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Research Associates has been effectively resolving cases of blackmail and extortion since 1977. Our initial priorities are to ensure a safe and trustworthy environment, which typically involves a reassurance of high-level confidentiality. We work closely with you and your matter to find strategies that provide an agreeable plans which ensure that your required outcomes are addressed.
High levels of support, sensitivity and discretion are maintained at all time, whatever the presenting situation. We provide a highly professional service unique to individual needs and work with you to devise a plan of action that suits your specific aims. With m ore than four decades of experience, we have contained and resolved a wide variety of blackmail and extortion matters – there is little we have not seen before. Although blackmail relies on isolating the victim in order to make them feel powerless, the best method of containing blackmail is to involve Research Associates – so call and ask for Paul Hawkes, a veteran investigator and specialist in blackmail/extortion, for an initial free no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.
Throughout our investigation, you will remain in control; our service is entirely bespoke to your needs. We will closely consult with you at every stage of our work to keep you apprised of our progress and involve you in decision-making. With our decades of expertise, we are well equipped to provide you with first-class professional advice, allowing you to make fully informed decisions on the direction of your investigation. You can trust us to treat your case with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity, without judgement. Our partnership includes a formal concrete assurance to protect and secure all proprietary information, binding us legally to uphold the highest standard of privacy and confidentiality as well as safeguarding sensitive information.
Once we have discussed your case and have a complete understanding, we work rigorously within the law to bring a positive end to your situation, using a grounded approach and thoroughly documenting all actions, allowing us to build up a robust case report. We ensure that all details and private information remain entirely confidential. Due to our unique expertise and resources, we have a remarkable track record; where clients have followed our advice and a mutually agreed plan of action, we have never failed to contain a blackmailer. Depending on your needs, we work with you to help resolve the circumstance privately, without the involvement of authorities, or bring the case to court.
At Research Associates, we specialise in protecting the reputations of executives and high-net-worth individuals, particularly in high-stakes situations involving blackmail and extortion. These cases require a sophisticated approach, combining discretion with expert investigative techniques to neutralise threats before they escalate.
When dealing with blackmail and extortion, the stakes are incredibly high. The potential damage to one’s personal life and professional standing can be devastating. Our private investigators are highly skilled in managing such delicate situations. As extortion/blackmail specialists, our approach is always centred on protecting your reputation and ensuring that the situation is handled quietly and effectively.
With decades of experience in handling some of the most sensitive and high-stakes cases, our team, led by Paul Hawkes, who is widely recognised as a formidable expert in extortion and blackmail, is equipped to manage these challenges both in the UK and internationally. Paul’s reputation is built on years of successfully navigating the complexities of such cases, ensuring that our clients’ reputations are preserved and their interests safeguarded.
Our approach is centred on discretion and effectiveness. We recognise that any leak of information can exacerbate the situation, which is why we operate with the utmost confidentiality. Our decades of experience have allowed us to refine our strategies, ensuring that every action we take is in the best interest of our clients, minimising risk and exposure.
If you find yourself in a position where your reputation is threatened, whether by blackmail, extortion, or any other means, contact Research Associates. With our expertise and the guidance of specialists like Paul Hawkes, you can be confident that your case will be handled with the discretion and effectiveness that such sensitive matters require. We are here to protect what matters most to you, ensuring that your reputation remains intact and your interests are safeguarded.
Because of the delicate nature of blackmail/extortion, we suggest you call 020 7243 1000 and ask for Paul Hawkes, our principal investigator and veteran blackmail specialist with more than four decades of personal experience, for a free and confidential no-obligation consultation. This will give us a comprehensive understanding of your circumstance, which will allow us to provide you with a clear picture of how we will assist you. This will also let us initiate a bespoke plan of action according to your personal needs, including a quote, allowing you to consider whether you wish to instruct.
We offer a confidential consultation, tailored investigation strategy, and rapid, detailed reporting.
Get in touch for a FREE, no-obligation, private consultation. Discuss your circumstances, the obstacles you encounter, and the objectives you aim to fulfill through your investigation.
We will propose a tailor-made approach and specific tactics for your situation, utilising our extensive array of services. Transparent pricing will be provided, and your plan will be agreed upon before we proceed with the investigation.
Our expert private investigators will carry out a discreet, comprehensive, and professional investigation, providing a detailed report within 24 hours of completion, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the findings.
If you’re facing blackmail and need quick advice on how to protect your carefully built reputation, the key is not to panic. Start by securing any evidence and reaching out for professional help, such as our team of private detectives. Our blackmail specialist, Paul Hawkes, has a proven track record of successfully containing blackmailers. For a more detailed guide on how to handle blackmail, you can read our in-depth blog here.
The terms extortion and blackmail are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct legal definitions. While both involve threats, the nature of those threats differs significantly. Both crimes can cause severe reputational damage and are considered serious offenses.
At Research Associates, we handle high-profile cases involving both extortion and blackmail with the utmost discretion. We understand the gravity of these situations and work diligently to protect your reputation and loved ones from further harm.
For a more in-depth comparison between these two crimes and to understand their potential impact on you, [read our blog here].
A private investigator can be invaluable in handling blackmail or extortion cases by using specialised techniques to gather evidence, identify the perpetrator, and protect your privacy. A blackmail investigator is skilled in gathering irrefutable evidence such as digital footprints, text messages, and other digital forensics to identify the perpetrator and build a strong case.
At Research Associates, our blackmail investigators specialise in discreetly gathering irrefutable evidence to support victims in these delicate situations. By addressing your concerns with care, we help protect your reputation and ensure that the best course of action is taken to resolve the blackmail situation effectively.
It is generally advisable not to respond to the blackmailer’s demands. Engaging with them can potentially escalate the situation. Instead, consider seeking professional help and guidance from law enforcement or a private investigator.
If you believe you’re a victim of extortion, it’s crucial to act swiftly and carefully. Start by protecting yourself and any potentially damaging information that could be used against you. Avoid making any payments or responding to the demands directly. Instead, focus on gathering all available evidence of the crime and reporting the incident to the police.
For high-profile individuals or businesses, maintaining confidentiality is vital to prevent reputational damage. In such cases, it’s important to contact reliable and expert private detectives. At Research Associates, we specialise in handling these sensitive situations with the utmost discretion, ensuring your reputation remains intact while we work diligently to resolve the matter.
The answer is yes, it is legal to hire a private investigator in the United Kingdom. Private investigators operate within the boundaries of UK law and are subject to regulations and licensing requirements. When you hire a reputable private investigator agency like Research Associates, you can trust that your investigation will be conducted in compliance with all legal and ethical standards.
A private investigator in the UK can legally perform various tasks such as conducting surveillance, gathering evidence, performing background checks and more. However, they must operate within the boundaries of the law, which means they cannot do things like hack into private communications, trespass on private property, or make arrests. For a more detailed exploration of what private investigators can and cannot do in the UK, read our blog here.
Research Associates is proud to be associated with prestigious organisations in the field of investigation and forensic sciences. As a distinguished member of the UK’s Association of British Investigators, we uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical practices.
Furthermore, our affiliation with The Institute of Professional Investigators and the World Association of Detectives Inc. underscores our commitment to global excellence in the investigative industry.
We also take pride in our membership with the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, which demonstrates our dedication to advancing forensic science and maintaining the highest level of expertise in our field.
Confidentiality is key to our work; therefore, we treat all investigations with utmost discretion and privacy throughout, assuring loyalty and professionalism at all times.
We offer a comprehensive range of services, from locating people and dealing with personal relationship investigation, to fraud recovery and resolving blackmail.
Over the years, we have worked to provide solicitors, barristers and other advisors with hard evidence in the civil and criminal courts of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and overseas, including the USA and other jurisdictions.
Our business spans the globe, from your doorstep to wherever investigation takes us. Research Associates boasts a formidable network of multinational and multi-disciplined experts, resulting in a complete global and local capability. Research Associates is one of the world’s most elite private detective agencies, first established in 1977.
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Director (MD) / Principal Investigator
Director / Senior Investigator
Director / Senior Investigator
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