Welcome to Black Widow Investigations

Black Widow Investigations is known for “going that extra mile” using specialists who are social engineers and experts within the investigative area.  We provide skilled analysis and evaluation of our client’s needs. We maintain an unchallenged track record of investigative excellence, providing a wide range of services to the legal profession, private clients and government agencies.

We specialize in Criminal Defence Investigations and our services include:

All types of Investigations Undercover Operations Surveillance Security Consultancy Debugging Missing Persons

Process Serving Probity Checks Wills and Probate Database Searches Paralegal Services

 

Disclaimer
All representations in this website are a guide only and will be superseded by documentation in any particular case.  All deals, contracts and arrangements arising out of this website are entered into in the State of Victoria, governed by the Law of the State of Victoria and subject to Victorian jurisdiction.

Process Service

We serve all over Victoria and Australian wide.  We have worldwide connections plus a network of country and interstate agents to ensure a fast, inexpensive service which adheres to appropriate Court Rules and individual state legislation.

We issue and file at all court jurisdictions and tribunals where we can personally collect documents from your office or you can take advantage of our “state of the art” computer system and forward your documents via the Internet to ensure an expeditious service.

With our reputation of reliability and “going that extra mile” we succeed where many other process servers don’t as we only use experienced process servers who are of a very high standard to ensure prompt and professional service. Immaculate and accurate sworn affidavits that meet the requirements of all respective Courts are returned immediately to your office upon service of the documents.

We also provide legal research and other paralegal services.

Field Calls & Location Inquiries

These are conducted if we are experiencing difficulty in service.  If service is unsuccessful after two attempts of service, to avoid excessive cost we contact our clients to work out other options instead of making many, sometimes unnecessary attempts. We like to get the job done as quickly as possible and can effect service on the same day if necessary, within reason to meet all your needs. The Information Privacy Act 2000 is also taken into consideration in relation to the strict confidentiality of all our work as we are fully aware of the importance of security and discretion at all times to our many clients.

Costing

We charge the standard Court rates which are determined by each Court and we do our best to keep all the costs down so we communicate regularly with our clients who can often facilitate the service by supplying us with information which can interminable lengths of time.

Surveillance

• We only use very experienced male and female surveillance operators who are always equipped with latest “state of the art” video cameras and technology. 
• They provide top quality video evidence, identification photographs and reports/briefs of evidence as necessary. 
• These factual reports are not only accurate but concise as they contain a précis of video evidence and a copy of the investigators notes taken at the time.

GPS Tracking

They never need to know you are there...

We can open the door of unknown activity and accurately determine where a vehicle has traveled, how fast they drove, where they stopped and for how long. The recorded data and satellite images can then be viewed on a street map or in a text report.

Have you ever wondered where your employees are REALLY taking the company car or what your partner is really up to?

This could be the answer rather than to risk creating unnecessary suspicion with normal surveillance which can prove to be very costly with often unsatisfactory results.

 

Pre-Employment Probity Checks

Many companies employ persons without really checking their credentials or prior employment history but hiring the wrong employee would not only be very expensive but time consuming if they have to be later replaced. 

Black Widow Investigations can offer you pre-employment screening involving thorough background probity checks where both the new employees past employment and personal history are investigated.  We also conduct criminal history checks following authorization from the employee concerned and verify given qualifications/references.  

Theft In The Workplace

Black Widow Investigations can conduct corporate investigations and surveillance to provide irrefutable and compelling video evidence if you have a problem with theft problem or are losing confidential information from your company.  Perhaps an employee is providing information to the opposition.  This evidence is water tight and can lead to dismissal or prosecution.  As Security Consultants we interview staff, conduct a Security Risk Assessment and appraisal of security procedures.

We can put you in touch with a reputable security company who can cater to all your CCTV camera system needs both covert and overt.  Once this equipment has been installed they then provide you with a full 24 hour technical support and back up service.

Trademark, Patent & Copyright Infringements

Black Widow Investigations' services include:

• Conducting discreet inquiries and purchases at markets, retailers and manufacturers
• Obtaining video evidence if required
• Any other investigations or inquiries as required
• Service of any necessary documents

 

Electronic Counter Surveillance (Debugging)

Black Widow Investigations offers Information Security Consulting as an adjunct service for your home, warehouse or office so if you believe “someone may be listening” please be sure to contact us away from your usual location.
To provide peace of mind we provide and technical counter surveys to determine the source of internal theft and unauthorized disclosure of company information or technology.  Quite often it could be due to poor security company procedures such as leaked confidential information by employees or disposal of important documents in dumpsters instead of shredders.  Electronic counter surveillance ‘Sweeps’ detect and locate active eavesdropping devices both in domestic and commercial situations.

Property & Real Estate

Whether you are a property vendor or a purchaser it can be a case of ‘Caveat Emptor’ (buyer beware) so Due Diligence and a thorough investigation of the property concerned and the surrounding area can bring you peace of mind and alert you to any inherent risks involving the property you are considering purchasing.Black Widow Investigations can conduct a thorough investigation into the history of the property and neighbourhood such as:

• Whether property was used for criminal matters such as homicide, drugs or other criminal activity.
• Neighbours ‘from hell’ as the Courts are full of cases involving vindictive, destructive or abusive neighbours.
• Neighbours with constantly barking dogs, loud music or loud machinery.
• The neighbours or neighbourhood may be of diverse or conflicting background or cultures.
• The neighbourhood may be known for its high rate of burglaries and violence so would not be a safe environment for children to grow up in.
• Property may have a white ant/termite problem or was built on a rubbish dump.

The Section 32 Vendor’s Statement

The Section 32 Vendor’s Statement must be provided by the vendor of the property to an intending purchaser. It is prepared by a lawyer and requires the vendor to disclose certain information to a purchaser BEFORE a contract of sale is signed. Both the lawyer and the real estate agent can only go by the detailed information given by the vendor so often they withhold information or tarnish the truth. If the vendor fails to provide information required in Section 32 of the Sale of Land Act the purchaser can cancel the contract or take legal action. Some of the information in this form includes:

Information on building permits issued in the past 7 years plus services connected to property. If vendor was the owner/builder there should be a written inspection report listing any defects in the Vendor’s Statement. Information of any mortgages, covenants, easements or other restrictions on title. Planning Information especially where zoning can restrict land use. Disclosure of any notices or orders issued by authorities regarding fencing, road widening or sewerage. Information on road access if there is no access to the property by road.

Custody of Children

Custody of Children can be an issue so evidence can be obtained to convince the Court that:

• Your children are not being suitably cared for.
• Your former spouse is not providing them with adequate supervision and could be leaving them unattended.
• The safety of the children could be an issue if violence, drugs or alcohol are involved.

The safety and welfare of the children under the care of the non custodial or custodial parent can be a huge concern so evidence as to their well being and residential surroundings would be vital in these situations.

Property Settlements & Child Maintenance

Property settlements and child maintenance often require investigations to prove:

• Whether one of the matrimonial/defacto partners has any hidden assets.
• One of the partners has failed to disclose their true income. 
• Whether Court Orders have been breached.

Child Support Agencies

Black Widow Investigations can provide admissible evidence of:

• Employment and income to convince the Court that their spouse is in fact employed.
• Not declaring an income.
• Withholding payments as ordered.

Wills & Probate

Often wills are suspected of being fraudulent or signed under duress, especially after a sudden alteration.  The motive is frequently utmost greed and hatred as money can bring out the worst in people.  Beneficiaries after a lot more money or long lost relatives suddenly appear out of no-where for their share.  Anyone left out of a will can apply to the Supreme Court as it’s the testator/testatrix duty of care to adequately provide for any dependants such as their spouse or children.

Investigations into problems with wills are often required.   A testator/testatrix or will maker’s testamentary capacity or sane mind also frequently comes under scrutiny, especially for persons suffering from mental illness or dementia. 

Black Widow Investigations has been involved in cases where murder over possession of real estate and other property has occurred, especially with elderly relatives.

Due Diligence

Signatures can be forged and theft/misappropriation of funds from Bank Accounts has occurred or contents have disappeared from deceased estates.  If necessary we can consult forensic services such as handwriting analysis and document authenticity, DNA experts or lie detector analysis.

During matters of dispute legal representation is required and we can introduce you to professional and competent lawyers however keep in mind that we can facilitate a lawyer’s expertise by providing you with a thorough and professional investigation before hand.

Missing Person & Witness Location

The location of missing persons can be for many reasons such as witnesses, debtors, friends, genetic parents, old classmates for class reunions, spouses, loved ones, relatives to reunite families, ex-lovers, war veterans or anyone you may need to contact for legal reasons such as heirs/beneficiaries to a Will or for service of legal documents.

People go missing for many different reasons and sometimes they do not wish to be found as they may fear for  their safety or are avoiding prosecution or debts.  They could be victims of foul play, domestic violence, They may be suffering from mental illness, alcoholism, have become involved with drugs/gambling or have run away from home and are homeless and living on the streets where they are simply avoiding all contact with family or friends due to disputes or misunderstandings. Or you may have simply lost touch with someone and want to find them.

The provision of as much accurate information about the person as possible allows us to build an accurate picture and locate the missing person as quickly, discreetly and cost effectively as possible.  For profiling we use a combination of personal information and personal history gathered from the client, public records, through various database and investigative research, plus field calls, surveillance and investigative expertise as there are limitations in relying exclusively on technology or computer based information for location of a missing person. 

We have an excellent success rate and have the ability and the tools to track down people Australia wide, within reason and keeping the Privacy Act in mind.  We also adhere to legal and ethical and requirements when it comes to obtaining information.

What you need is someone who is completely dedicated to finding the person who matters to you so contact us at Black Widow Investigations for our exceptional interpersonal skills and telephone inquiry methods.  We have the drive and determination to deliver expeditious results.

We continually consult with the client or family to gain further knowledge of the missing person and liaise with local Police if necessary. 

                                                 
Database Searches   

We conduct extensive database searches to assist us in the location of missing persons as well as legal research to those who request it. We also provide paralegal and online services such as company searches, business names, land titles, electoral rolls, court actions, telephone reverse searches, Trading Reference Association, bankruptcy and many others.

Criminal Law

Black Widow Investigations specializes in pre–trial criminal defence litigations involving criminal investigations and undercover/decoy operations. With an excellent eye for detail we collate and prepare evidence for trial often involving the location and interviewing of witnesses where “everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”  Our clients include the legal profession, government agencies and private clients both nationally and internationally.  This can also involve crime scene reconstruction plus overt or covert surveillance and photographic evidence.

Elizabeth Wilde the director and principal investigator has had over 33 years' experience as a private investigator involving many of Victoria’s major crimes.  Along with her expertise in criminal and civil investigations her law enforcement, security and legal background are the keynotes to her success. She is a member of Law Institute of Victoria and is the Vice President of the Association of Security Professionals involved in the training of private investigators. Her qualifications include:

• Advanced Diploma Business (Legal Practice)
• Dip Government Investigations Cert IV
• Dip Government Fraud Control Cert IV
• Dip Security and Risk Management Cert IV
• Dip Investigative Services Cert IV
• Dip Training & Assessment (TAA 40104) Cert IV
• Dip Real Estate for Agents’ Representatives