Our private investigators at Russia PI sometimes receive requests that are beyond the limits of what a professional in the field can do. A private investigator is a professional just like any other, and they may play by the rules, or may not, depending on their personal values and other factors like the investigation firm´s philosophy and adherence to the law.  At Russia PI, we abide by a strict code of professional ethics, and our goal is to deliver evidence to clients while following the law.

Given the reputation that Russian hackers have amassed over the past years, many companies and individuals around the world have been trying to hire their services, either because they are looking for important evidence that will help them make a wise decision or evidence that will help them support their cases in trial. It has come to the attention of our investigators in Moscow that some private investigator firms have accepted hiring hackers and performing  other unethical practices as a way to do business. But the truth is that there are things that need to be straightened out regarding good and bad practices in the investigation world.  Not every private investigator is equal.

Hacking is illegal and unethical

Whether it is an email account, a social media profile or the whole database of a company, hacking is a violation of people´s privacy, and for the same reason hacking is illegal. A private investigation firm in Russia or anywhere else that offers this kind of work is not professional. Furthermore, how could a client trust that their own information will be kept confidential if the people offering the service are not being respectful of the privacy of others?  In most cases, accessing such records can be done only with a court order.  It is possible the results of an investigation will give you evidence, which your attorney may later use to issue appropriate court orders on websites, companies and banks.

In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has recently charged several law firms and private investigators for illegally hacking into people’s accounts to obtain information for strengthening their cases.  This makes for bad news in the industry, and is not what we do.

The law does not allow lawyers and private investigators to hack into accounts or hire others to do it for them. Not only is information retrieved via hacking inadmissible in court, but this practice is also questionable and unethical. Hackers for hire are just like any other internet criminal, and people should be aware that hiring them will eventually get them into serious trouble.

Ethical private investigations are strategic

Anyone who has needed a dating background check in Russia, a company verification, due diligence or any other investigation service knows the value of the information and how much it helps make better decisions.  Private investigations are strategic for lawyers that are handling a complicated case, employers who are looking forward to hire new people and regular individuals who are just looking for love online. They work extremely well as prevention tools, but they should be conducted in an ethical way.  When done properly, investigators reveal clear answers and follow the law.

Real professional investigators will focus on data that is publicly available or that can be verified without violating anyone´s privacy. For clients, it is important to consider that getting information through wrongful means can put them in danger and cause many problems.  Expert investigators who work for Russia PI™ have access to government records, including law enforcement, courts and many government agencies.  Because most of our team is former law enforcement in Russia, we are able to get the evidence you need without violating our code of ethics or local laws.

The next time you are looking to hire a private investigation firm in Russia, make sure you stick to one with the highest ethical and professional standards!  Get a free quote today.

C. Wright
© 2015 Russia PI™

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