. We accept payment via bank transfer and can accommodate various currencies. Cryptocurrency payments may be considered for appropriate clients.

Yes, we provide comprehensive written reports tailored to client requirements and intended use. Intelligence briefings, investigation reports, due diligence memoranda, and expert reports are standard deliverables. Report formats can be adapted for legal proceedings, board presentations, regulatory submissions, or internal use.

We operate within the law in all jurisdictions where we work. Beyond legal compliance, we adhere to rigorous ethical standards: we do not fabricate evidence, entrap individuals, or engage in activities that violate human rights. We decline engagements that conflict with our values, regardless of commercial attractiveness. Our reputation depends on integrity.

Yes. We decline work involving harassment, stalking, or intimidation of individuals. We do not assist in sanctions evasion, money laundering, or other financial crimes. We refuse engagements designed to suppress legitimate journalism, whistleblowing, or lawful activism. We also decline matters where we cannot maintain appropriate independence or objectivity.

Our value lies in providing accurate intelligence, not telling clients what they wish to hear. If our findings are unfavourable (revealing risks in a proposed transaction, exonerating a suspected wrongdoer, or contradicting a client's assumptions), we report them objectively. Clients engage us to understand reality, and we deliver that faithfully.

Yes, we allocate capacity for pro bono engagements involving human rights, press freedom, protection of whistleblowers, or matters of significant public interest. These engagements receive the same quality of attention as commercial work. Enquiries for pro bono consideration can be directed through our standard contact channels.