What to ask when requesting international investigations
Need intelligence from other countries? Here’s what to expect when hiring an investigative partner.

“Do you have boots on the ground in South Africa?” “Can you do a background check in Brazil?” “Is it safe to travel to Mexico?”

With more and more companies doing business globally, we hear these sorts of questions often. However, to have a meaningful discussion with your investigative partner, you should be prepared to answer more than a few general questions. This basic overview of international investigations will help you get the information you need.

How does a U.S. company conduct international investigations?

The answer is simple: through partner organizations. Yes, some companies have a footprint in many parts of the world. However, no investigative firms have in-house boots on the ground everywhere in the world.

Before Contacting an International Investigations Firm…

To get the best results, the investigation firm needs the right information. Let’s review a couple of common requests for examples of information you’ll need to provide.

Background Check

    • Location (country, city, town, etc.) of the person or business of interest. If you want a background check of a person who’s relatively new to the area, previous addresses will lead to better results.
    • Purpose of the request. Employment? Vetting a potential business partner or new acquisition? Related to litigation or an international investigation?
    • Goal. What type of information are you interested in? Do you want, say, open source information or do you want more in-depth information with source interviews, site visits, etc.?
    • Consent. For employment-related matters, you will have to obtain written consent from the person being investigated. However, for other matters, are you able to get consent? Based on the jurisdiction, the information available without permission can vary greatly.
    • Timeline. The process to obtain certain types of information in other countries can vary widely.

Executive Protection Detail

  • What are the specific locations and itinerary?
  • How many travelers? When will they be traveling?
  • What is the purpose of the travel?
  • Will you need vehicles in addition to personnel?
  • Any other special requests?
  • Are there any known threats against the individuals or company?
  • Have there been any previous incidents of concern?

The above questions typically start the conversation. Based on the information provided, the international investigations partner will likely have additional questions specific to your needs.

Keep Your Options Open

Unless you have regular needs in a particular country or have an established partner, it’s always a good idea to request services from multiple vendors in areas outside of the United States.

Here’s why.

In many parts of the world, there may be limited resources. A U.S. investigative firm may only have one investigator in a particular area. If that individual isn’t available, the U.S. firm may not be able to fulfill your request. Depending on the urgency of your request, this could be problematic. If time is of the essence, you’ll want to have an alternative.

If you have international background screening or international investigations needs, please contact us at (212) 871-1274.

Written by:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Integras

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Our Reviews

Jim Tierney
Jim Tierney
13:15 25 Oct 24
Integras Intelligence, Inc. may just be the best boutique service for all of your security needs in NYC and beyond. I have used them nationally and internationally with outstanding results. Quality at an affordable price. Their dedicated and experienced staff, many with FBI and NYPD backgrounds, help guarantee successful outcomes. Their President, Forhad Razzaque, is an experienced and well-connected leader who has grown the business with an unparalleled personal touch. Highly recommended.
Lorilil Jewelers
Lorilil Jewelers
14:04 16 Oct 24
Highly recommend Integras Intelligence to anyone in need of reliable, discreet, and effective investigative services. They truly go above and beyond for their clients!
Richard Abrams
Richard Abrams
23:11 14 Sep 22
I was so impressed with the service and work I got from integras.It was a personal issue handled professionally and discreetly. And I love the podcasts!
adrian rosario
adrian rosario
15:51 17 Jul 22
Professional, honest and effective; I have had the privilege of working with Forhad and the Integras executive team since 2007. Having 35+ years experience in law enforcement and an investigative background, we have worked together to achieve successful outcomes investigative matters both domestically and internationally . Their staff is versatile, provides a broad range of security related and investigative know how, and consistently maintains a client-centric culture with unwavering communication and discretion. I highly recommend Integras for your investigative needs.
Brayant Sierra
Brayant Sierra
16:05 08 Apr 22
Elisa Sheftic, Right Executive Search, LLC
Elisa Sheftic, Right Executive Search, LLC
19:50 23 Mar 22
As an executive search firm, having a vendor that is able to execute a background check search, quickly and efficiently is paramount. Integras has been an exceptional partner and understand and communicate the ever changing laws that relate to each state. I would highly recommend them for any companies or recruiting firms that needs a professional background check service. Have used them for years and will continue to do so!
Yftah Kaluski
Yftah Kaluski
18:36 23 Mar 22
Great service and great team behind the product!
Jay McKillop
Jay McKillop
22:58 11 Mar 22
This is a first rate operation, and many of the people that work there are former colleagues. I have dealt with Forhad professionally for over twenty years and he has never let me down. The firm I was at used his team for a "red team" exercise which went extremely well. I have also had several instances where people have come to me with some very complicated investigative problems. I referred them to Intergras and they were extremely pleased with the results. Integras has a very deep bench, with international connectivity and the capacity to get things done.
Gonzalo S.
Gonzalo S.
14:59 26 Jan 22
Sets a standard of excellence in all areas of service it provides. The podcasts provide a wealth of information delivered by a panel professionals with extensive backgrounds. I know the podcast host to be a man of integrity. This has to be the best in the business. Great job!
Joel George
Joel George
22:42 25 Jan 22
We have partnered with Integras Intelligence on a number of occasions. I find their team to be knowledgeable, communicative and easy to work with. It is clear that they are focused on their clients and want to deliver world-class service with an impeccable attention to detail.
Jim Denlea
Jim Denlea
16:05 25 Jan 22
We have used Integras exclusively for all of our Investigative needs, both domestically and internationally. They have always exhibited an unparalleled level of expertise, sensitivity to our client's needs, and cost efficiency. We would highly recommend them without hesitation.
Edmund Hartnett
Edmund Hartnett
15:38 25 Jan 22
Integras Intelligence is the gold standard of investigations. Their cost effective investigations are conducted quickly and accurately; the two most important factors for most clients. I’ve often referred friends and colleagues to Integras. Without exception, they gave the service they received very high marks. I highly recommend Integras.
Aman Singh
Aman Singh
23:31 24 Jan 22
I have had the privilege of working with Integras Intelligence while being at two different companies. Not only is Forhad best in the industry but his team is superb.If you are seeking a company that is professional, responsive and provides thought leadership you should choose Integras Intelligence.Thank You!
Shawn Hale
Shawn Hale
22:06 24 Jan 22
I have known the Integras Intelligence leadership team for over 20 years and am a better person and professional because of it. Never cutting corners, always taking the high road, continually seeking to stay ahead of the industry and setting the standards by which others can measure. Great team. Highly recommend!
Christine Ippolito
Christine Ippolito
00:39 21 Jan 22
We have used Integras as our strategic partner for background checks and physical security advice for over 5 years. The Integras team is highly responsive knowledgeable and always willing to help. We highly recommend them to others and our clients.
Brandon Hunt
Brandon Hunt
13:52 20 Jan 22
I have worked with the team at Integras for over five years and have continually impressed with the professional and thoughtful approach they take to everything they do. They've assembled a terrific team of experts that you can feel confident in and enjoy working with. I strongly recommend Integras Intelligence for anyone who is in need of their services.
Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane
21:51 19 Jan 22
Integras Intelligence is a global leader in the investigative, business intelligence and security consulting space. Their team led by Forhad Razzaque, has a deep level of experience gained in both the public and private sectors.They augment this impressive team with an extensive network of investigators and other specialists that are dedicated to positive client outcomes. If you are looking for a professional, responsive, and skilled partner to help tackle a thorny issue, look no further than Integras.
USMC 0311
USMC 0311
19:36 19 Jan 22
Integras is a leading international provider of investigative and screening services that has been such a great support for our operations in Latin America. Integras is staffed by seasoned professionals who bring decades of experience in all investigative areas and who always go above and beyond the expected service.. Thank you to the Integras team for always striving for excellence!
See All Reviews
js_loader