Private investigators in Geneva: Everything you need to know about the legal framework
Are you looking to hire a private investigator in Geneva for a family or business dispute? Contrary to popular belief, the private investigation profession in Switzerland is strictly regulated by law. Find out how the BASPE and the LSEP ensure the legality of your evidence and the protection of your interests.
The BASPE
(Bureau des Agents de Sécurité et des Enquêteurs - Office of Security Agents and Private Investigators) is the official agency of the State of Geneva responsible for issuing licenses to private detectives and investigative firms. It ensures compliance with the legal requirements set forth in cantonal law and helps protect both individuals and businesses by regulating professionals in the sector.
Why choose a BASPE-certified private investigator in Geneva?
The governing authority is the BASPE (Office of Security Agents and Private Investigators), an entity affiliated with the Geneva Cantonal Police.
BASPE is committed to protecting the public by vetting service providers. Working with a certified agency guarantees you:
- The agent's integrity (criminal background check).
- The financial standing of the investigative firm.
- Compliance with cantonal safety protocols.
Choisir un détective privé agréé permet également de s’assurer que les investigations sont réalisées dans le respect du droit suisse et que les éléments recueillis pourront être utilisés dans le cadre d’une procédure lorsque les conditions légales sont réunies.
Official link: Démarches et rôle du BASPE
How to Verify That a Private Investigator Is Licensed in Geneva
Transparency is the first step toward building trust. The State of Geneva publishes an updated list of agents and companies authorized to conduct private investigations. Before hiring anyone, it is strongly recommended that you consult this registry to verify that the private investigator is indeed licensed to practice and to avoid unlicensed service providers.
Check here to see if your agent is registered: https://www.ge.ch/document/27486/telecharger
The LSEP: Legal Requirements for Practicing as a Private Investigator
Security Agents and Private Investigators Act – F 3 10. sets out the rules. To practice, a detective must meet the criteria set forth in Article 6 of the LSEP.
In particular, this law requires:
- Civil Capacity: The agent must be fully accountable.
- The absence of declarations of insolvency: A guarantee of financial stability.
- Impeccable moral character: Any serious misconduct will result in the revocation of the professional license.
👉 View the text of the law: Art. 6 LSEP – Conditions d’octroi
Is evidence gathered by a private investigator admissible in court?
Why is legality so important to you? Because evidence obtained illegally is useless. According to thearticle 152 du Code de procédure civile (CPC), les tribunaux suisses rejettent les preuves obtenues par des moyens illicites.
A professional investigator knows where the right to investigate ends and where an invasion of privacy begins (Art. 179 of the Penal Code). By adhering to this framework, we ensure that our case reports are admissible in court, whether it involves a divorce, child custody, or a case of unfair competition.
Le respect of the legal framework is essential to ensure that findings made during surveillance or a private investigation retain their full validity before the competent authorities.
Private Investigators and Data Protection: What the New nLPD Provides For
Since September 2023, the nouvelle loi fédérale sur la protection des données - new Federal Data Protection Act (nLPD) has strengthened the security of processed information. Your private investigator must now demonstrate an overriding legitimate interest in collecting data and ensure its secure storage.
This framework protects both the client (you) and the person under investigation from any digital abuses.
FAQ – Private Investigators in Switzerland
Yes, provided that the agent holds a professional license issued by BASPE and that the assignment is justified by a legitimate interest.
No. A private investigator cannot film just anyone under any circumstances. Surveillance may only be conducted when justified by a legitimate interest, in accordance with the law, and in a proportionate manner. Filming is limited to public spaces or areas visible from public spaces. Filming inside a residence or in a private space (such as an enclosed yard or private property that is not visible from public areas) is prohibited under Swiss law.
The cost of an investigation depends on the nature of the assignment, its duration, its complexity, and the resources required. Since every situation is different, a customized quote is provided before the investigation begins.
B-Investigations' base rate is CHF 100 per hour for an assignment. Some assignments may require the assistance of a second agent; in such cases, the base rate is CHF 180 per hour.
Additional fees may also apply depending on the assignment, including a mileage rate of CHF 0.70 per kilometer traveled outside the canton of Geneva, transportation costs, or certain specific expenses related to the conduct of the investigation. These fees are always disclosed and approved before they are incurred.
The final quote is therefore tailored to the specific situation, the objectives of the assignment, and the necessary resources.
A private investigator can handle family matters, corporate investigations, missing person cases, cases involving unfair competition, fraud, absenteeism, and commercial disputes.
Yes. Information collected in connection with a mandate is treated with the strictest confidentiality, in accordance with applicable Swiss law.
