In rem seizure actions often turn on one basic question.
Where is the property, and what can you prove about its use

Seattle Private Investigator provides focused investigative support for in rem seizure cases involving vehicles, heavy equipment, vessels, and other high value assets. We work with attorneys, insurers, businesses, and property owners to locate assets, document usage, and build evidence that stands up in court.

Our investigative work is independent, fact centered, and designed to support your legal strategy. We do not give legal advice. Instead, we gather the facts and documentation your counsel needs to present a stronger case.

What is an in rem seizure action

In an in rem proceeding, the action is technically against the property rather than the person. The core issues usually include:

  • Whether the property was used in connection with a crime or wrongful act

  • Whether the owner had knowledge or involvement

  • Whether law enforcement or a civil party has a lawful basis to seize or forfeit the property

  • Whether the owner has valid defenses, such as lack of knowledge or innocent ownership

In all of these situations, detailed factual investigation is critical. When did the vehicle or asset appear at a specific location. Who was likely operating it. How often was it seen in connection with the alleged conduct. What is the true chain of possession

Seattle Private Investigator helps answer those questions through lawful investigative methods and clear documentation.

How a private investigator helps in rem seizure cases

Our role is to obtain and document evidence that supports or challenges the claimed basis for seizure. Typical objectives include:

  • Locating vehicles and other movable assets

  • Verifying current and past locations to confirm or contradict allegations

  • Establishing time lines of use and control

  • Identifying who was likely operating or controlling the property

  • Locating witnesses who can support or rebut key facts

  • Documenting alternative explanations for the property’s presence at a location

  • Providing clear reports, exhibits, and testimony to support your case

We are frequently retained to assist in:

  • Civil in rem seizure and forfeiture actions

  • Criminal cases where property has been seized or is subject to forfeiture

  • Insurance and restitution claims involving stolen or misused equipment

  • Recovery efforts after large scale thefts of tools, vehicles, or construction equipment

Use of License Plate Recognition and other databases

For vehicle based seizures, License Plate Recognition is often one of the most powerful tools available. Seattle Private Investigator already provides dedicated [License Plate Recognition (LPR) services] on a nationwide basis.

In an in rem seizure context, LPR data can help:

  • Confirm when and where a vehicle was seen within specific date ranges

  • Show patterns of use that either support or contradict the allegations

  • Identify locations linked to suspects, employers, or third parties

  • Corroborate or impeach witness statements about who was using the vehicle and when

In addition to LPR, we use a combination of:

  • Lawful investigative databases and public records

  • Open source intelligence for business, property, and associate links

  • Corporate records, UCC filings, and asset related records

  • Court records, police reports, and incident documentation

All work is conducted within the requirements of state and federal law, including privacy, consumer reporting, and professional investigator licensing rules.

Examples of in rem related investigative work

Depending on the case, our work may include:

  • Vehicle and equipment location
    Locating trucks, trailers, construction equipment, or specialty vehicles used in thefts or alleged criminal conduct.

  • Time line reconstruction
    Combining LPR hits, surveillance, receipts, and records to map out usage of the property by date, time, and location.

  • Ownership and control analysis
    Identifying nominal owners, lien holders, operators, employers, and regular users to clarify who actually controlled the asset.

  • Stolen property and fencing investigations
    Developing leads on where stolen equipment was taken, stored, or sold, and documenting the flow of property between parties.

  • Witness interviews and statements
    Interviewing employees, neighbors, contractors, and other witnesses about who operated the property, where it was kept, and how it was used.

  • Documentation for court
    Preparing written reports, exhibits, and if needed, providing testimony regarding our investigative findings and how the information was obtained.

Who we work with

Seattle Private Investigator is retained by:

  • Civil and criminal defense attorneys

  • Property owners and businesses whose property has been seized

  • Insurers and risk managers handling large property losses

  • Retired attorneys and sophisticated pro se litigants who want professional investigative support

  • Public agencies and municipalities that require outside investigative assistance

We are comfortable operating in complex civil, criminal, and administrative environments, and we understand the evidentiary standards that apply when our work is used in court.

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