Our client represented an East European-based individual who was defrauded of over £1 million by an international subject with links across multiple jurisdictions, including Russia, Ukraine, and the UK. The subject was required to be located, any associated assets identified, and service effected for the purposes of litigation. However, there was very limited information available regarding the subject’s current whereabouts, address history, or whether they were residing within the UK.

Our investigations team utilised a range of investigative techniques, drawing on both open- and closed-source intelligence, source enquiries, and research into family members and known associates. Following a number of challenges and investigative dead ends, we identified several spurious links to a number of addresses across London. These were not supported by any credit footprint or formal records, suggesting the addresses were likely accommodation or shell locations rather than active residences. It was assessed that these addresses may have been deliberately kept ‘off the books’, effectively eradicating a paper trail and limiting formal links to the subject or other occupants of the address.

To progress the investigation, covert enquiries were deployed, including surveillance. Through these efforts, the subject was successfully identified and their location confirmed, enabling the client to proceed with service and further recovery action.