Investigations for Private Individuals: search for missing persons

The phenomenon of missing persons is as relevant and constant as ever, both in Europe and in Italy. According to the thirteenth half-yearly report presented to the Ministry of the Interior, more than 31,000 people are still missing in Italy since 1974. In the first six months of 2015, there was an increase of almost 8,000 cases, alongside an increase in the number of people found. This is an alarming and painful phenomenon, the true extent of which many people are unaware.

A missing person is defined as someone who has been missing for more than 24 hours and whose absence has been reported to the police. Every year, many people disappear suddenly, without leaving any trace or apparent explanation: children, teenagers, elderly people, men and women who vanish into thin air. Behind every disappearance, however, there is almost always a cause, trauma, grief, disappointment or a problem that has become unmanageable.

The reasons can be many: depression, family problems, financial difficulties, infidelity, debt, mental illness, child abduction or even kidnapping. Disappearances can be voluntary (decided freely by the individual) or involuntary or forced (imposed by violence).

Why hire a private investigator?

In the event of a disappearance, it is essential to avoid doing it yourself. Being emotionally involved, you risk contaminating evidence or losing valuable information. It is essential to report the incident to the authorities immediately and hire a specialised investigation agency to start the search right away.

Collaboration between private investigators and law enforcement agencies speeds up the search. Professional investigators have multidisciplinary skills (psychology, IT, forensic science, defensive investigations) and advanced technological tools, which allow them to narrow down the field of investigation and plan their search in a targeted manner.

How an investigator works in the search for people

The activity begins with the analysis of information provided by relatives and acquaintances: habits, acquaintances, emotional state, physical abilities, morality and financial resources of the missing person. The investigator analyses every behaviour, reconstructs the last movements, studies contacts, social networks, emotional and financial situation, until a complete profile of the wanted person is outlined.

During the investigation, aerial photographs, maps, drones, georeferenced tools and forensic geoscience techniques are used. The aim is to identify priority search areas and reconstruct the scenario of the disappearance. All this is done with investigative logic and method, without replacing human sensitivity with data analysis.

A complex and coordinated task

The search for missing persons requires meticulous investigation, tenacity and preparation. A mistake in the initial phase can compromise the entire process. Investigators work in teams, often coordinating with each other on international cases, comparing witness statements, bank data, social relationships and physical movements.

The Argo detective agency has extensive experience in searching for missing persons, both in Italy and abroad. Our highly qualified detectives offer rapid, confidential interventions supported by cutting-edge technology. At the end of the investigation, a written report is provided, complete with photographic evidence and useful documentation, which can be produced in court.

Operating methodology

Searches are based on careful territorial planning: the search area is divided into zones delimited by natural or artificial boundaries (roads, waterways, ridges, woods, etc.) and assigned to operational teams. The main techniques used are:

• Search by sensitive points and fast beaters
• Search in preferential areas
• Blanket or “comb” search
• Night search

At this stage, it is essential to avoid contaminating any evidence and to coordinate operations with the aid of advanced computer systems for mapping and geolocating teams. This approach increases the likelihood of success and allows data to be shared with the judicial authorities.