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.
Grandfather, Father, Writer, Professional Trainer & Consultant
Tony Bennett is a seasoned digital investigator and former detective with the British Transport Police, where he spent over two decades serving in frontline intelligence, incident response, and digital forensics roles. With a career that began during the formative years of Computer Crime and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Tony has built a reputation as a meticulous and ethical investigator with a deep passion for digital research. Since retiring from the police, Tony has continued to work as an independent OSINT trainer and cybercrime consultant, providing expert support to clients across the UK and internationally. His professional website is: www.opsimathy.co.uk Through his writing and training, Tony empowers professionals to conduct online investigations that are safe, legal, and effective. He is also a keen historian and a dedicated volunteer with the British Transport Police History Group: www.btphg.org.uk Outside his investigative work, Tony shares a love of healing and energy work with his wife, Michelle, who is a Reiki Master and teacher of alternative therapies.
