OSINT
Open-Source Background Checks
Verify a person’s background
Before placing your trust in someone—whether in a personal or professional context—it’s reasonable to want to verify that their background matches what they claim. An open-source background check builds a factual profile based on publicly available information, helping to clear up any uncertainties before making a commitment.
The information provided by an individual is not always accurate, and a carefully curated online presence does not necessarily reflect reality. OSINT investigations cross-reference available information—background, activities, public history, and consistency of statements—to distinguish between what is confirmed and what is not.
The goal is never to pass judgment, but to ensure a sound decision: to confirm what is accurate, point out inconsistencies, and enable you to move forward with confidence based on verified facts rather than mere statements.
What’s Included in ”
” Our Audit
- Our work aims to provide a factual and verified overview:
- Verification of the consistency of the declared route;
- Analysis of online presence and reputation;
- Search for any public records;
- Identifying inconsistencies or areas of uncertainty;
- A dated and well-documented report that is clear and nuanced.
Each piece of information is cross-checked to distinguish established facts from mere clues. When the verification concerns a person’s behavior, it is incorporated into our digital background check.
How Does the Audit Take Place?
It all starts with a confidential, free, and no-obligation consultation to define the appropriate scope of the investigation and provide a clear quote. Our investigators then conduct open-source verification throughout France. Our digital investigations are led by Sarah Da Silva, who heads the Aquila Group’s OSINT division. You’ll receive a structured report that clearly distinguishes between confirmed facts and points that require further clarification.
A reliable image from open sources
Open sources contain a vast amount of information, but their value depends entirely on the rigor with which they are analyzed. A single piece of data may be outdated, incorrect, or misleading; only through methodical cross-checking can a reliable picture be formed. It is precisely this validation process that distinguishes a serious investigation from mere online research.
We therefore include only information that is confirmed by multiple corroborating sources, and we clearly indicate the degree of certainty for each piece of information. This methodological integrity is essential for a truly useful account.
Distinguishing facts from mere clues
A background check is only valuable if it clearly distinguishes between established facts and mere assumptions. We maintain this distinction throughout the report so that you never mistake a mere presumption for a certainty. This caution protects both your decision and the person involved.
When something remains uncertain, we point it out as such, rather than presenting it as a given. This is what allows us to base a decision on a solid foundation.
Legal Framework and Privacy
Background checks must serve a legitimate purpose and comply with personal data protection regulations. We rely exclusively on lawful sources and comply with the CNIL’s recommendations, refraining from any excessive or irrelevant data collection. This adherence to the legal framework ensures the legitimacy and reliability of the process.
We also advise you on what can and cannot be verified, so that your process remains flawless from start to finish.
Why Choose the Aquila Group?
The Aquila Group is a private detective agency licensed by the CNAPS. Your investigations are conducted by our own investigators, and we operate throughout France—with particularly high demand in the Paris region—thanks to our network of twenty offices across five regions.
Accuracy, discretion, and compliance with legal requirements are the hallmarks of our open-source investigations. To discuss your needs with us, contact our teams : the initial consultation is free and non-binding.
Before making a personal or professional commitment
Background checks serve a variety of purposes: to ensure the trustworthiness of someone with whom you are about to form a relationship, entrust property, or do business. In each of these situations, it’s better to clear up any doubts early on than to discover them after you’ve already committed, when it’s harder to back out.
This approach is by no means an excessive display of mistrust; it is simply a matter of common sense whenever a commitment involves real stakes. We always verify the legitimacy of the request to ensure that the verification process remains proportionate and respectful of the rights of the person concerned.
The scope can be tailored to your needs: a targeted review to confirm a specific point, or a more comprehensive one when the situation warrants it. You retain control over the scope of the research.
An actionable remedy
An audit is only worthwhile if it leads to a clear decision. We therefore present our findings in a format that allows for immediate action: what has been confirmed, what has not, and the points that require your attention. This provides you with a solid foundation for moving forward, negotiating, or walking away.
This clarity is essential: a confusing or ambiguous presentation would be useless. We prioritize precise language and rank the elements according to their importance to your decision.
no obligation
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is the creation of a factual profile of a person based on publicly available information that has been cross-checked and verified, for a legitimate purpose.
Yes, provided that the process serves a legitimate purpose, respects personal data, and is based on lawful sources. A firm accredited by the CNAPS operates within this framework.
Yes. It clearly distinguishes between confirmed facts and points that need further clarification, so you can make an informed decision.
The estimate is free and non-binding. The cost depends on the scope of the work; it will be clearly communicated to you before any work begins.
Yes, throughout France, since most of the work can be done using open-source tools.
Browse all of our OSINT investigation sections
Be sure to check out our section on TSCM detection – Electronic dust removal for detecting hidden microphones and cameras, as well as our insurance division.