Case study: Surveillance operation for litigation support
Background
A European financial services company engaged Conflict International to assist in an ongoing litigation matter. The subject was a former employee placed on gardening leave, suspected of breaching contractual obligations by working for a competitor during this period.
The client found it unlikely that the subject or the competitor would take such a risk, as they had longstanding connections with individuals at the rival company. Nevertheless, they required concrete evidence to proceed with legal action.
Objective
Our task was to locate the subject, confirm their employment status, and gather actionable evidence to support litigation against both the individual and the competitor.
Procedure
Phase 1: Tracing the subject
The subject’s relocation to the UK complicated the case, requiring a thorough tracing operation. Conflict International successfully identified the subject’s new residential address in the UK, which became the focal point for surveillance efforts.
Phase 2: Surveillance and evidence gathering
A surveillance team was deployed to monitor the subject’s activities. The operation unfolded as follows:
- Monday observation: The subject was observed leaving their residence at 7:00 a.m. and using public transport. They arrived at the competitor’s office at 8:00 a.m. and used an access pass to enter the building, indicating active employment.
- Consistent attendance: Over the course of the week, the subject was observed adhering to regular business hours at the competitor’s premises, corroborating suspicions of ongoing work during gardening leave.
- Friday observation: The subject joined new colleagues at a pub after work. Covert audio surveillance captured conversations where the individual discussed their former employer and their new role at the competitor’s firm.
Resolution
Impact on litigation
The surveillance operation provided unequivocal evidence of the subject breaching their contractual obligations. This included:
- Daily attendance and active work at the competitor’s company.
- Use of an access pass to enter the competitor’s premises.
- Verbal confirmation of their employment during covertly recorded conversations.
The evidence compiled by Conflict International was pivotal in the client’s legal action against both the subject and the competitor, strengthening their case significantly.
If you require discreet surveillance services to support your legal or business needs, contact Conflict International. Our expert team is ready to deliver the evidence you need.