Case Study: Counter-Surveillance Support During High-Profile Litigation
Client: Large European Corporate
Service: Counter-Surveillance (TSCM) and Litigation Support
The Challenge
Conflict International had an established relationship with this client, having previously conducted background checks and asset investigations on their behalf. The company was now engaged in a highly sensitive and costly litigation case, attracting significant public and industry attention.
The stakes were immense. If details of their legal strategy leaked, the consequences could include weakened negotiating power, reputational harm, and potential financial losses. Senior executives became concerned that confidential discussions with their legal team could be compromised through electronic eavesdropping, either by opposing parties or external actors with an interest in the case.
The challenge was to secure the integrity of all privileged conversations, regardless of whether they took place at the company’s headquarters or in external venues such as law offices, hotels, or conference centres.
Our Approach
Conflict International deployed a specialist TSCM team to perform comprehensive sweeps of all locations used for litigation-related meetings. The sweeps involved:
- Physical inspections of meeting rooms, offices, and communal spaces.
- Electronic counter-surveillance, using advanced detection equipment to identify hidden transmitters, covert recording devices, or anomalies in radio frequencies.
- Network security checks, ensuring that Wi-Fi and wired connections used during meetings were not vulnerable to interception.
Given the high profile of the litigation, we established a protocol whereby every meeting was preceded by a sweep, regardless of venue. Our operatives worked discreetly and efficiently, ensuring that legal teams could proceed with confidence and without disruption.
The Investigation
During our initial sweeps, we did not identify any active surveillance devices. However, the process revealed weaknesses in the way certain temporary meeting spaces were being used. For example, hired conference facilities had inadequate controls over who could access adjacent rooms, creating potential risks of passive listening. Similarly, unsecured networks in hotels posed opportunities for remote intrusion.
Our team provided the client with bespoke security recommendations, including physical room controls, sound masking measures, and stricter IT protocols. In addition, we implemented an on-call system so that the client’s legal advisors could request immediate sweeps at short notice if any concerns arose.
The Outcome
The client’s leadership and legal teams gained complete assurance that their discussions were protected. With our proactive counter-surveillance in place, they were able to focus fully on their litigation strategy without the distraction or anxiety of potential information leaks.
The added benefit was reputational. By demonstrating diligence in safeguarding sensitive meetings, the company reinforced its image as a responsible, security-conscious organisation, a key factor given the visibility of the case in the media and within their sector.
Continuing Support
The relationship with this client continues today. Conflict International remains their trusted partner for all sensitive meetings, not only in the context of litigation but also for merger discussions, board-level negotiations, and strategic planning sessions. Their external counsel has since recommended our services to other clients facing similar challenges.
By combining technical expertise with operational flexibility, Conflict International ensures that our corporate clients can conduct their most critical conversations in absolute confidence, wherever they take place.