by Tony Bennett MSc
Elevate Your Investigation Skills
Whether you're a professional investigator, researcher, or simply
OSINT-curious, the tools and techniques in this guide are your
foundation for ethical, effective, and impactful investigations.
Stay curious, stay informed, and apply what you've learned. The open
web holds the answers—you need to know where to look.
Now it’s your turn. Start investigating.
The Investigator's Guide to Online Research & OSINT is an essential, practical reference for modern-day investigators, researchers, and analysts navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital intelligence. Authored by former British Transport Police detective Tony Bennett, MSc, this comprehensive guide offers a UK-focused perspective on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), blending professional experience with current best practices in online research and cyber investigations.
Drawing on decades of experience in frontline law enforcement and high-tech crime units, Bennett demystifies OSINT with clear, methodical instructions and real-world examples tailored for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Whether you're working in law enforcement, compliance, corporate investigations, journalism, or private research, this guide equips you with the tools to collect, verify, and analyse open-source data legally and ethically.
Inside, readers will find:
• A foundational introduction to OSINT, including its role in UK policing, regulatory context, and key ethical considerations.
• Step-by-step workflows and investigation checklists for digital profiling, social media analysis, corporate due diligence, and pre-investigation planning.
• Comprehensive chapters on investigative tools and techniques, from reverse image and video analysis to metadata extraction, QR code tracking, and mobile app emulation.
• Legal and policy frameworks, including model policies for online investigation practices within the public and private sectors.
• Real-world case studies that highlight the nuances of multilingual name searches, dark web queries, and open-source traceability.
• Tips for using advanced tools and emerging technologies, including AI in investigations, blockchain tracing, geospatial intelligence, and OSINT automation platforms.
With detailed examples, ready-to-use templates, and practical tips throughout, this book serves as both a learning resource and a desk reference. It champions ethical, accountable, and evidence-focused investigation, showing readers how to navigate the open web safely while leaving a minimal digital footprint.
Whether you're investigating fraud, safeguarding the vulnerable, tracking down assets, or simply curious about OSINT, The Investigator’s Guide to Online Research & OSINT will elevate your investigative skillset and sharpen your digital instincts.
Now it’s your turn. Start investigating.
https://www.opsimathy.co.uk
About the Author – Tony Bennett MSc Tony Bennett is a seasoned digital investigator and former detective with the British Transport Police, where he served in frontline intelligence, primary incident response, and digital forensics roles for over two decades. With a career rooted in the early evolution of computer crime and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), Tony has earned a reputation as a dedicated and methodical investigator with a passion for digital research and ethical online practice. He trained in computer forensics during the foundational years of UK high-tech crime investigation, later becoming a supervisor in the London High Tech Crime Unit. His expertise spans major rail disasters, cybercrime investigations, and digital intelligence gathering in both operational policing and the private sector. Tony holds a Master’s degree in Computer Forensics and is a qualified trainer, having delivered courses for the UK College of Policing and numerous law enforcement and commercial agencies. Since retiring from police service, he continues to work as an independent OSINT trainer and consultant, supporting clients across the UK and internationally. https://www.opsimathy.co.uk/ Through his writing and training, Tony empowers professionals with the knowledge and confidence to conduct safe, lawful, and effective online investigations. The Investigator’s Guide to Online Research & OSINT is a culmination of his field-tested experience, aimed at bridging the gap between traditional investigation and the digital world. In his free time Tony is a volunteer with the British Transport Police History Group https://www.btphg.org.uk/
