Frequently asked questions
Plain answers to the questions clients ask most
If yours isn't here, start a secure enquiry and we'll answer it directly.
Are your methods legal?
Yes. Escherlock works only from open, official, and licensed sources, using lawful methods throughout. We do not hack, intrude, pretext into protected systems, or handle illegally obtained data. Work is GDPR-aware and structured to support KYC/AML compliance. Where a regulated action requires a licence, it is carried out by a licensed partner; Escherlock remains the open, official-source, and analysis layer.
Where do your findings come from?
Public and official records — corporate registries, court and insolvency filings, land and property records — alongside licensed databases and reputable media, across the relevant jurisdictions and languages. Every material finding is attributed to its source and dated, so it can be independently checked.
Can I rely on the findings — are they defensible?
That is the point of the work. Conclusions are corroborated against an independent source where possible, and every material point is traced to its origin, so findings can be reviewed and relied upon. We grade each finding by confidence — established, corroborated, indicative, or not established — and where open-source work cannot settle a fact, we say so rather than glossing over it.
How is confidentiality protected?
Engagements are confidential by default. Information is handled on a need-to-know basis, communication and delivery run through a secure channel, and findings reach only authorised recipients. We do not disclose our clients or the substance of our work; what we can do is shown through anonymised cases, not other people's names.
Which jurisdictions do you cover?
Our standing coverage is the EU. Other jurisdictions — including the US and the UK — are handled on request, scoped case-by-case to the matter, the available records, and the applicable law. Coverage, sources, and methods are always scoped to each jurisdiction rather than assumed.
How does an engagement start?
Tell us the decision you're facing and the parties or assets involved. We scope the question, the jurisdictions, and the boundaries with you before any work begins, so the engagement stays proportionate and lawful from the first step. You can reach us at contact@escherlock.com or through the secure enquiry form.
How long does it take?
It depends on the question, the jurisdictions, and the state of the public record. We give a realistic indication when we scope the matter, and we tell you early if a line of enquiry is unlikely to be productive rather than running up time on it.
How is my data handled?
Personal data is processed on a lawful basis and on the principle of minimisation — only what the matter requires. Material is held in confidence, restricted to those working on the engagement, and retained only as long as the engagement and our legal obligations require. The data controller is registered in Portugal; see our Privacy and Data-handling pages.
Do you guarantee a particular outcome?
No, and you should be wary of anyone who does. We establish what the public record can and cannot support. Sometimes that confirms a concern; sometimes it clears one; sometimes it draws a clear line at what cannot be known from open sources. In each case you get a defensible basis for your decision, not a predetermined answer.
Will you tell others you worked with us?
No. Confidentiality runs both ways. We don't name clients or reference engagements, and the cases on this site are anonymised composites.