At iSanctuary, one of our main focuses is asset tracing, but every so often we’re called upon to locate individuals—usually in support of legal proceedings for our clients. One such case led us on a digital paper trail to track down a fraudster who had been wreaking havoc on multiple UK businesses, forcing them into costly legal battles through malicious civil claims.

Following the digital footprint to Australia

To locate this individual, we deployed a range of investigative techniques. We examined his network of family and associates, his corporate history, and—most importantly — his online footprint. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) proved invaluable in this case, as we uncovered a key data source: a well-known fitness app linked to one of his known email addresses. After having acquired a mobile number associated with our Person of Interest (POI), we were able identify various telegram accounts which indicated he might have fled to Australia – but we needed proof.

A relaxing getaway

Further analysis of the fitness app revealed that our POI had been frequenting a country park in Australia on a mountain biking trip. The real breakthrough came when we found publicly available photos of the trip, posted by other members of his travel group on social media. With a confirmed location, we swiftly deployed in-country operatives to verify his identity and presence. This intelligence enabled our clients to take decisive legal action, stopping the fraudster in his tracks and mitigating further financial and reputational damage.

The Changing Landscape of OSINT

Traditional approaches to OSINT investigations are quickly becoming obsolete in an increasingly data driven world. Social media platforms have adopted numerous privacy and encryption measures to satisfy a user base that increasingly anxious about anonymity and digital footprints. That’s why at iSanctuary we invest in skilled, innovative analysts who excel at finding alternative sources of open data. By simultaneously leveraging large datasets with newer unconventional OSINT techniques, we continue to distinguish ourselves in the world of anti-fraud — ensuring that our clients always stay one step ahead.