List of Licensed Private Investigators in Geneva

In the Canton of Geneva, the private investigator profession is strictly regulated and subject to official registration with the competent authorities.

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Many people are still unaware that an official list of licensed private investigators in Geneva exists, maintained by the Brigade of Weapons, Private Security and Explosives (BASPE). This list is the only reliable reference for verifying that a professional is legally authorized to operate in the canton.

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In this article, we provide a clear, lawful, and up-to-date guide explaining where to find this official list, the conditions required to be authorized to work as a private investigator in Geneva, the services that may be offered within a legal framework, and how to safely choose a licensed professional.

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Where to Find the Official List of Licensed Private Investigators in Geneva

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In Geneva, the practice of the private investigator profession is strictly regulated. The only official reference allowing verification of whether a private investigator is legally authorized to operate in the Canton of Geneva is the list maintained by the Brigade of Weapons, Private Security and Explosives (BASPE), which operates under the Geneva Cantonal Police.

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This list includes all licensed private investigators and investigation agencies that have been authorized following a review of their integrity, administrative status, and compliance with the applicable legal requirements.

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It is public, regularly updated, and freely accessible.

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Consulting this list is an essential step before any initial contact or the signing of a mandate. A private investigator who does not appear on this list is not legally authorized to operate in the Canton of Geneva, regardless of their commercial claims or stated experience.

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Access to the list on the Geneva Cantonal Police website

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The official list of authorized private investigators is available directly on the Geneva Cantonal Police website, via the dedicated BASPE page. It is generally provided in the form of a downloadable document.

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This document allows you, in particular, to verify for each authorized private investigator or investigation agency:

• the date on which the authorization to practice was issued by the competent authorities;
• the first and last name of the private investigator and/or the registered name of the agency;
• the declared professional address.

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This simple verification step helps avoid engaging an unauthorized intermediary, whose actions could expose the client to significant legal risks.

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Why This Verification Is Essential Before Hiring a Private Investigator in the Canton of Geneva

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Hiring an unauthorized private investigator can have serious consequences. The evidence collected is not only inadmissible, but it may also expose the client to criminal or civil liability.

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Conversely, a private investigator listed on the official register is authorized to operate within a clear legal framework, using regulated methods and adhering to strict professional and ethical obligations. This ensures not only the legality of the investigation, but also the admissibility of the findings in judicial or administrative proceedings.

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Licensed Private Investigators in Geneva: Key Figures and Trends

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Last updated: December 31, 2025

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An analysis of the official list of licensed private investigators in Geneva—compiled from the cantonal register and regularly updated—makes it possible to accurately understand and assess the evolution and structure of the profession within the canton.

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A Significant and Continuously Evolving Workforce

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In total, 407 distinct private investigators are currently listed as having been granted authorization to practice in Geneva since the establishment of the register.

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Each entry in the register corresponds to an individual authorization, regardless of any family or business relationships, or the possible sharing of the same professional address.

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This volume reflects a sustained and long-standing level of activity within the profession over several decades, with authorizations being issued continuously from the 1960s through to the present day.

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Periods of Increased Authorization Activity

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A chronological review of authorization dates shows that:

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• recent years (from the 2010s onward) account for the highest number of new authorizations;
• the years prior to 1990 include very few authorizations, often only one or two per year;
• the profession experienced a clear acceleration starting in the 2000s, in connection with the sector’s professionalization and the strengthening of the cantonal legal framework.

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These trends confirm that the private investigator profession in Geneva has become more structured, more visible, and more tightly regulated over time.

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Gender Distribution of Private Investigators in the Canton of Geneva: A Profession That Remains Largely Male-Dominated

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Out of the 407 private investigators listed:

• 365 are men, representing approximately 90%;
• 42 are women, representing approximately 10%.

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This breakdown is based on an analysis of the first names listed in the official register. It highlights a profession that has historically been male-dominated, although a steady increase in the number of female private investigators has been observed over the past fifteen to twenty years.

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Annual Statistics of Private Investigator Authorizations in Geneva Since 1961 to the Present Day

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What Are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Private Investigator in Geneva

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The practice of the private investigator profession in Geneva is strictly regulated. Anyone wishing to obtain authorization to practice must submit a formal application to the competent authorities and demonstrate that they meet specific requirements relating to identity, integrity, financial reliability, and legal capacity.

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Contrary to some common misconceptions, it is not sufficient to simply claim the title of private investigator in order to operate legally. Authorization is granted following a thorough review of the applicant’s personal and administrative file.

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1 – Identification Documents and Administrative Status

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The applicant must provide:

• a copy of a valid identity document (both sides in the case of a national ID card);
• a copy of a residence permit or cross-border work permit, where applicable.

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These documents allow the authorities to verify the applicant’s identity as well as their administrative status in Switzerland.

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2 – Place of Residence and Residential History

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The authorities require:

• an official certificate of the applicant’s current legal residence;
• a complete list of all official places of residence occupied over the past ten years.

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This history makes it possible to trace the applicant’s residential background and identify the relevant jurisdictions for background checks.

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3 – Criminal Background and Integrity Checks

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The integrity assessment is a central component of the authorization process. The application file must include:

• an original extract from the Swiss criminal record, issued within the past three months;
• an extract from the criminal record of each country in which the applicant has resided over the past ten years, also issued within the last three months.

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These documents are intended to ensure the absence of convictions incompatible with the exercise of a sensitive profession involving investigations and the handling of personal data.

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4 – Legal Capacity and Professional Background

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The applicant must also provide:

• a detailed curriculum vitae outlining their professional background;
• a certificate of legal capacity, or an equivalent document in the case of residence abroad, issued within the past three months.

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These elements allow the authorities to assess the applicant’s legal capacity to carry out an independent or employed professional activity in this field.

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5 – Financial Situation and Solvency

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Financial stability is a decisive criterion. The following documents are required:

• an extract from the debt enforcement office confirming that no certificate of loss (loss certificate) has been issued, or an equivalent document for each country of residence over the past five years;
• an original certificate from the bankruptcy office, issued within the past three months.

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These documents ensure that the future private investigator has a financial situation compatible with the requirements of the profession.

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6 – Moral Character and Personal Reputation

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Finally, depending on the place of residence:

• a certificate of good conduct is required for individuals domiciled in the Canton of Geneva;
• an equivalent document is required for individuals domiciled outside the canton or abroad.

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This verification is intended to ensure that the applicant meets the moral standards necessary for the practice of a profession based on discretion, trust, and strict compliance with the legal framework.

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What Services Can Licensed Private Investigators Offer in Geneva

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In Geneva, the services offered by private investigators are strictly regulated by cantonal legislation. Authorized professionals are listed in the official register maintained by the Brigade of Weapons, Private Security and Explosives (BASPE), the competent authority for intermediary agents.

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It is essential to emphasize that, in the Canton of Geneva, authorizations are distinct depending on the nature of the activities performed. A professional may be authorized as a private investigator, as a commercial intelligence agent, or hold both statuses only if they have obtained both authorizations issued by BASPE.

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Note: Authorization as a private investigator does not automatically entitle one to conduct commercial intelligence activities, and vice versa.

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Civil and Family Investigations Conducted by Private Investigators in Geneva

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Civil and family investigations represent one of the primary areas of activity for licensed private investigators in Geneva. These cases involve sensitive personal situations in which the search for objective facts makes it possible to clarify doubts, inform decision-making, or document a situation within a strictly legal framework.

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Such investigations may notably concern:

• suspicions of infidelity or adultery, when the person concerned wishes to verify a situation without exposing themselves to legal risks;
• establishing proof of cohabitation, particularly when it may have consequences for spousal maintenance or child support following a divorce;
• situations related to divorce or separation proceedings, where factual elements are required to objectively document a personal or family context;
• the search for individuals, whether a relative, a debtor, or a person who is difficult to locate.

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Civil and family investigations are based on observations conducted in publicly accessible places, targeted surveillance, or lawful tailing operations. They result in detailed, dated, and time-stamped reports that may be used for personal purposes or within judicial proceedings.

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Commercial, Professional, and Business Intelligence Investigations

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Licensed private investigators in Geneva may also operate in the field of professional and economic investigations, provided they hold—where required—the specific authorization as a commercial intelligence agent issued by BASPE. This distinction is essential, as commercial intelligence activities are subject to a separate legal regime.

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In this area, services may include:

• business intelligence, such as analyses of solvency, reputation, structure, or reliability of a partner, client, or supplier;
• debtor tracing and assessment of their actual situation, particularly in the context of debt recovery or disputes;
• verification of professional information, career history, activities, or statements within an economic or contractual context.

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These investigations are intended for companies, self-employed professionals, as well as private individuals facing financial or commercial challenges. They enable informed decision-making, help secure professional relationships, and document risk situations, while strictly complying with the legal framework applicable to intermediary agents in Geneva.

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Private Investigators in Switzerland: A Profession Regulated Only in Certain Cantons

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In Switzerland, the private investigator profession is not regulated uniformly at the federal level. Contrary to what many people assume, there is no nationwide law systematically governing this activity throughout the Confederation.

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To date, only three cantons have a specific legal framework requiring official authorization to practice: Geneva, Neuchâtel, and Ticino.

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In these cantons, a private investigator may not operate legally without first obtaining authorization from the competent authorities and being listed in an official register. This authorization results in the issuance of a professional license card, certifying that the investigator meets the required legal, administrative, and integrity standards. Any investigation conducted without such authorization exposes not only the professional, but also the client, to significant legal risks—particularly regarding the admissibility of evidence.

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Regulatory differences between cantons are therefore substantial. In Geneva, the profession is strictly governed by the Law on Intermediary Agents (LAInt) and is subject to oversight by cantonal authorities. Comparable regulations exist in Neuchâtel and Ticino. By contrast, in most other Swiss cantons, the profession remains loosely regulated or not regulated at all, making prior verification all the more essential before engaging any investigator.

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It is therefore crucial that any private investigator conducting an investigation in a regulated canton be properly licensed in that specific canton, regardless of their place of residence or the registered office of their agency.

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By way of example, AGOP holds the official authorizations required in both the Canton of Geneva and the Canton of Neuchâtel, allowing it to operate legally in those jurisdictions and to produce findings that comply with the requirements of the competent authorities.

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Before taking any action, familiarizing oneself with the legal framework applicable in the relevant canton and verifying the private investigator’s authorization are essential steps to ensure the legality of the investigation and the validity of the evidence collected.

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How to Choose a Licensed Private Investigator in Geneva

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Choosing a private investigator in Geneva is not limited to a simple online search or a question of fees. It is a sensitive process involving significant personal, legal, and sometimes financial stakes. Certain criteria must be verified before any decision is made.

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Essential Checks Before Any Mandate

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Before entrusting a mission to a private investigator, several checks are essential.

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Verify Official Authorization to Practice in Geneva

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First and foremost, it is necessary to ensure that the professional is officially authorized to operate in the Canton of Geneva. This authorization is issued by BASPE and appears on the official list of intermediary agents. A private investigator who is not listed is operating illegally, and any evidence they collect may be unusable.

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A Written Mandate Is Mandatory Before Any Investigation

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Finally, no investigation should begin without the prior signing of a written mandate. This document precisely defines the scope of the assignment, its legal framework, the limits of the intervention, the fees, and the respective obligations of each party. Engaging a private investigator without a formal mandate exposes the client to unnecessary legal risks.

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Office, Fieldwork, and the Reality of the Profession

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Contrary to a common misconception, the presence of a physical office is not an absolute criterion for assessing the seriousness or competence of a private investigator.

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An office may indeed be a sign of stability and structure, particularly for certain established agencies. However, the absence of an office in no way indicates a lack of professionalism. The private investigator profession is, above all, fieldwork: surveillance, tailing, travel, observation, and discreet interventions account for the majority of the work.

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Many investigators therefore favor meetings in neutral and discreet locations, selected according to the context and the client’s situation. This approach helps avoid a prospective client being seen near a private investigation agency, which could pose confidentiality risks.

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Moreover, some professionals choose to invest in high-performance equipment, appropriate human resources, and strong operational availability rather than in fixed costs associated with maintaining a permanent office that is rarely used. This type of organization can be particularly effective, especially in sensitive cases.

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Online Reviews, Promises, and Signals to Be Interpreted with Discernment

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When choosing a private investigator, caution is required when faced with overly attractive promises and certain forms of online communication. A highly polished visual identity or an excessively assertive discourse does not, in itself, constitute a guarantee of seriousness or competence.

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Conversely, a neglected or poorly executed visual identity may also raise questions. The care given to presentation often reflects the level of professional standards applied, particularly in report writing and the quality of documents delivered to the client. A minimum level of rigor and visual consistency therefore remains essential, without becoming a commercial argument in itself.

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Furthermore, caution is warranted regarding promises of guaranteed results or advertised success rates, which have no objective value in a profession where each situation is unique and depends on many factors beyond the investigator’s control. A serious private investigator can never guarantee an outcome, but only the means employed, the methodology applied, and strict compliance with the legal framework.

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The issue of online client reviews also deserves special attention. Unlike other sectors, the private investigation profession generates very few genuine public testimonials. The vast majority of clients wish to preserve their anonymity and discretion, which is entirely legitimate given the nature of the cases handled.

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As such, the presence of a large number of anonymous, overly flattering, or standardized reviews should invite caution. These reviews are often impossible to verify and do not necessarily reflect the reality of the work performed. This level of vigilance should, moreover, apply to all websites consulted during your research.

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By contrast, feedback from professionals—lawyers, insurers, colleagues, or institutional partners—may serve as more reliable indicators. Such feedback generally reflects real collaboration, respect for procedures, and a level of rigor consistent with legal and professional stakes.

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Confidentiality, Discretion, and Protection of the Client

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Absolute confidentiality is a fundamental pillar of the private investigator profession. The professional is bound by professional secrecy and must ensure the protection of all information entrusted by the client. Communications, collected data, and investigation results must be handled in strict compliance with Swiss legislation, particularly with regard to data protection and respect for privacy.

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Conversely, attempts at “do-it-yourself” approaches—amateur surveillance, digital spying, or improvised tailing—directly expose the client to criminal risks and the total invalidation of any evidence obtained. Engaging a licensed private investigator makes it possible to avoid such pitfalls by relying on a clear legal framework and professional methods.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Licensed Private Investigators in Geneva

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How can you verify whether a private investigator is authorized in Geneva?

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Simply consult the official list maintained by BASPE (Brigade of Weapons, Private Security and Explosives). Only private investigators or agencies listed there are legally authorized to operate in the Canton of Geneva.

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Is there mandatory training required to become a private investigator in Geneva?

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No. There is no mandatory federal training requirement in Switzerland. However, a cantonal authorization is mandatory in Geneva and is issued following a strict review of the applicant’s integrity, professional background, and administrative situation.

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Who oversees the activities of private investigators in Geneva?

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The activities of private investigators are supervised by BASPE, under the authority of the Geneva Cantonal Police. BASPE oversees authorizations, conducts inspections, and may revoke an authorization in the event of non-compliance.

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Can a private investigator authorized in Geneva operate outside the canton?

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Yes, but only in compliance with the legislation applicable in the canton concerned. If a canton requires a specific authorization (such as Geneva, Neuchâtel, or Ticino), the investigator must also be licensed there in order to operate legally.