Celebrating John Gaspar's Board Accredited Investigator Certification

We are proud to announce that John Gaspar, the owner of All Florida Investigations, has been designated a Board Accredited Investigator by the Board Accredited Investigator Committee and the International Intelligence Network. This prestigious certification, awarded on the 15th day of September, 2014, recognizes his expertise and dedication to the field of investigation.

John is now entitled to all rights, privileges, and honors pertaining to this esteemed designation, as witnessed by the seal of the Association. This achievement reflects his commitment to excellence, further solidifying All Florida Investigations as a trusted leader in the industry.

The Art of Finding Evidence Hiding in Plain Sight

by John Gaspar and Anthony Luizzo

“The significance of forensic strategies in modern investigations is underscored

by the limitations of relying solely on eyewitness evidence.”

"The Art of Finding Evidence" from Working PI, Issue 6, explores the critical role of forensic and criminalistic strategies in modern investigations, emphasizing the limitations of relying solely on eyewitness accounts. The document highlights the importance of scientific methods to ensure accurate and reliable evidence collection and analysis. Key points include:

Forensic Strategies: Techniques such as DNA analysis, fingerprint testing, and blood spatter analysis are essential for establishing facts in criminal investigations, addressing the shortcomings of eyewitness testimony.

Evidence Handling: Proper documentation of the chain of custody is crucial for maintaining the legal validity of evidence, with specific protocols like refrigeration for preserving biological samples.

Quality Control and Validation: Rigorous measures, including proficiency testing and adherence to standards, ensure the accuracy and reliability of forensic results.

Independent Verification and Peer Review: These processes are vital to confirm the integrity of forensic findings and methodologies.

Continuous Advancement: Staying updated with advancements in forensic science through ongoing research is necessary to enhance investigation accuracy.

Crime Scene Documentation: Comprehensive photographic documentation, including victim injuries, evidence placement, lighting conditions, and environmental factors, is critical for capturing the crime scene accurately and aiding investigations.

The article underscores the necessity of combining scientific rigor with thorough documentation to strengthen the reliability of evidence in criminal investigations.

Romance Scams: A Global Epidemic With Deep Roots in the United States

by John M. Gaspar and Anthony Luizzo

“AI and deepfakes are now creating a new wave of untraceable deception. This is noteworthy since

this international element makes tracking and prosecution extremely difficult...”

Summary: Romance Scams - A Growing Global Threat

Romance scams have emerged as a significant and financially devastating crime in the digital age, with losses in the United States alone surpassing $1.3 billion in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. These scams, often initiated through dating apps, social media, or online forums, exploit emotional vulnerabilities, leading to heartbreak and financial ruin. While anyone can be a target, older adults and recently widowed individuals are particularly vulnerable due to their desire for companionship and limited familiarity with online deception tactics.

Globally, romance scams are orchestrated by sophisticated criminal networks, with notable operations in West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana), Eastern Europe (Ukraine and Romania), and Asia (Philippines, Malaysia, Japan). These groups employ advanced artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and social engineering to create untraceable deceptions, often involving fake identities, doctored photos, or emotional manipulation. Common tactics include avoiding video chats, professing love too quickly, or requesting money for emergencies or travel.

Victims are not naive; they are often intelligent and emotionally stable individuals caught in manipulative schemes. Key risk factors include recent personal loss, social isolation, or inexperience with online platforms. To protect against these scams, the article recommends never sending money to unverified individuals, conducting reverse image searches, and being cautious of red flags like rapid declarations of affection or excuses for avoiding face-to-face interaction.

Private investigators play a critical role in combating these scams, as their international nature complicates tracking and prosecution. Awareness and vigilance are essential for individuals to avoid falling prey to these emotionally and financially damaging schemes.

The Security Guard Checklist

In two recent articles the authors penned for Pl Magazine: "The Checklist:A Simple Yet Essential Guide"

(Issue 194, pp. 12-13: July/August 2024) and "The General Security Checklist" (Issue 195, pp. 20-22: September/October 2024), we discussed the genesis of the checklist and how it is applied in the security and investigative sector. This article discusses the keys to preparing a security guard checklist. An excellent article "The History of Security Guards -A Hankering for History" 1 traces back the evolution

The Domestic Relations Investigative Checklist

Domestic relations investigation is a general term involving a galaxy of investigative exercises that revolve around individuals with problems associated with fraud, theft, abuse, cheating spouses, marital deceit, threats, stalkers, child abuse, missing persons, etc. In this article, we will discuss the keys to preparing a generic domestic relations checklist. Part 1 discusses administrative requirements to conduct the investigation. Part 2 discusses sleuthing equipment required to conduct surreptitious surveillance. Part 3 discusses Florida statute requirements. Part 4 is a list of domestic relations investigative assignments and checklist requirements.