- UK Freephone > 0800 073 3555
- International Callers > +44 208 287 7770
Disclaimer:
We do not independently contact clients unless a message is left with us first. You should contact us ONLY directly on the numbers displayed here above on site. We have set rates and do not recover or chase fees owed like a debt recovery agency.
Whether you suspect a partner of infidelity, need to trace a debtor or want to check a business partner before you sign, a professional private investigator gets you facts you can act on.
Our team works within UK law (including the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997), so the evidence we gather can support legal proceedings.
You’ll speak to an experienced investigator from your first call, get a fixed quote before any work starts, and receive a written report with evidence at the end. We offer face-to-face consultations at our Kingston upon Thames office and secure video or phone consultations anywhere.
Based in Greater London, our experienced private investigators support clients across the UK and internationally, offering both face-to-face consultations and secure online communication
With more than 30 years of experience handling sensitive investigations, we have built a reputation for delivering discreet, confidential, and results-driven investigative services for private individuals, businesses, legal professionals, and high-net-worth clients.
As members of recognised industry bodies and specialists trusted across more than 122 countries, we combine traditional investigative expertise with modern intelligence and technical capabilities to help clients uncover the truth and protect what matters most.
Whether you need tracking, cyber protection, or business security, our team is here to help. Get in touch with our private investigators today.
12,500+
Cases Closed
£32m
Assets Revealed in 2023
122
Countries Covered
30+
Years of Experience
We’ve designed our website to guide you to our four core areas of service: private clients, business clients, legal clients, and technical services, where you can explore everything we offer.
Our private investigators work across the UK from our Greater London office, with investigators and partner agents in every region and overseas. Whether you need a private investigator in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Newcastle, Belfast or Wales, we’re here to help.
From local enquiries to international investigations, our experienced agency provides a full range of services, including tracking and tracing, process serving, covert surveillance, and technical investigations. Whether you need evidence for a legal matter or help locating an individual, we have the expertise to support you.
The cost depends on the service, complexity and urgency of your case. At Global Investigations, standard UK people tracing starts from £150 + VAT, while basic background checks start from £175 + VAT. Surveillance is charged per agent, per hour, with minimum hours applying. We agree fees before work begins. Read our guide to private investigator costs in the UK.
Yes, hiring a private investigator is legal in the UK, provided the investigation has a lawful purpose and uses lawful methods. Investigators cannot hack phones or emails, obtain confidential records unlawfully, trespass or harass anyone. At Global Investigations, we assess each instruction and work within applicable privacy, data protection and harassment laws, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
A private investigator gathers information and evidence to help resolve personal, business or legal matters. At Global Investigations, our services include covert surveillance, tracing missing people and debtors, background checks, due diligence, matrimonial investigations, process serving, asset tracing and bug sweeping. We assess your circumstances, recommend suitable enquiries and present our findings in a clear report.
In the UK, “private investigator” and “private detective” generally mean the same thing. Both describe professionals who gather information and evidence for private individuals, businesses and legal clients. “Private detective agency” and “private investigation agency” are also interchangeable terms. Global Investigations provides these services across the UK and internationally, coordinating each case around the client’s requirements.
There is currently no compulsory SIA licence specifically for private investigation work in the UK. However, investigators must still comply with the law. Professional credentials are therefore important when choosing an agency. Global Investigations is listed with the Association of British Investigators, and Jack Roberts holds memberships of the Institute of Professional Investigators and the World Association of Detectives.
Our covert investigations are planned and conducted discreetly to minimise the risk of the person becoming aware. However, no investigator can guarantee that surveillance will remain undetected. The approach depends on the service: process serving, for example, involves direct contact. We discuss the proposed methods with you before work begins and handle your enquiry and findings confidentially, subject to legal obligations.
Timescales depend on the service, available information and complexity of the case. Standard people traces generally take around 10–20 working days, with express options of 24–48 hours and super traces of 6–8 working hours available for suitable cases. Surveillance reports are usually provided within 48 hours of the operation, while detailed intelligence reports typically take 10–20 working days. We confirm the expected timeframe when discussing your case.
Yes, evidence gathered by private investigators can be used in court, subject to the rules applying to the proceedings. Global Investigations provides documented findings, which may include reports, photographs, video footage and supporting witness statements where required. We can work with your solicitor to understand the evidence needed. The court ultimately decides whether evidence is admissible and how much weight it carries.
Get expert advice and support from experienced investigators with complete confidentiality.
