The problem

Our client was a large company providing a particular trade service as a franchise.  They were concerned one of the franchisees was conducting work on the side under his own business name.  His personal mobile phone number was being used in advertisements in local newspapers where he resided.  

The solution

Through personal contacts, we were given permission to use an unattended house that needed the services of that particular franchise.

The subject of our investigation was contacted through his advertisement in a local paper and arrangements were made for him to attend that address to quote on the work required.  Naturally, his quote was accepted.

We attended that location and covert video was exposed of the franchisee undertaking that work.  His vehicle was signed under his own business name, he wore a polo shirt advertising his own business and we were provided with a receipt for the work undertaken in his own business name.

The outcome

The video taken of the work conducted included audio of the investigation subject telling us about his business plans, which did not  include his contractual obligations to the franchise owner.  

The Statutory Declaration provided by us, along with the video and other documentary supporting material, was used by the franchise owner's legal department to pursue their claim against the franchisee.  

We were not informed of the final outcome.