Alba Investigations offers a rare glimpse into the diverse and discreet world of private investigation in the North-east.
A typical day might begin in the early hours of the morning under the cover of darkness with deploying a GPS tracker on a vehicle, or installing a covert camera concealed within a bush or a tree, followed by surveillance in Aberdeen’s city centre or remote rural locations.
Surveillance is carried out by a team of skilled operatives, most of whom come from police or military backgrounds, and who rotate throughout the duration of an operation to reduce exposure. Surveillance can be either static — observing a location from a covert hide constructed within the back of a vehicle adapted for surveillance — or mobile, where operatives follow a subject on foot, in vehicles, or even on public transport. Cases can involve anything from verifying absenteeism and insurance claims to investigating moonlighting or sensitive matrimonial matters.
Operatives remain in constant radio communication during surveillance, providing a running commentary as events unfold. In this industry, one must maintain absolute focus, as the margins for obtaining crucial evidence often come down to split seconds — a brief lapse in concentration could mean missing the decisive “money shot.”
A significant amount of work goes into planning surveillance operations in advance, including assessing routes a subject may take and identifying potential risks. Drones are often deployed to conduct pre-surveillance checks of rural locations that are unsuitable to enter by foot or vehicle, allowing for discreet reconnaissance before an operation begins.
Following an operation, investigators prepare a detailed, court-ready report supported by time and date-stamped imagery captured during surveillance.
Beyond surveillance, Alba specialises in locating debtors or reconnecting lost family members, and conducts comprehensive background checks for corporations as part of due diligence. These checks are enhanced through open-source intelligence (OSINT), where investigators analyse an individual’s online footprint, including data tied to email addresses and mobile phone numbers. Investigators also utilise non-public databases that compile information from multiple trusted sources, enabling thorough and accurate intelligence gathering.
In relation to business enquiries, Alba also carries out undercover operations, where evidence is captured with hidden cameras to support clients.
No two cases are ever the same, and Alba remains at the forefront of new technology and methodology to deliver accurate, reliable results. Crucially, all work is conducted in strict accordance with GDPR, and always carried out ethically and proportionately to the matter under investigation.
With national coverage — and the ability to operate further afield when required — Alba Investigations is trusted by clients across the UK.