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Our Methodology

Our Methodology

From intake to report. Transparent, discreet and legally sound.

How we work

Four steps, no surprises

Every investigation follows the same four steps. You know in advance what we do, what it costs and what you will have in hand at the end. You are involved at every step and can adjust or stop at any time.

How we work

1

Confidential intake

By phone, WhatsApp or at our office. We listen, ask questions and tell you honestly whether an investigation is useful and lawful.

2

Investigation plan and quote

You receive a plan with the objective, approach, resources and costs. We only start after your approval and a signed agreement.

3

Discreet investigation

Screened investigators carry out the plan. You receive interim updates and can adjust or stop at any time.

4

Report and advice

A factual report with chronology, sources and appendices, plus advice on next steps, legal or practical.

What you receive at each step

Step 1: what to expect from the intake

The first conversation is free and confidential. We want to know what is going on, what you want to achieve and what you already know. You then hear straight away whether an investigation fits your question and stays within the law. Sometimes the answer is that another route is better, for example a lawyer or the police. We will say so. We respond to messages sent through the contact form within 24 hours.

Step 2: what the plan and quote contain

The investigation plan describes the objective, the research questions, the methods we will use (for example surveillance, open-source research or a technical inspection), the expected number of hours and the costs. We work with an hourly rate and with fixed prices for clearly defined services; see our rates. No hidden costs: anything not in the quote is not charged without your approval.

Step 3: how the investigation proceeds

The investigation is carried out by investigators screened under the Dutch Wpbr. We keep you informed of progress without sharing details through insecure channels. If it becomes clear that further investigation serves no purpose, we advise you to stop. You then only pay for the hours worked. All methods stay within the GDPR and the Dutch privacy code of conduct for private investigation agencies.

Step 4: how the report is structured

You receive a written report containing: the assignment and research questions, a chronological overview of the findings, the sources and methods used, visual material and appendices, and a conclusion that sticks strictly to the facts. This allows a lawyer, judge or employer to assess the findings for themselves. On request we align the report with your lawyer or with our legal partner Breedijk Advocaten.

What we do not do

A licensed investigation agency works within the law. That protects you: unlawfully obtained evidence can work against you. These are our limits.

No wiretapping or hacking

We do not tap phones, read other people's email or messages, or break into accounts or devices. That is a criminal offence and would damage your case.

No entering premises

We do not enter a home, office or closed site without permission. Surveillance takes place from public space or with the consent of the person entitled.

No investigation without a legitimate interest

Investigating a person requires a legitimate interest on the part of the client. Curiosity is not one. We assess this at intake and record it in the agreement.

No promises about the outcome

We investigate facts. What we find may confirm your suspicion or refute it. We report both outcomes with the same care.

Frequently asked questions about our methodology

How quickly can you start?
After the intake you receive the plan and quote. As soon as you approve and the agreement is signed, we schedule the work. In urgent cases, such as a missing person or an acute threat, we discuss immediately what can be done today.
How long does an investigation take?
It depends on the type. A background check or open-source investigation is often completed within a few days. Surveillance and partner investigations depend on the number of surveillance days in the plan. A TSCM inspection is carried out in one day, with the report following afterwards.
Will I receive interim updates?
Yes. In the plan we agree how and how often we inform you. In the event of important findings we contact you immediately so that you can decide on the next step.
Can I stop the investigation early?
Yes, at any time. You then pay for the hours and costs incurred up to that point according to the quote. We also advise stopping ourselves if further investigation adds no value.
Can the report be used in court?
In civil, employment and family law proceedings, a report from a licensed investigation agency can be submitted as evidence. The court weighs that evidence. That is why we work strictly within the Wpbr, the GDPR and the privacy code of conduct, and record sources and methods. Read more about what a licensed agency may do.
What happens to my data afterwards?
We do not keep the file longer than necessary for the assignment and our legal obligations. How we handle personal data is set out in our privacy policy.

⚖️ Licence and oversight

SAJ Recherche B.V. holds licence POB 8779 from the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, valid until 1 July 2030 and verifiable in the Justis Wpbr register. Our investigators are screened under Article 7 Wpbr. We comply with the GDPR and apply strict confidentiality.

Chamber of Commerce: 96790954 · VAT: NL867763437B01

Ready for the next step?

Schedule a free intake meeting and discover how we can help.

Schedule intake 020-782 3222