Investigative Journalism
Investigative Journalism Services
Investigation Network has partnerships with investigative journalists across the US, UK, Spain, Ireland, and other locations. For those unfamiliar, investigative journalism is a type of inquiry in which reporters with the appropriate background investigate subjects of public interest. These often include crime, political corruption, sex scandals, and unsavory offenses like threats of violence or crimes involving animals, such as dog fighting, badger baiting, or other acts of cruelty.
Our investigative journalists undertake assignments to uncover facts about an issue and provide their findings to various media outlets. Sometimes, they act on a freelance basis, discovering something during the course of an investigation and pursuing it on their own. In other cases, they are instructed by clients to investigate specific matters. These inquiries, often referred to as investigative journalism, differ greatly from the work done by police, tax authorities, customs, lawyers, auditors, or regulatory bodies. The key distinction is that investigative journalism isn't restricted by legal parameters or focused on formal legal outcomes; rather, its primary goal is to uncover wrongdoing for public exposure. A police inquiry often follows, but that is a byproduct of the investigation.
Some investigative journalists spend months or even years researching and preparing reports, particularly for complex cases. Unlike daily news reporters, who focus on immediate stories, investigative reporters often possess skills similar to those of private investigators. Interestingly, many of the freelancers we work with started their careers as reporters and have honed their ability to dig deep and uncover hidden information.
Investigative journalism is routinely carried out by newspapers, TV companies, media organizations, and freelance journalists. The investigators who work with us in this field are full-time private investigators with a keen interest in investigative journalism. While a private investigator typically prepares reports for a client or the courts, an investigative journalist's work often results in an exposé that brings illegal or immoral activities into the public eye.
The Investigation Process
Like any investigation, these specialized inquiries often require numerous interviews and travel. In many instances, journalists use skills acquired in their earlier careers, such as overt and covert surveillance techniques, surveillance devices, tracking equipment, and cameras or night vision systems. Other crucial skills include analyzing documents and preserving evidence, as the findings from media investigations are often passed to the police at a later date.
Investigative journalism demands great determination, as those involved in wrongdoing often try to throw the journalist off track. However, a good investigative journalist is relentless, like a dog with a bone—never letting go. They need an analytical, instinctive, and incisive mind to navigate false leads and misleading information, always trusting their instincts to pursue the right direction.
Common Techniques Used by Investigative Journalists:
- Checking voter registrations
- Searching phone records
- Phoning under a pretext
- Conducting internet-based investigations (our area of specialty)
- Talking to local shops, pubs, restaurants, shopkeepers, and neighbors
- Subscribing to research sources in the area of inquiry
- Speaking to interested parties, victims, and whistleblowers (a valuable technique, as someone upset by the person or organization being investigated is often willing to help)
- Becoming personally acquainted with the subject of the inquiry, which can be easier if the individual is extroverted but more challenging if they are reclusive or antisocial.
Consequences of Successful Investigative Journalism:
Subjects of successful investigative journalism can face a range of potential consequences, including:
- Financial penalties
- Criminal indictment and conviction
- Termination of accreditation to professional bodies
- Disbarment for lawyers or accountants
- Ruinous damage to personal and professional reputations
- Termination of employment (as employers often shy away from those involved in adverse publicity or multiple inquiries)
- Collateral consequences for friends and family members
For example, in one investigation into money laundering, corruption, and bribes within a freight company, the managing director's son—a car dealer—was implicated for laundering the proceeds. This led to his arrest on drug charges, as he was also involved in illicit substances. The investigation ultimately revealed that the entire family, including the daughter and wife, was involved, leading to a massive police inquiry and confiscation proceedings.
Current and Recent Investigations:
- Property Fraud (Spain)
- Mortgage Fraud involving corrupt professionals (UK)
- Trademark Infringement and Counterfeit Goods (Germany)
- People Smuggling (France/UK)
If you have details of a potential scandal, let us know. We can assess your options and advise you on the best course of action. To secure the services of one of our agents, please email or call our office, and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements in detail.