TSCM Sweep Rounds Up the Bad GuysTruth is the basis for fictional story lines, that’s for sure. was called in on a case by an attorney that had a female client who was being blackmailed. The blackmailer said he had video of her inside her apartment in a 28-floor building. He described the apartment and conversations held there in detail so she knew he had access.

Immediately it was evident that technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM) were called for. A TSCM sweep of the apartment was scheduled. Since both conversations and visual details were given, it was evident that covert surveillance and spy listening devices were present in some form or fashion. The target was eavesdropping devices and surveillance equipment.

Using sophisticated counter surveillance equipment used for electronic bug detection, hidden wireless cameras and listening devices were uncovered in every smoke detector in the apartment.

She was relieved that the devices were removed. However, the identity of the bad guy blackmailer was still at issue. Turning the tables on the bad guy, surveillance equipment was installed in the apartment as part of the investigation. It wasn’t but a few days later that a building maintenance man came into the apartment while she was away at work and worked on every one of the smoke detectors.

Not only did he work on the smoke detectors, he replaced each of them. That called for another bug sweep and once again, the new smoke detectors all contained a hidden camera. There was no sign of a listening device this time, however.

What was eventually uncovered was that the maintenance man had been installing smoke detectors with listening devices and hidden cameras in several of the apartments in the building. As he uncovered information that a tenant would not want public, he blackmailed them. He had easy access to each of the apartments and the smoke detectors looked like every other smoke detector. It wasn’t until his movements were documented and victims were interviewed that the truth came out.

is prepared with counter surveillance equipment and knowledge of current eavesdropping devices and surveillance equipment used by bad guys.  We’re ready to supply TSCM services when you need them.

-Brenda McGinley, CEO, All in Investigations, All in Investigations