Unlawful surveillanceSingapore · 2021–2026
Investigators hired to follow a police officer — and the firm's partner was fined
- The problem
- A client wanted to know if the police officer handling his father's case was a "good or bad policeman". A PI firm followed and photographed the officer at home and at work for weeks.
- How the truth came out
- The officer noticed he was being followed and made a police report the next day.
- Outcome
- In September 2026 the firm's partner pleaded guilty and was fined S$24,000. The charges included obstructing justice and an offence under the Private Security Industry Act.
Why it matters to you: Not every job is lawful. A licensed investigator refuses work that interferes with the police, courts or witnesses.
Source: Mothership, Sept 2026
Phone hackingUnited Kingdom · 2006–2014
Phone hacking: the private investigator who brought down a newspaper
- The problem
- A private investigator working for the News of the World intercepted voicemail messages — including from the royal household.
- How the truth came out
- Police seized his notes, which listed 4,744 potential victims.
- Outcome
- He was jailed in 2007 and convicted again in 2014. The 168-year-old newspaper closed in July 2011.
Why it matters to you: Hacked evidence ruins the case and puts the client at risk too. We never hack phones, accounts or messages.
Source: Wikipedia summary of court records
PretextingUnited States · 2006
A boardroom leak investigation that cost US$14.5 million
- The problem
- To find who was leaking to the press, investigators hired by HP used "pretexting" — pretending to be other people — to get the phone records of board members and journalists.
- How the truth came out
- The method came out, and the state of California took action.
- Outcome
- HP paid a US$14.5 million settlement, its chairwoman was ousted, and criminal charges were filed against investigators and executives.
Why it matters to you: Lying to get someone's private records is illegal. Lawful sources and surveillance in public places are enough for most cases.
Source: Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
