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🚫 5 Things a Licensed Private Investigator in Singapore Is Not Allowed to Do

  • Writer: Absolute Digital
    Absolute Digital
  • Nov 3, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 17


5 Things A Licensed Private Investigator Cannot Do In Singapore

Understand the Legal Boundaries of a Singapore Private Investigator


Hiring a licensed Private Investigator in Singapore can be incredibly beneficial when you're seeking the truth in personal, legal, or corporate matters. These professionals are trained to uncover facts, conduct surveillance, and gather evidence—all while adhering strictly to Singapore’s legal framework.


However, it's just as important to understand what a Private Investigator cannot legally do in Singapore. Knowing these limitations helps manage your expectations and ensures that your investigation is conducted lawfully and ethically.


In this article, we explore five important restrictions that all Singapore Private Investigators must follow.



1. ❌ No Invasion of Privacy


A Private Investigator in Singapore is strictly prohibited from violating an individual's right to privacy. This includes:

  • Illegally entering someone's home or private space

  • Installing hidden cameras or listening devices without consent

  • Using GPS trackers on vehicles without authorization


Even if you suspect your partner or employee of wrongdoing, a licensed Singapore Private Investigator cannot break the law to gather evidence. All surveillance must be conducted from public spaces or areas where there is no expectation of privacy.



2. 🚷 No Trespassing on Private Property


Another clear boundary is trespassing. Private Investigators in Singapore are not allowed to:

  • Enter homes, offices, or private land without permission

  • Climb fences, unlock doors, or force entry

  • Bypass security systems or restricted areas


Licensed investigators must rely on legal methods such as surveillance from public areas or obtaining access with proper authorization. Trespassing is a criminal offense and can jeopardize both the case and the investigator’s license.



3. 💻 No Hacking or Unauthorized Digital Access


A Singapore Private Investigator must never engage in illegal cyber activities, such as:

  • Hacking into personal email accounts, phones, or computers

  • Accessing social media profiles or private messages without consent

  • Bypassing passwords or digital security systems


All digital investigations must comply with the Computer Misuse Act and Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in Singapore. Ethical investigators use digital forensics tools within legal limits to uncover publicly available or consent-based data only.



4. 👮 No Impersonation or Deception


Licensed Private Investigators cannot impersonate:

  • Police officers or government officials

  • Lawyers, journalists, or corporate employees

  • Friends or family members of the subject under investigation


Pretending to be someone else to gain access to sensitive information is strictly illegal. A professional Private Investigator in Singapore must identify themselves truthfully and cannot use deception that crosses legal boundaries.



5. 📝 No Evidence Tampering


All evidence collected during an investigation must remain authentic and untampered. A Singapore Private Investigator is legally prohibited from:

  • Altering digital files, documents, or timestamps

  • Destroying or hiding relevant information

  • Coaching witnesses or fabricating reports


Evidence integrity is crucial, especially when used in court proceedings. Tampered evidence can not only invalidate your case but also lead to legal consequences for both the investigator and the client.



✅ Why Hire a Licensed Private Investigator in Singapore?


While these limitations may seem restrictive, they actually serve to protect you. Hiring a licensed and ethical Private Investigator in Singapore ensures your investigation:


🛡️ Stays Within the Law

Licensed investigators understand the legal landscape and operate within strict regulatory guidelines, ensuring that any evidence collected is admissible in legal proceedings.


🎓 Is Conducted by Professionals

Experienced Singapore Private Investigators have extensive training, field knowledge, and access to legitimate tools and databases that are not available to the general public.


🤝 Is Handled with Integrity and Discretion

Reputable investigators maintain complete confidentiality and conduct themselves professionally, particularly in sensitive cases such as matrimonial investigations, corporate espionage, or fraud detection.



❓ Is It Legal to Hire a Private Investigator in Singapore?


Yes, it is completely legal to hire a Private Investigator in Singapore, as long as they are licensed by the Singapore Police Force's PLRD (Police Licensing & Regulatory Department). Engaging a licensed investigator ensures that your case is handled legally, ethically, and professionally.



👨‍💼 Work With a Trusted Private Investigator in Singapore


Understanding the limitations of a Singapore Private Investigator helps you stay compliant with local laws while achieving your goals effectively. Whether you're dealing with infidelity, corporate investigations, or asset tracing, working with a licensed and experienced Private Investigator Singapore ensures that your case is handled with integrity and professionalism.




Looking for a licensed Private Investigator in Singapore with decades of experience and a proven track record?


📱 WhatsApp: +65 8820 0007


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