Reliable service provided by experienced international investigators Debtor Tracing

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Research Associates was established in 1977 as a private intelligence agency specialising in locating missing persons, including debtors. Over the last five decades, Research Associates has developed a highly efficient, dependable and cost-effective approach to tracing debtors.

  • Tracing and locating absconding debtors since 1977
  • Highly experienced and professional investigators and researchers
  • A full backup intelligence service of dedicated experts
  • A legal and compliant asset searching service
  • Clear debtor solutions for our clients
  • Investigation utilising state of the art and traditional techniques
  • Fully comprehensive worldwide and local coverage
  • County Court expertise
  • Dedicated project manager
  • Structured evidence reports

Finding Absconding Debtors

Research Associates has been accurately locating the confirmed whereabouts of debtors throughout the UK and worldwide over four decades. Renowned for their expertise, Research Associates’ clients include some of the world’s largest and most well-known financial institutions, including banks, building societies and mortgage lenders, and government departments. We also provide the same specialist service to business and corporate clients and to private individuals.

Professional Debtors

Some debtors purposely disappear with the specific intention of avoiding payment, concealing their whereabouts with false or altered names, not registering for services associated with their residential address, or changing their registered name (privately by deed poll). Research Associates systematically and effectively traces these people, even in difficult circumstances where the individuals are skilled at hiding.

Asset Location Investigations

Where a debtor is either involved in ongoing court procedures or a crime, Research Associates is able to instigate legally compliant cutting-edge techniques to locate both tangible and liquid assets in the UK and worldwide.

Note: For legal reasons, it is beneficial to inform us in the initial instruction that the case involves locating a debtor, as legally this allows us to access otherwise prohibited databases. This makes the case more straightforward and, therefore, more cost-effective.

Schedule a Consultation

Every investigation is necessarily unique and customised because of the delicate nature of our work. We encourage prospective clients to call us to outline, in strict confidence, the circumstances of the case. This will allow our highly experienced team to create a detailed plan of action, clearly budgeted, with a turnaround time, for the client’s consideration.

Call Now to Talk Through your Situation

Whether you require discreet surveillance, background checks, blackmail investigations, or corporate intelligence, our experienced investigators are here to assist.

020 7243 1000
How It Works

Our Investigation Process

Research Associates provides a confidential consultation and a bespoke investigation strategy, with prompt, detailed reporting.

01

Contact Us

Research Associates offers a free, no-obligation, and confidential initial consultation. Contact us to schedule a meeting or a telephone conversation to discuss your circumstances and objectives.

02

Set the Plan

Research Associates will propose a bespoke strategy, with transparent pricing, for your requirements. Once the tactics and budget have been agreed, we will proceed with the investigation.

03

Get the Information

Our expert private investigators will carry out a discreet, thorough, and professional investigation, and a detailed report will be produced, ensuring a clear understanding of the findings.

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London Private Detectives

Accredited Private Investigators

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.

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.

Association of British Investigators Investigators Institute of Professional W.A.D The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

Private investigators use various methods, including database searches, public records, and extensive networks, to trace debtors. They gather information about the debtor’s current location, contact details, and financial status.

Call Now to Talk Through your Situation

Whether you require discreet surveillance, background checks, blackmail investigations, or corporate intelligence, our experienced investigators are here to assist.

020 7243 1000

The time required for debtor tracing can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the information available. It may take days to weeks to locate a debtor. Once a debtor is located, you can take appropriate actions, such as debt recovery or legal proceedings, to resolve the outstanding debt.

Call Now to Talk Through your Situation

Whether you require discreet surveillance, background checks, blackmail investigations, or corporate intelligence, our experienced investigators are here to assist.

020 7243 1000

Since 1977, we’ve been known for our outstanding quality of service, which includes professional and experienced investigators, access to legal intelligence, state-of-the-art techniques, comprehensive coverage, fast response, and excellent standards of practice.

Call Now to Talk Through your Situation

Whether you require discreet surveillance, background checks, blackmail investigations, or corporate intelligence, our experienced investigators are here to assist.

020 7243 1000

No, the initial consultation at Research Associates is offered at no cost to you. It’s an opportunity for us to understand your needs and for you to learn more about our services. There are no obligations or fees associated with this consultation.

Call Now to Talk Through your Situation

Whether you require discreet surveillance, background checks, blackmail investigations, or corporate intelligence, our experienced investigators are here to assist.

020 7243 1000

Absolutely, you can trust that your case will remain confidential when you hire our agency. We consider confidentiality a top priority and take several measures to ensure it. Our private investigators are trained to handle cases discreetly, and we offer consultations protected by Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). These legally binding agreements guarantee that any information shared during the consultation and throughout the investigation will remain strictly confidential. You can have full confidence that your privacy is protected when working with us.

Call Now to Talk Through your Situation

Whether you require discreet surveillance, background checks, blackmail investigations, or corporate intelligence, our experienced investigators are here to assist.

020 7243 1000

It is perfectly 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.  Research Associates is a highly reputable private investigator agency, assuring strict adherence to all legal requirements.

Call Now to Talk Through your Situation

Whether you require discreet surveillance, background checks, blackmail investigations, or corporate intelligence, our experienced investigators are here to assist.

020 7243 1000

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.

Call Now to Talk Through your Situation

Whether you require discreet surveillance, background checks, blackmail investigations, or corporate intelligence, our experienced investigators are here to assist.

020 7243 1000

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    Research Associates

    It is important to discuss the nature of your situation and agree, strategy, timeframe and cost before moving forward. If you are unable to call now on 020 7243 1000, use our contact form.

    Meet the Team

    Leadership Team

    Paul Hawkes

    Director (MD) / Principal Investigator

    Harry Gottlieb

    Director / Senior Investigator