Case Study: Online Background Investigation – Swansea, South Wales, and Argentina
Client Background
A concerned mother from Swansea, South Wales, approached Bond Rees to conduct a thorough online background investigation on her son’s new girlfriend. The son had recently begun dating a woman from Argentina who was now living in Cardiff, South Wales. While he was infatuated with his new partner, his mother had reservations about the relationship, as the girlfriend had been vague about her past. The client wanted to ensure her son was safe and that the girlfriend’s background was legitimate, particularly regarding any previous relationships or financial issues.
The Investigation
Initial Information Gathering
The investigation began by compiling all available information provided by the client about the girlfriend, including:
- Full name
- Known social media profiles
- Employment history
- Any details she had shared about her past in Argentina
Given the girlfriend’s international background, the investigation focused on both her time in Argentina and her current life in Cardiff.
Digital Footprint and Social Media Analysis
The first step in the investigation involved an extensive search of the girlfriend’s digital footprint. Our digital forensics team analysed her social media profiles, online activity, and interactions across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other lesser-known regional networks.
Several inconsistencies were identified in the information she had provided to the client’s son. For example:
- She claimed to have attended a prestigious university in Argentina, but our investigation revealed no records of her enrolment or affiliation with the institution.
- Her social media history indicated she had been in a serious relationship that ended only a few months before moving to Cardiff—a detail she had not disclosed to the client’s son.
Online Financial and Legal Record Check
Bond Rees conducted a search of public financial and legal records in both Argentina and the UK. The investigation uncovered that the girlfriend had previously been linked to a failed business in Argentina, which had resulted in substantial debt. While there were no criminal charges, her financial history raised concerns as it contradicted her claim of being financially stable.
Additionally, it was discovered that she had been involved in a legal dispute with a former business partner in Argentina. Although the case had been settled out of court, this was another key detail she had not disclosed to the client’s son.
Verification of Employment and References
As part of the investigation, Bond Rees also verified the girlfriend’s employment in Cardiff. While she claimed to work for a prominent local business, our checks revealed that she had only been employed there for a few weeks, rather than the several months she had stated. This raised further concerns about her honesty and intentions in the relationship.
Outcome
After gathering all relevant information, Bond Rees presented the client with a comprehensive report detailing the girlfriend’s background, including:
- Her previous relationship
- Financial issues in Argentina
- Misleading statements about her education and employment
Armed with this information, the client was able to have an open discussion with her son, ensuring that he was aware of the girlfriend’s past and could make an informed decision about the relationship.
Why Bond Rees?
This case showcased Bond Rees’s ability to conduct discreet yet thorough online background investigations, even when the subject’s history spans multiple countries. Our use of digital forensics, financial checks, and social media analysis ensures that clients have a clear and accurate picture of the people entering their lives. Whether for personal relationships or professional connections, Bond Rees provides clients with the truth, helping them protect their loved ones.
