Frequently asked questions
On this page we answer the most common questions about hiring a private investigator or investigation bureau, grouped by topic: from legality and cost to our approach, technology and the specific investigation types. Don't see your question? Feel free to contact us, no obligation.
Legality & trust
Can evidence from a private investigator be used in court?
A report obtained lawfully can serve as supporting evidence. The court ultimately assesses its weight, often in combination with other evidence.
Can a private investigator follow me on the street?
Surveillance in public places is generally allowed, provided it is proportionate and not systematic without a justified purpose.
Can a private investigator wiretap or hack phones?
No. Wiretapping, hacking and placing hidden devices without a legal basis is a criminal offence, including for private investigators.
How do I check whether a bureau holds a valid licence?
You can verify a bureau's POB licence via the public register maintained by Justis (Dutch Ministry of Justice & Security).
What's the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?
In practice, both terms are used interchangeably for the same profession: a licensed investigator who conducts private investigations.
Is the cheapest private investigator the best choice?
Not necessarily. Focus on licensing, experience and cost transparency: an unusually low price can indicate an inexperienced or unlicensed provider.
Can I do my own research before hiring an investigator?
Certainly, but be careful: doing your own research can make evidence less usable or worsen the situation. Feel free to discuss this during the intake call.
Cost
Do I pay for the intake call?
No, the first, no-obligation conversation is always free of charge.
Do you charge a fixed rate or hourly rate?
Usually a combination: a clear cost estimate per phase, agreed up front, so you're never surprised.
Can I stop the investigation partway through?
Yes. We work in phases, so you decide after each step whether to continue.
Are the costs tax-deductible?
This depends on your personal situation, for example during ongoing legal proceedings. Please consult your lawyer or accountant.
Do you work on a no-win-no-fee basis?
No. For investigations into individuals, licensed bureaus such as Santos Recherchebureau do not work on a no-win-no-fee basis: the professional code of conduct requires that an investigation be carried out independently and objectively, regardless of outcome. We therefore work with a transparent rate agreed in advance.
Approach & process
Am I committed to anything after the intake call?
No, the intake call is completely free and non-binding. You decide for yourself whether and how to proceed.
Do I receive updates during the investigation?
For longer engagements, we check in with you at agreed moments, so you're never caught off guard.
What exactly is in the final report?
A factual, objective account of the findings, including photo or video evidence where relevant, suitable for use with a lawyer, court or authority.
Technology & equipment
Is the use of hidden cameras and GPS beacons permitted?
Yes, provided it is proportionate, targeted at the investigative goal and within the Wpbr and GDPR framework. Our investigators determine per case which equipment is appropriate and lawful.
Do you also rent out equipment to other investigation bureaus?
Yes, we also make our camera vehicles available to fellow investigators who occasionally need unmarked surveillance technology. We handle the readout of the footage ourselves, and deliver it in clear reports.
Can a camera vehicle be deployed at short notice?
In many cases, yes. Because we manage all equipment ourselves, we're not dependent on an external supplier's schedule.
Private investigations
Is evidence from a private investigator valid in court?
A report prepared carefully and within the legal framework can serve as supporting evidence, for example in divorce proceedings. Its evidentiary weight depends on how the investigation was conducted; we always operate within the Wpbr and GDPR.
How long does an infidelity investigation take?
This varies: from a short surveillance session of a few hours to an investigation spanning several weeks. We give a realistic estimate during the intake call.
Will my partner find out they're being investigated?
Discretion is our top priority. Our investigators are trained to work unobtrusively so the investigation doesn't disrupt the situation.
What if nothing is found?
That is valuable information too. An objective report finding no evidence of infidelity can still bring peace of mind.
Is it legal to have my child followed by an investigator?
As a parent or legal guardian, you may commission such an investigation, provided it is proportionate and stays within privacy law. We always discuss this with you in advance.
Will my child find out an investigation took place?
We work as discreetly as possible. Whether and how you discuss the findings with your child is entirely up to you. We're happy to advise're happy to advise.
From what age does this investigation make sense?
This varies by situation. We assess together during the intake whether a behavioural investigation is appropriate.
Can the report be shared with youth services?
The report is factual and objective, and can be shared with relevant support services if appropriate.
Shouldn't I just go to the police?
In case of immediate danger, always contact the police first (112 / 0900-8844). Santos Recherchebureau often works alongside this: we help gather and structure evidence, which can strengthen a police report or court case.
Can you identify an anonymous stalker?
In many cases, within the legal framework, we can combine digital and physical traces to make a plausible identification. We discuss this openly during the intake.
Is stalking by an ex-partner also something you handle?
Yes, this is a common situation we support, often alongside legal advice.
How quickly can you start?
For urgent situations we try to respond as quickly as possible. Call us for an urgent intake.
Can this investigation really affect maintenance payments?
An objectively established living pattern can form relevant evidence in proceedings to modify maintenance. The final legal assessment rests with the court or your lawyer.
Can cohabitation actually be proven?
Cohabitation is usually demonstrated through a combination of surveillance, pattern recognition and supporting sources, never a single moment.
Do you work with lawyers?
Yes, we regularly provide well-substantiated reports to lawyers and offer clarification where needed.
How long does such an investigation typically take?
Often several weeks, since a reliable pattern takes time to become visible.
Do you hack phones or accounts?
No. We work exclusively with lawful methods using public sources and within GDPR; illegal hacking or wiretapping is never used and is a criminal offence.
Can I check my partner's phone myself?
This is legally nuanced; read our explainer on the ‘Is it legal?’ page or contact us for personal advice.
Can you investigate a fake profile or catfish account?
Yes, this is a common request. Within legal limits, we investigate who is behind an account.
Is digital evidence usable in court?
Carefully and lawfully collected digital evidence can, like other investigative material, serve as supporting evidence.
What should I do in case of an urgent disappearance?
If you have immediate concerns for someone's safety, always contact the police first. We mainly support longer-standing searches.
Can you trace an heir for a notary?
Yes, we regularly work with notaries and executors to trace unknown or unreachable heirs.
How likely is it that someone will be found?
This depends heavily on the available leads. We give an honest feasibility assessment during the intake.
Do you contact the person being searched for yourselves?
Only in consultation with you, and always in a discreet and respectful manner.
Business investigations
Can an employer use a private investigator for sick leave fraud?
Yes, provided there is a reasonable suspicion of fraud, the investigation is proportionate, and you've first involved the company doctor or UWV. GDPR requires a legitimate interest; we assess this with you beforehand.
What happens if fraud is proven?
A well-substantiated report can be grounds for withholding pay or, in serious cases, dismissal. The final employment-law assessment rests with your legal counsel.
Do I need to inform the works council?
This depends on your organisation and internal agreements; we advise aligning this with your legal or HR advisor beforehand.
Is this investigation GDPR-compliant?
Yes, provided it's carried out proportionately by a licensed bureau. We document the legitimate basis as part of the case file.
What exactly is housing fraud?
Housing fraud includes illegal subletting, address fraud, ghost occupancy and unauthorised room-by-room rental: in short, any situation where actual occupancy doesn't match the rental or registration agreement.
How is subletting proven?
By consistently documenting who actually resides in the property over an extended period, combined with supporting sources such as mail delivery and reports from neighbours.
Can this lead to termination of the tenancy?
An objectively substantiated case file can be used by the landlord or housing corporation in proceedings to terminate the tenancy; the final decision rests with the court.
Do you work with housing corporations?
Yes, we support private landlords and homeowners' associations as well as housing corporations with this type of investigation.
For lawyers
Do you work on referral from a lawyer?
Yes, regularly. A lawyer can be the client themselves, or refer a client to us for a direct assignment. Either way, we sharply define the investigative question up front.
Is the report usable as evidence in a procedure?
Our reports are factual, objective and lawfully obtained (Wpbr and GDPR), and are regularly submitted in court and out-of-court procedures. We're happy to provide an oral explanation if needed.
Does the investigation stay confidential towards the other party?
Yes. The investigation is carried out discreetly; together with you and, where applicable, the lawyer, we determine how and when findings are shared.
As a lawyer, can I schedule an intake call directly?
Yes, feel free to contact us directly, by phone, WhatsApp or the contact form, for yourself or on behalf of a client.
All questions by topic
FAQ: Housing & Rental Fraud
For landlords and housing corporations: subletting, address fraud and evidence-gathering.
All questionsAlimony & Child Support Fraud in the Netherlands: FAQ
Answers on warning signs, how evidence of alimony and child support fraud is gathered, and the legal consequences in the Netherlands.
All questionsFAQ: Infidelity Investigations
How does an infidelity investigation work, and what is and isn't allowed?
All questionsFAQ: Sick Leave Investigations
For employers: signs, approach and evidence-gathering for suspected sick leave fraud.
All questionsFAQ: Stalking Investigations
What counts as stalking, what can you do yourself, and how can an investigation help?
All questionsFAQ: Hiring a Private Investigator
The legality, cost and step-by-step process of hiring a private investigator.
All questionsFAQ: Minor Behaviour Investigations
When is a behavioural investigation into your child appropriate, and how do we safeguard the child's wellbeing?
All questionsFAQ: Digital & Social Media Investigations
What is and isn't allowed in digital investigations, and how do we handle privacy and GDPR?
All questionsFAQ: Missing Persons Investigations
How does a tracing investigation for a missing relative, old acquaintance or heir work?
All questionsFAQ: Corporate Fraud Investigations
Signs, approach and evidence-gathering when fraud is suspected within your organisation.
All questionsFAQ: Non-Compete & Non-Solicitation Investigations
How do you prove a former employee has breached a non-compete or non-solicitation clause?
All questionsFAQ: Mystery & Test Purchases
How does a mystery/test purchase work, and what can you objectively assess with it?
All questionsFAQ: Camera Vehicles & Mobile Cameras
What can our own camera vehicles and camera systems do for your investigation?
All questionsFAQ: Pre-Employment Screening
What can and can't you screen about a job applicant, and how does pre-employment screening work?
All questionsWant to know what we can do for you?
Get in touch, free and without obligation. We respond within 24 hours and think along with you, discreetly.
4.9/5 · 16 reviews on Google · Licensed investigation bureau · POB 7635
