DETIX conducts investigations for law firms and insolvency practitioners handling matters in Germany and other jurisdictions. From our German base in Dieburg near Frankfurt am Main, we plan and coordinate domestic and international investigations. Your firm works with a dedicated point of contact and receives clearly documented findings to inform its legal assessment.
Investigations for law firms: focused on your case
What facts are missing before you can take the next step? Who is connected to a particular transaction or company? Where are there verifiable indications of assets? We define the investigation around your specific questions, agreeing the starting information, jurisdictions, deadlines and documentation requirements before work begins.
International corporate investigations and due diligence
Where a counterparty provides inconsistent information, concerns arise within a business or ownership structures are unclear, we examine commercial relationships and business backgrounds. Our CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS and Corporate & Personal Background Checks can help cross-check companies, the individuals involved and documented business activities. Suspicions are distinguished from established facts.
For internal corporate concerns, we agree the investigative questions and reporting arrangements with appointed counsel and the responsible business functions. See our corporate investigations for businesses.
International asset research and asset tracing
To support decisions in debt recovery, insolvency and asset-related matters, we research indications of real estate, company interests and other identifiable assets. In Asset tracing we distinguish documented ownership from commercial connections and preliminary leads. An interest in an overseas company, for example, may justify further investigation; it does not by itself establish that assets are available or capable of enforcement.
Locating debtors, individuals and current addresses
When a party can no longer be reached at a known address, or a relevant individual cannot be contacted, we assess appropriate ways to establish identity and address details. Person and address investigations may take account of previous residences, alternative names and international connections. Outdated information is identified as such. A traced address does not replace formal service or the legal assessment of service requirements.
OSINT and digital background research
With OSINT research we analyse publicly accessible digital information relevant to the matter. In a cross-border dispute, published company information, online business activity and timelines may provide avenues for further enquiries. We cross-check identifying details and dates and record relevant findings. An online profile does not, by itself, establish its user’s identity or current whereabouts.
Cross-border probate and estate enquiries
In estate matters, we research missing relatives, potential heirs and indications of assets abroad. Previous addresses, family details and existing documents can provide starting points. Our role is to establish facts; determining legal entitlement to an estate and assessing the legal effect of documents remain matters for the relevant authorities and your firm.
Litigation support investigations and lawful evidence gathering
In cross-border disputes, we align research and, where appropriate, SURVEILLANCE with specific evidential questions. Before taking action, we review the requirements relevant to the assignment and the jurisdictions involved. Findings are documented with their provenance, timing and apparent limitations where needed to make them traceable. We do not give blanket assurances of admissibility; assessment in a particular case rests with legal counsel and the court.
One point of contact throughout the assignment
DETIX coordinates international investigations from its German business base. A dedicated contact handles objectives, priorities and queries. We structure the work, agree interim reporting and seek approval before extending the scope. Confidential information is handled for the purposes of the assignment; an appropriate transfer method is agreed before sensitive documents are sent.
Our reports distinguish confirmed findings from unverified leads and unanswered questions. Relevant supporting material is clearly linked to the findings, and research limitations are explained. Your firm can assess the basis for each statement and identify any further checks needed.
Questions from law firms
Can DETIX investigate in Germany for an overseas law firm?
Yes. We assist international firms with matters involving Germany and coordinate cross-border research. Before accepting instructions, we clarify the questions, authority to act, jurisdictions involved and reporting requirements. Feasibility and scope are assessed for each assignment.
What information is needed for an initial assessment?
Start with a brief account of the matter, your investigative objectives, the countries involved and any deadlines. Let us know what identifying information and documents are available. Please wait until an appropriate transfer method has been agreed before sending sensitive case documents.
Can you identify every asset worldwide?
We cannot promise an exhaustive worldwide asset search. Access to information, available records and the ability to substantiate ownership vary by country and asset type. We agree a proportionate research scope and explain both what has been established and what remains unresolved.
Are your findings automatically admissible in court?
No. We focus on lawful investigative methods and traceable documentation. Whether particular findings can be used in proceedings depends on the facts and the applicable procedural rules. Evidential questions and documentation requirements should therefore be discussed with your firm before work begins.
How are fees and additional work agreed?
Following an initial assessment, we provide a proposal setting out the scope, estimated costs and reporting format. Jurisdictions, research methods, operational requirements and deadlines inform the estimate. Additional measures or an extension to other countries are agreed with you in advance.
Discuss your matter in confidence
If your firm needs investigative support with an international remit, outline your questions, the countries involved and your timeframe. Peter Nalikowski is your personal point of contact at DETIX. For an initial enquiry, email post@detix.de or use the enquiry options for law firms on our Contact page. Arrangements for sensitive documents will be agreed separately.
DETIX Investigations · Zuckerstraße 5 · 64807 Dieburg · Germany. Meetings by appointment.