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Asset Searches that produce results

Intelligence West is a licensed private investigative company locating and identifying assets before they can be hidden or transferred.

  • CA P.I. License #17342
  • Service in all 50 states
  • Asset investigations since 1991

Your Asset Locate Experts

Over 30 years of asset investigation experience

From judgment collection and complex litigation to probate matters and financial fraud recovery, we deliver actionable intelligence. Intelligence West specializes in uncovering assets others can’t find.

Our reach extends across all 50 states, and we’re trusted by law firms, financial institutions, government agencies, and private clients alike. Backed by decades of investigative experience, we go beyond surface-level searches to give our clients the clarity they need to act with confidence.

Solutions for asset search problems

Which search do I need?

You’re recovering less than $25k
Bank account search. The most cost-effective solution.
You’re recovering $25k or more, or need asset discovery for civil litigation
Brokerage account search and investigative asset report. Investment accounts typically hold larger sums than bank accounts.
You want liquid assets across banks and investment platforms
Our bank and brokerage combination search covers both.
You need to find the person first
Skip tracing to locate a witness, defendant, or debtor.

Not sure? Get in touch for guidance and a free consultation.

Your results depend on an experienced investigator

Joseph Espinosa has over 30 years of asset investigation experience. His career began in 1991, and he founded Intelligence West in 1997.

Joseph Espinosa
CA P.I. Lic #17342
Owner

Read Joseph’s story

When an asset search matters

  • Judgment collection

    You can’t conduct a successful bank levy unless you know where the accounts are. Identifying them lets you go after the funds and recover the debt you’re owed. Searching assets can also help show whether a subject is teetering on bankruptcy.

  • Pre-litigation intelligence

    We offer access to data unavailable to the public. Find out your subject’s financial condition and decide whether to pursue legal action with clarity.

  • Divorce

    Make sure a spouse isn’t hiding assets, including retirement accounts or personal property. Our research is reliable and legal, and we customize it to your case.

  • Business relationships

    Check on a business partner or investigate a new client. We look at business relationships, bank accounts, real estate holdings, motor vehicles, and other assets, for a person or a business.

What clients say

“Joe’s abilities are unparalleled in his specialized area of intelligence acquisitions. Anything Joe presents to his clients is 100% legitimate.”
Randy MandersonLos Angeles, CA
“Mr. Espinosa is an outstanding individual. Highly recommended.”
Mary DavidsonHollywood, CA
“Joseph is very professional and proficient with asset research.”
Gerald MooreDallas, TX

From the blog

Learn what you can discover during an asset investigation.

SSN Prefix Chart

The chart below shows the first 3 digits of the social security numbers assigned throughout the United States and its possessions. The same area, when shown more than…

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Asset Searches

Types of asset searches include Bank Accounts, Asset Reports, and Brokerage / Investment Accounts. They are detailed below.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an asset investigation?

An asset investigation uncovers an individual’s or company’s financial holdings. This can include real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, business ownership, and other valuable property.

Who typically needs an asset search?

Attorneys, businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, and private clients use asset searches to support litigation, judgment collection, probate, divorce, or fraud recovery.

What types of assets can you find?

We can identify real property, bank accounts, business interests, vehicles, corporate affiliations, intellectual property, and other tangible or hidden assets.

Can you locate hidden or undisclosed assets?

Yes. We use specialized investigative techniques and resources to uncover assets that may not appear in basic searches or public records.

Is it legal to conduct an asset investigation?

Yes. Our investigations comply with federal and state laws, ensuring all information is obtained legally and ethically.

Do I need a court order or judgment to request an investigation?

No. Many clients request asset searches before filing a case, during litigation, or after obtaining a judgment.

Can you conduct searches outside the United States?

We specialize in U.S. based searches only.

How long does an asset investigation take?

Most searches take 7 to 15 business days, depending on the scope and jurisdictions involved. We do not offer rush service.

What information do I need to provide to start?

Usually a full name, date of birth, and last known address are enough to begin. More details, like Social Security numbers or business tax IDs, can speed up results.

What will I receive at the end of the investigation?

You’ll receive a clear, detailed report outlining the assets located.

Can your findings be used in court?

Yes. Our reports are designed to support legal proceedings, collections, and negotiations.

How much does an asset investigation cost?

Costs vary based on the depth of the search and what resources are needed. We provide upfront estimates before starting any work.

License and Membership

CA P.I. License #17342. Proud member of C.A.L.I., the California Association of Licensed Investigators.

Disclaimer. I am a licensed private investigator (CA P.I. License No: 17342). I provide financial investigative services to law firms, collection agencies, and private individuals. This information is utilized to collect on civil judgments and other legal matters. All information is obtained legally and within the GLB Act guidelines.

California Association of Licensed Investigators logo

Ready to start your asset search?

Contact us for a free asset search consultation. Service is available in all 50 states, and all major credit cards are accepted.