The private investigation services market - Italy

The global private investigation services market registered a value of $18.2 billion in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5 percent. The industry is known for its adaptability, with professionals diversifying their skills and adopting innovative strategies for recovery. The market growth is fueled by a significant increase in fraud across industry verticals and the digitization of businesses, leading to new opportunities but also new types of fraud. During the coronavirus pandemic, there was a boom in requests for private investigation services, particularly relating to marital infidelity, as the lockdown led to increased social platform usage and cohabitation strains. Advanced technologies and digitization, including Open Source Intelligence and the use of drones, are revolutionizing private investigation methods. Despite a slight decrease in the number of active firms and employees in Italy from 2017 to 2021, the country saw a significant 19 percent increase in online searches for 'private investigator' during 2023, indicating a growing demand for these services.

Private Investigation Services in Italy: A Market Analysis

The Italian market for private investigation services is currently experiencing a range of dynamic shifts and trends.This industry accounts for nearly a fifth of the global security services market. In Italy, however, the sector saw a downturn, with an 11.9 percent drop in revenue as compared to figures from 2017. Despite this slump, the industry's capacity for resilience is highlighted by its adaptability and the potential for recovery through innovative strategic measures. The cost of investigative services is quite variable, with private sector rates per agent ranging from about €20 to €100. Corporate and commercial investigations follow suit with similar hourly rates, while insurance investigations can vary significantly, from as little as €20 to as much as €4,000. This variation accounts for the diverse nature of services required and the complexity of operations in compliance with legal standards. With regards to market structure, a slight decrease in the number of companies offering detective services was observed between 2017 and 2021, demonstrating a contraction of about 9.9 percent. This change reflects a decrease in not only the number of firms but also in employee numbers, with the sector's workforce reducing to approximately 5,200 by 2021.

Digital advancements have brought forward new trends in investigative services. The digital revolution has provided agents with advanced tools for Cyber Intelligence, significantly improving the effectiveness of investigations. Techniques such as Open Source Intelligence capitalize on publicly available information from various sources, whereas the use of drones offers a novel aerial perspective, but they are subject to strict privacy laws. In relation to customer demand, the need for private investigation services appears to be mainly driven by cases of suspected marital infidelity, searches for missing persons, legal disputes, corporate security, and personal safety, among other reasons. Geographically, the distribution of online searches for "private investigator" across Italy shows varying degrees of interest. Unfortunately, specific figures are not provided to elaborate on the exact distribution. Yet, it's evident that consumer interest is widely distributed across different regions, suggesting a nationwide demand for these services. The industry's segmentation emphasizes leading macro-regional breakdowns where top firms are scattered across both the northern and central parts of the country. These companies range from those with turnovers in excess of €7 million to those generating over €3 million annually. As Italy grappled with.

Prominent Figures in Italy's Private Investigation Landscape

The private investigation services market in Italy is diverse and full of key players that offer a wide array of services catering to different needs. Here are a few notable companies that stand out in the private investigation industry:

• Abbrevia S.p.A.: Based in Trento, Abbrevia is known for its specialization in both corporate and private investigative services. The firm provides credit and business information with a holistic approach. They integrate forensic sciences with cutting-edge technology to offer personalized solutions for their clients' unique challenges.
• Mr. Security s.r.l.: Hailing from Asti, Mr. Security prides itself on providing meticulous investigative and security services to the public. Their mission revolves around delivering services with precision, meeting their clientele’s diverse security needs while addressing complex and sensitive situations with a high level of professionalism.
• Top Secret Investigazioni e Sicurezza s.r.l.: Located in Ferrara, Top Secret is a well-rounded company offering private surveillance, corporate investigations, and advanced security systems. Whether it's event security or investigating corporate matters, they boast a comprehensive suite of services ensuring clients' peace of mind and safety.
• Securfox Investigazioni e Sicurezza Ltd: Another gem from Ferrara, Securfox tailors its investigative and security services to cover private, corporate, and insurance fields. They also provide a range of security solutions, including but not limited to concierge, fire watch, and VIP protection services, asserting their versatility and adaptiveness in the industry.
• M.S. Investigazioni s.r.l.: With its headquarters in Bologna, this company takes on various investigative and security tasks. The range extends from corporate and private security to concierge services and anti-theft checks, showcasing their ability to adapt to different situations and requirements.
• Kroll Associates Ltd: While Kroll is an international presence, its Italian offices contribute significantly to its worldwide reputation. The consulting firm excels in many domains, including cyber risk assessments, business valuations, and forensic investigations. Kroll offers strategic solutions to aid their clients in making informed decisions while navigating risks and challenges.
• Axerta s.p.a.: As a Rome-based agency, Axerta brings to the table its expertise in various types of investigations such as audits, employee checks, and forensic accounting. By collaborating closely with legal and corporate entities, they enhance their investigative processes to ensure comprehensive and accurate information gathering.
• CIEFFE Investigazioni s.r.l.: Specializing in insurance and corporate investigations.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 22/12/2023

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