Recently, the BBC launched an open-source investigation (OSINT) into the alleged killing of civilians – without trial – by what was believed to be Cameroonian soldiers. The Cameroonian military vehemently dnied this. In much the same vein, OSINT leaders Belligncat launched an investigation into the suspected arrested in connection with the Salisbury poisonings.
In both cases the use of innovative and sometimes outright creative techniques to geo-locate suspects, identify their affiliations with the military, and ultimately expose governments in their lies proved highly valuable. ‘Valuable’ not just in the pursuit of justice against war crimes (Cameroon) and murder (Russia), but in showing organisations like ADR just what can be done with the right tools and expertise. ADR has conducted its own OSINT investigations before, but the BBC and Bellingcat have pushed the boundary on just what can be done. Have no doubt we are taking notes.