Private investigations are no DIY (do-it-yourself) tasks, especially in Russia. The internet has erroneously given us the idea that it only takes an online search to learn how to do everything. There are millions of manuals, databases and videos online explaining how-to do almost everything you can think of. But the reality is that most of the times DIY projects do not have the best outcome, and this is mainly because we are ignoring some of the most important factors that make professionals the experts we rely on and hire: experience and knowledge.  Trying to investigate in Russia is not easy!

Expert private investigators in Russia understand the laws, have contacts with law enforcement and government agencies in Russia, are on the ground locally, and yes, speak Russian!

People sometimes think that conducting a background check investigation or verifying a company in Russia is a matter of searching it online. But what do you do when you get thousands of results of similar names? What do you do when all you find is in a language that you do not speak? What do you do when you get contradictory information? The Internet is no place to search for official information regarding a person or a company.  How do you know the office and address is real?  How do you know about the company’s or individual’s reputation?  Do they really have assets?

When professional private investigators are hired in Russia, they not only have a full comprehension of the laws and the procedures in the country to obtain information, but they also have access to the main institutions and agencies that can provide such information. Further, they speak the language and can go directly to the source of the information to verify the data provided by clients.

Another important reason why hiring a professional is extremely important is the discretion and confidentiality of an investigation. Amateurs can draw too much attention in the course of their own investigations, and this can make a big difference on whether or not you are able to get the information you need. Alerting the subject may mean that you are giving them the opportunity to fix their stories of fraud or may cause other personal or business trouble.  Experienced professional investigators are able to discreetly obtain evidence, and keep you out of it.  Confidentiality is key.

Why and when to hire a professional investigator in Russia

Dating online

If you met someone online that claims to be from Russia, you will definitely need a professional investigator to verify this individual. The only way to minimize risk efficiently is with a thorough background check in Russia, and it can only be performed by someone who knows how to do it right. If you already tried looking for an “Irina” online, you´ll know why it´s so important to get professional help. Those who try the DIY investigation learn pretty soon that knowing the Russian alphabet is a must to begin with any investigation in Russia, and you probably don´t have enough time to start by getting enrolled in Russian lessons. Plus, once you have learned you will probably have a lot of trouble trying to get access to the information given that you are a foreigner outside of Russia.

Investigators in Moscow will be able to check official birth records to verify the identity, and they can also check education, employment claims, passport and other relevant information that can identify if the person you are contacting is who she claims to be.

Doing business in Russia

Starting a new business with a Russian company is another situation where hiring a professional investigator is a must. Russia is gigantic. There are millions of companies registered in the country, many with similar names. Getting the right information is crucial for the success, whether it is with a provider, with a new business partner or a merger. Verifying a company in Russia takes a lot more than going over their website.  Fake companies and fraudsters can easily set up a website or even create search results that indicate the legitimacy of the company, especially in Russia where expert hackers abound. Hiring a professional will ensure that the information comes from an official source.

It´s fun to try to play a detective for one day. But important matters cannot be left to amateurs. Contact us if you need a professional to verify an individual or company in Russia.

C. Wright

© 2015 Russia PI™

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