The Legal Boundaries of Private Investigation in Singapore: What You Need to Know

The demand for private investigation has been on the rise in Singapore – which should come as no surprise given the city state’s escalating fluidity of relationships and companies. Nevertheless, although a Singapore private investigator can shed light on crucial details, they are still guided by the law.

This article explains what you need to know before hiring a private investigator, and how you can make sure you’re dealing with a licensed and professional investigative agency. When you’re ready to act with confidence, look to Baker Street Private Investigator (BSPI) a reliable private investigation company that delivers legal and ethical services providing you with a complete peace of mind.

Understanding Private Investigation in Singapore

What Do Private Investigators in Singapore Do?

Private investigators in Singapore conduct surveillance, gather evidence, verify suspicions, and support both personal and corporate cases. Their work includes matrimonial investigations, fraud detection, background checks, and even employee monitoring—all carried out within legal bounds.

A private detective is a trained professional who is paid to uncover truths, monitor behaviour and verify suspicions. Their cases can cover infidelity, custody battles, fraud and identity confirmation. Most potential clients need private detective services for personal issues that are very sensitive and require discretion and understanding.

What Types of Cases Do Private Investigators Handle in Singapore?

Private investigators handle a broad range of cases including cheating spouses, missing persons, business fraud, and identity verification. Their work often supports legal actions, employment screenings, or personal closure.

These professionals often conduct thorough surveillance and access public or legally obtained records to gather evidence. They may also perform background checks, investigate financial transactions, or interview key individuals. Regardless of the case type, the investigation needs must always be approached within legal frameworks.

Working with a professional private investigator ensures that actions like surveillance services and inquiries are handled ethically and under Singapore law.

Do You Need a Private Investigator in Singapore for Cheating Spouse Cases?

Infidelity is one of the most common reasons clients seek private investigators. A licensed PI can discreetly collect evidence such as photos, patterns of behaviour, or third-party testimonies to support your case legally.

Legal Framework Governing Private Investigations in Singapore

In Singapore, private investigators must operate under a strict regulatory framework. Every private investigation agency in Singapore must be licensed under the Private Security Industry Act. Only those approved by the Singapore Police Force are permitted to carry out investigative services.

The licensed private investigation agency must adhere to a Code of Conduct that outlines best practices and legal boundaries. This ensures professionalism and accountability. Agencies also undergo checks to verify the credentials of skilled investigators, including their training, knowledge of Singapore’s laws, and compliance with data protection standards.

Clients should always confirm that they are working with a reputable private investigation company and should never hire unlicensed individuals who could jeopardise the investigation.

Is It Legal to Hire a Private Investigator in Singapore?

Yes, it is legal to hire a private investigator in Singapore, provided they are licenced under the Private Security Industry Act. Engaging a licenced PI ensures you stay within the legal system and avoid liability.

Key Laws Affecting Private Investigations in Singapore

In Singapore private investigators must comply with a number of very important laws. The use, collection, and disclosure of personal data is regulated by the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). All information collected in the course of an investigation—addresses, phone numbers, photographs, etc.—should be legally obtained and used ethically.

The Computer Misuse Act criminalises unauthorised access to online services. A PI can’t break into emails, social networking accounts or corporate networks. Rather, they would have to turn to cutting-edge publicly available databases, interviews or open source investigative tools.

The Penal Code also lists crimes such as stalking, harassment, and trespassing that a PI should take care to not commit. When people occupy themselves with these activities – no matter what their motive – it eventually can turn into a legal fiasco for the client and the investigator.

Permissible and Non-Permissible Investigative Methods

Can Private Investigators Legally Track Someone in Singapore?

Private investigators can only track individuals using legal means—for example, surveillance in public areas or GPS tracking with client-owned property and consent. Covert tracking without consent or involving unauthorised devices is illegal.

Permissible methods under Singapore law include:

• Surveillance in public areas like streets, restaurants, and carparks
  
• Background checks using public records or with consent
  
• Reviewing business registrations or public databases
  
• Conducting interviews without coercion
  
• Tracking devices on client-owned property (e.g., company vehicles) with proper consent

However, non-permissible methods include:

• Entering private property without permission (trespassing)
  
• Hacking phones, emails, or cloud storage
  
• Using fake identities or impersonating police officers
  
• Stalking or aggressive tailing over prolonged periods
  
• Installing spyware or unauthorised GPS trackers
  

Violating these rules can result in evidence being rejected or criminal charges under the Penal Code or Computer Misuse Act. Ethical private detective work must always respect legal and moral boundaries.

The Role of Confidentiality and Consent

Confidentiality is critical in private investigation. All information gathered must remain secure, especially when dealing with sensitive personal matters like matrimonial investigations or background checks. Most private investigation services involve non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect clients and their privacy.

Consent is also important. Investigators must obtain proper consent before collecting certain personal information or conducting more invasive checks. This ensures both ethical practice and legal compliance, especially in areas like child custody or employee monitoring.

A reliable private investigator will explain the limits of confidentiality and secure client agreement on all procedures—building trust while safeguarding rights.

Legal Consequences of Violating Investigation Boundaries

What Evidence Can Private Investigators Use in Court in Singapore?

Only evidence that has been legally obtained — meaning that any evidence discovered via acceptable surveillance, interviews, and public records would be usable. Any evidence that was very likely procured through hacking, trespassing, or impersonation may not be admissible and could lead to criminal consequences

Subcluster: Can Private Investigators Testify in Court in Singapore?

Yes, private investigators licenced in Singapore could be summoned as witnesses to verify the findings. The courts may consider their reports and other professional testimonies, so long as the method of acquiring such evidence is lawful.

If you hire an unqualified investigator, you could be exposing yourself to severe legal risk. Investigators who engage in illegal surveillance or violate digital laws may face licence suspension or revocation, hefty fines and lawsuits and criminal charges with the possibility of jail time. 

Clients are not exempt. If you knowingly hire an unlicensed PI or instruct illegal methods, you may be held civilly or criminally liable. This could invalidate the case or any evidence to support your claim. Engaging a professional investigator from a reputable investigation firm ensures the process remains compliant and defensible in court.

How to Ensure You’re Working with a Legal and Ethical Investigator

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Verify licencing through the Singapore Police Force
  
• Confirm the agency is listed as a licenced private investigation agency
  
• Ask about their experience with confidentiality and legal procedures
  
• Discuss the scope of the investigation and ensure no illegal tactics will be used
  
• Look for firms that offer professional investigative services with transparency
  
• Choose a leading private investigator with proven track records
  

Ask direct questions about methods—ethical firms won’t hesitate to explain. If they avoid the topic, it’s a red flag.

How to Choose the Best Private Investigators in Singapore: A 2025 Guide

When choosing the best private investigator, look for licencing, transparency, and a proven track record. Ask for client references, verify credentials, and confirm that their investigation methods comply with Singapore law and ethics.

Conclusion

Clients and private investigators should have a good grasp of Singapore laws that regulate private investigation. There are boundaries to respect, from licencing to ethics and professionalism if you want to use the method to gather evidence for court. ​The correct approach will keep the process legal and effective.

Always work with a Singapore private investigator who meets the standards set by law. At Baker Street Private Investigator (BSPI), we are here to provide you with the finest ethical, licenced and professional private investigation services. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.