OSINT
Relational Mapping Through OSINT Research
Understanding the Links
That Matter
Behind a person or a company often lies a network of relationships, companies, and intermediaries that is not immediately apparent. Understanding these connections is crucial in many situations: due diligence prior to a transaction, a fraud investigation, preparation for litigation, or evaluation of a partner whose true connections remain unclear.
Relational mapping involves methodically reconstructing these connections using open-source data: cross-shareholdings, shared executives, recurring intermediaries, and revealing proximities. The result is a clear representation of a web of relationships that would otherwise remain invisible.
This big-picture view informs decision-making: it reveals conflicts of interest, schemes, or simply the reality of an environment we thought we knew. It is a tool for both analysis and investigation.
What’s Included
: Our Services
- Our work aims to reconstruct and illustrate the relevant connections:
- Identification of individuals and entities associated with a target;
- Identification of common shareholdings and executives;
- Identifying intermediaries and recurring connections;
- A clear visual representation of all the connections;
- A dated and documented report that can be used to inform decision-making.
Each link is supported by sources and presented in a nuanced manner. This service is often integrated with our monitoring and analysis to track a network’s evolution over time.
How is the procedure performed?
It all starts with a confidential, free, and no-obligation consultation to assess the situation and provide a clear quote. Our investigators then map out the connections using open-source information from across France. Our digital investigations are led by Sarah Da Silva, who heads the Aquila Group’s OSINT division. You’ll receive a structured report and, when appropriate, a visual representation of the network.
Uncovering Hidden Connections
The value of mapping lies in its ability to bring to light what was previously scattered. A low-key involvement, a leader who appears in multiple organizations, a recurring intermediary: taken separately, these elements seem insignificant; when linked, they reveal an organization, a risk, or a conflict of interest. Our work consists precisely of making these connections.
We make a point of including only links supported by reliable sources, distinguishing between established relationships and mere coincidences. This rigor helps us avoid hasty conclusions that would undermine the credibility of the analysis.
A decision-making tool
Relational mapping is not an end in itself: it informs decision-making. Before making an investment, entering into a partnership, or taking legal action, it gives you a clear understanding of your counterpart’s actual environment—and thus the associated risks. This clarity allows you to negotiate, protect yourself, or walk away with full knowledge of the facts.
We present the findings in a format that your teams or consultants can use immediately, along with the sources that support each link.
Legal Framework and Privacy
The mapping is based exclusively on lawful sources and complies with personal data protection regulations, in accordance with the CNIL’s recommendations. We strictly prohibit any unlawful access or irrelevant data collection. This adherence to the legal framework ensures the legitimacy of the analysis.
It is this compliance that makes it possible to use mapping safely, including in a legal dispute.
Why Choose the Aquila Group?
The Aquila Group is a private detective agency accredited by the CNAPS. Our 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.
Analytical rigor, discretion, and compliance with legal requirements are the hallmarks of our relationship mapping services. To discuss your needs with us, please contact our teams : the initial consultation is free and non-binding.
Due Diligence, Fraud, Litigation
Relational mapping sheds light on many professional situations. Before an acquisition or partnership, it reveals the target’s actual environment. In a fraud investigation, it uncovers collusion and front organizations. In preparation for litigation, it helps clarify the balance of power and the interests at stake.
In each of these cases, it is the connections—often subtle, sometimes deliberately concealed—that hold the key information. Bringing them to light transforms an opaque situation into a clear one, on which decisions can be made.
This service is therefore intended for both companies and the consultants who support them, and fits naturally into a broader audit process.
The Readability of the Presentation
A map is only valuable if it is understandable. We place great importance on the clarity of the presentation: a clear visual representation of the connections, a hierarchy reflecting their importance, and the highlighting of critical points. An illegible diagram, even if exhaustive, would be useless.
Each link shown is also backed up by its sources, so that the map can be verified and, if necessary, defended. Clarity and rigor go hand in hand here.
Ultimately, relational mapping provides you with what is often missing before making an important decision: a clear picture of your counterpart’s actual environment. Connections, interests, structures, and relationships are no longer hidden, and you approach your operation, investigation, or legal dispute with a head start, based on substantiated facts rather than assumptions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is the process of reconstructing, based on open-source information, the connections between individuals and entities—such as shareholdings, common executives, and intermediaries—to inform a decision.
To uncover conflicts of interest, schemes, or hidden ties—whether prior to a transaction, during a fraud investigation, or in preparation for litigation.
Yes, provided that the analysis is based on lawful sources and respects personal data. A firm accredited by the CNAPS operates within this framework.
The estimate is free and non-binding. The cost depends on the scope of the network to be restored; 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.