Digital Investigations & OSINT
The digital footprint a person or organization leaves behind contains critical intelligence — if you know where to look and how to interpret what you find. In today’s investigative landscape, digital investigation and open source intelligence are not supplemental tools. They are foundational to every serious case.
Tony Vain Investigations conducts professional digital investigations and open source intelligence research for law firms, insurance carriers, corporations, and private clients across California, Florida, and Texas. With over 25 years of investigative experience, we combine advanced digital research methodology with field investigative expertise to deliver verified, actionable intelligence that goes far beyond what a basic internet search can produce.
Every digital investigation is conducted legally, professionally, and in full compliance with applicable state and federal statutes. Our findings are documented for use in legal proceedings, corporate risk decisions, and private matters requiring verified intelligence.
Open Source Intelligence Research
Open source intelligence — OSINT — is the systematic collection and analysis of publicly available information from digital sources. When conducted by a trained investigator, OSINT produces a depth of intelligence that automated searches cannot replicate.
Our OSINT research covers:
- Subject identification and background verification
- Social media intelligence — active and deleted content analysis
- Online alias and username investigation across platforms
- Digital footprint mapping — accounts, forums, and public postings
- Email address investigation and account association
- Phone number intelligence — carrier identification and ownership history
- Corporate and business intelligence from public filings and digital sources
- Geolocation analysis from publicly posted media and metadata
Social Media Investigation
Social media platforms are among the most valuable sources of real-world intelligence available today. People document their activities, relationships, locations, and lifestyle choices across multiple platforms — often in ways that directly contradict what they have claimed in legal filings, insurance forms, or employment applications.
Our social media investigations identify and preserve relevant content across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and others. Social media evidence is time-sensitive — content is deleted, accounts are locked, and profiles disappear. Early engagement preserves evidence before it is lost.
Digital Investigation for Litigation Support
Attorneys in civil litigation, insurance defense, employment disputes, and family law rely on digital investigation to build stronger cases. Our litigation support services include:
- Pre-litigation subject research and background intelligence
- Social media evidence identification and preservation
- Online activity documentation for impeachment purposes
- Digital asset investigation for financial and divorce cases
- Witness identification and background through digital research
- Online reputation and defamation evidence collection
Corporate & Threat Intelligence
Corporations face digital threats ranging from disgruntled employees posting confidential information to coordinated harassment campaigns targeting executives or brand reputation. We identify threat actors, document damaging activity, and support legal and HR response strategies. We also conduct digital due diligence on prospective business partners, key hires, and acquisition targets — surfacing online activity, reputational risks, and digital behaviors that standard background checks do not capture.
Why Choose Tony Vain Investigations for Digital Investigations
- Licensed in Three States — California (Lic. #25607), Florida (Lic. #A1600185), Texas (Lic. #A07352001)
- 25+ Years of Experience — Digital investigation integrated with field investigative expertise
- Attorney & Carrier Clients — Reports formatted for immediate legal and claims use
- Legally Obtained Intelligence — All research conducted within applicable state and federal law
- Verified, Sourced Findings — No speculation, no unverified data presented as fact
- Professional Associations — CALI, TALI, FALI, and WAD member
Frequently Asked Questions — Digital Investigations
Is digital investigation and OSINT legal?
Yes. Open source intelligence research involves the collection and analysis of publicly available information from legal sources. Tony Vain Investigations conducts all digital research in full compliance with applicable federal and state law. We do not access private accounts, hack systems, or obtain information through unauthorized means.
Can social media evidence be used in court?
Yes. Properly documented social media evidence is regularly admitted in civil and criminal proceedings. The key is proper identification, preservation, and documentation of the evidence before it is deleted or altered. Our investigators document social media findings in a format designed for legal use and chain-of-custody integrity.
How quickly can you begin a digital investigation?
Most digital investigations can begin within 24 hours of case assignment. For time-sensitive matters involving social media evidence that may be deleted, we recommend contacting us immediately to preserve relevant content before it disappears.
What information do you need to start a digital investigation?
Useful starting points include full legal name, date of birth, last known address, phone number, email address, or known social media usernames. We work with whatever information you have and expand from there using investigative research techniques.
Do you investigate individuals or businesses?
Both. We conduct digital investigations on individuals for personal, legal, and insurance matters, and on businesses for corporate due diligence, threat assessment, and litigation support.
Are your digital investigation reports suitable for attorney use?
Yes. Our reports are professionally formatted with source citations, timestamps, and documented methodology — structured for use by attorneys in litigation, discovery, depositions, and court proceedings.
Contact Tony Vain Investigations
Contact us today for a confidential consultation on your digital investigation needs.
California Office
Phone: (650) 642-4273
License: #25607
Florida Office
Phone: (386) 320-6225
License: #A1600185
Texas Office
Phone: (512) 686-6984
License: #A07352001
Email: Tony@tonyvaininvestigations.com
Website: tonyvaininvestigations.com
Tony Vain Investigations LLC — Licensed Private Investigators serving California, Florida, and Texas. Members of CALI, TALI, FALI, and WAD. Over 25 years of investigative experience.