Hiring a Private Investigator in the UK

What You Need to Know

Hiring a private investigator can feel like a big step. Whether you’re dealing with a sensitive family issue, protecting your business from fraud, or needing clarity in a legal case, it’s important to know what’s legal, what to expect, and how to choose the right agency.

At Panthera Investigations, we believe in transparency and professionalism. This guide outlines everything you need to know before instructing an investigator in the UK.

Is Private Investigation Legal in the UK?

Yes — private investigation is entirely legal in the UK, provided all work is carried out within the law.

Our team operates under strict compliance with:

Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) – ensuring personal data is handled lawfully, securely, and confidentially.
Human Rights Act 1998 – respecting the right to private and family life.
Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 – ensuring evidence is gathered lawfully and remains admissible.

This means any evidence provided by Panthera is ethical, unbiased, and suitable for use in court.

What Can a Private Investigator Do?

Private investigators can provide a wide range of lawful services, including:

Surveillance – discreet monitoring to confirm behaviour or activities.
Tracing – locating missing beneficiaries, debtors, witnesses, or estranged family.
Fraud Investigations – uncovering false claims, exaggerated expenses, or financial deception.
Due Diligence – background checks on employees, suppliers, or business partners.
Child Custody Support – gathering evidence for family court hearings.
Process Serving – delivering legal documents with proof of service.

We will never engage in trespass, harassment, hacking, or unlawful surveillance.

Will the Subject Know They’re Being Investigated?

No. All investigations are conducted discreetly and confidentially. Our role is to observe and gather facts without alerting the subject or third parties unnecessarily.

Can the Evidence Be Used in Court?

Yes. All Panthera reports are:

Court-Ready – formatted for solicitors, HR teams, insurers, and family or civil courts.
Factual and Unbiased – findings are presented clearly, without speculation.
Supported by Evidence – time-stamped logs, financial records, photographs, or video (where lawful).

This ensures our work withstands legal scrutiny.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Investigator?

Costs depend on the service and complexity of the case. At Panthera Investigations, our fees are transparent and fixed, with no hidden charges.

Background checks from £150
Tracing from £195
Surveillance packages from £295
Corporate investigations from £395

See our Pricing Page for detailed breakdowns and case examples.

How Do I Know My Information is Safe?

We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a data controller, meaning your data is:

Lawfully and securely handled
Protected under GDPR
Treated with absolute confidentiality

Only the instructing client or their legal representative receives our reports.

How to Choose the Right Investigator

When choosing a private investigator, look for:

✔ ICO registration and GDPR compliance
✔ Professional indemnity and liability insurance
✔ Clear, transparent pricing
✔ Evidence that is court-admissible
✔ A discreet and professional approach

At Panthera, we meet all these standards — giving you confidence that your case is handled legally and responsibly.

Getting Started

If you’re considering hiring a private investigator, the first step is a confidential consultation. We’ll discuss your case, outline the options, and provide a clear cost estimate before any work begins.