Participation Report in the WAD-Hosted Seminar, September 2024
Seminar Overview
In late September 2024, we visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to participate in a seminar hosted by the World Association of Detectives (WAD). This event brought together professionals worldwide from the investigation and security industries to exchange information on the latest technologies, industry trends, and legal regulations. Through this opportunity, I gained a deep understanding of the current state of international investigation and reflected on the challenges and future possibilities facing the Japanese industry.
Seminar Overview
The seminar spanned two days and featured a total of eight programs. The main topics included:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Drone Technology
- Investigation of Crypto Assets
- Latest Technologies in Databases and Applications Related to the Investigation Industry
- Measures Against Increasing Online Fraud
Much time was dedicated to countermeasures against rising global online fraud, such as investment and romance scams. Participants engaged in lively discussions on these issues.
WADKuala Rumpur Seminar Summary
An International Perspective on the Investigation and Security Industries
Japan’s detective and security industries are legally distinct and recognized as independent sectors. However, observing other countries revealed that this distinction is often blurred. In many nations, retired military personnel and former police officers leverage their experience and skills in the investigation industry, leading to overlapping roles between investigation and security services.
At the seminar, security-related content accounted for half of the programs, indicating the close international relationship between the two industries. This highlighted the importance of collaboration with the security sector in the global investigation industry.
Key Presentations at the Seminar
Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
A substantial portion of the seminar focused on advancements in AI technology and its applications in the investigation and security fields.
A security consultant specializing in the medical sector discussed how AI protects medical data. Specifically, they detailed the development and operation of systems that detect unauthorized access using AI to prevent patient information leaks. Given the highly confidential nature of medical data and its societal importance, the introduction of AI in this context is highly significant.
An engineer from Microsoft shared the latest technological trends in corporate information security, highlighting how AI learns patterns of cyberattacks to detect and respond to threats in real time. These intriguing insights demonstrated how such technologies could enhance efficiency and accuracy in the investigation and security industries.
Investigation Methods for Crypto Assets
With the increasing use of crypto assets (virtual currencies) for money laundering and fraud, a seminar addressed investigation techniques for these assets. The lecturer covered the fundamentals of blockchain technology and introduced specialized tools and methodologies for tracking crypto asset transaction histories.
Concrete examples illustrated how crypto assets are involved in asset concealment and debt collection, along with investigative approaches to tackle these issues. The session reinforced that investigating crypto assets requires advanced expertise and technology due to their high anonymity and unique characteristics compared to traditional financial assets.
Application of Drone Technology
Technological advancements have made drones essential tools in investigative work. An investigator from a California law firm demonstrated using the latest drones to film a traffic accident scene.
The demonstration recreated an accident where a vehicle fell from a highway, showing how drones can capture footage from unattainable perspectives through traditional on-foot investigations. It emphasized the importance of obtaining the necessary qualifications and flight permits for drone operation, noting that it can differentiate investigators in the field.
Latest Information in the Security Industry
Seminars also covered differences in national security systems, regional conditions, and approaches to accessing online threat information. It was reaffirmed that information gathering is indispensable in the security industry and that investigative expertise plays a crucial role.
Although my specialization is primarily in investigations, this seminar enhanced my understanding of the importance of information gathering in security operations and the potential for collaboration between the investigation and security sectors.
Panel Discussion on the Current State of the Detective Industry and Legal Regulations
One of the most impactful sessions was a panel discussion featuring representatives from the UK, USA, India, Japan, and Colombia. The participants actively discussed their respective countries’ detective industries and challenges.
Unlike universally licensed professions like medicine or law, the detective industry has no standardized licensing system across all countries. For instance, while most U.S. states have licensing requirements, they are not mandated nationwide. In Europe, systems vary: countries like the UK and Germany lack licensing systems, whereas many others have them.
This diversity highlights how the detective industry’s legal status and social recognition differ significantly by country. The panelists shared their national contexts and exchanged views on international challenges and future directions.
Organizational Structure and Challenges of WAD
WAD uses English as its standard language, so membership from non-English-speaking countries is limited. Additionally, participation from the Arab and Middle Eastern regions, Africa, and developing Southeast Asian countries is scarce. This may be due to immature or unstable social conditions where the detective profession is underdeveloped or lacks societal demand.
Consequently, WAD’s directors and key members predominantly hail from English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and India. While members are from European and South American countries, Western nations largely influence the organization.
Current State and Challenges of the Japanese Detective Industry
Restrictions on Information Access
In Japan, strict limitations on access to government-managed data make obtaining necessary investigation information challenging. A centralized governance system likely influences this.
For example, shareholder information must be recorded in Japan’s corporate registry for joint-stock companies, making it challenging to identify the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO). This presents significant obstacles when conducting investigations related to money laundering or criminal proceeds.
Lack of Licensing System and Social Recognition
Although Japan introduced a registration system for the detective industry in 2007, it lacks a formal licensing system. As a result, the industry’s social credibility could be higher, and collaboration with the police and government institutions could be more robust. Few retired police officers or military personnel enter the detective field, limiting the scope of services offered.
Moreover, detective work in Japan is often skewed toward less socially critical areas like infidelity investigations, with fewer operations directly related to life or property. This perception diminishes the industry’s societal importance and hampers overall development.
Industry Potential from Overseas Examples
Licensing systems for private investigators and related professions are standard in English-speaking countries, and some administrative tasks are outsourced to private entities.
For example:
- Bounty Hunters: track suspects who have fled while on bail.
- Process Servers: deliver court documents.
- Repossession Agents: reclaim vehicles with delinquent loans.
- Debt Collectors: handle asset investigations, reminders, and seizures from debtors.
These roles are often subordinate qualifications under a private investigator’s license, allowing licensed individuals to perform various related tasks. Outsourcing administrative duties has elevated detectives’ social status and strengthened collaboration with police and judicial institutions.
The Future and Prospects of Japan’s Investigation Industry
Outsourcing Administrative Tasks and Introducing a Licensing System
Promoting outsourcing administrative tasks to the private sector in Japan is crucial for enhancing PI’s social status and paving the way for a licensing system. This would strengthen collaboration with administrative bodies like the police and courts and improve information access.
Expanding Business Scope and Enhancing Expertise
Introducing a licensing system could broaden detectives’ scope of work and increase opportunities to engage in socially significant cases. This includes specializing in criminal defense investigations and administrative investigative tasks outsourced by the government.
Enhancing Social Recognition
PIs can earn greater societal trust by upholding high ethical standards and fostering a professional mindset. Industry-wide efforts are essential to helping the public understand the detective profession’s social significance and importance.
Conclusion
Participating in this seminar highlighted the significant differences between the international investigation industry and Japan’s current state. The Japanese sector faces challenges like low social recognition, inadequate legal frameworks, and a limited scope of work. However, learning from international examples provides clear pathways for industry development.
As professionals in the detective field, we must recognize our vital role in addressing societal issues and strive to offer more professional services. I am committed to expanding my knowledge to contribute to the industry’s growth and establish it as a socially recognized profession.
Future Prospects and Action Plan
Promotion of a Licensing System
Advocating for the introduction of a licensing system is imperative. As part of administrative reform, promoting the outsourcing of tasks to the private sector is urgent. The detective industry is expected to play an increasingly significant role as an outsourced partner for investigative tasks carried out by government agencies. By pushing for a licensing system, we can enhance industry credibility and gain societal trust.
Enhancing Social Recognition
We will engage in public relations activities to communicate the detective industry’s social significance and importance to the general public. This includes actively disseminating information through seminars, lectures, and media outlets.
Strengthening Technical Training
We aim to acquire the latest technologies and knowledge in AI, drones, and crypto asset investigation methods. This commitment will improve service quality and enable us to meet clients’ needs effectively.
