For a lawyer, the quality of an investigator is measured in one way: can the findings be used? An impressive report built on unlawful methods is worse than useless, and a vague report without dates, sources and methodology is easy to challenge. We work with lawyers precisely because we understand this.
The office of Petros Drolias, licensed private investigator in Athens since the early 1990s, has handled more than 1,500 cases in 14 countries, many of them on the instructions of law firms. Our clients include Greek litigation practices and international firms whose clients have a matter in Greece.
What we do for law firms
Evidence gathering. Observation and documentation in public places for family, employment, insurance, tenancy and commercial disputes, with dated records and, where appropriate, photographs or video from public spaces.
Witness tracing. Locating witnesses who have moved, changed contact details or emigrated, in Greece and abroad, so that you can approach them.
Debtor and asset tracing. Finding judgment debtors and identifying property, vehicles and business interests through public registries and lawful field enquiries, to support enforcement in Greece or recognition of foreign judgments and awards.
Background research. Verifying the identity, history, professional claims, corporate roles and litigation record of parties, experts and witnesses.
Records research. Locating addresses for service, corporate seats, property ownership and links between companies.
Victim support in criminal matters. Locating witnesses, preserving public footage and reconstructing events for clients who are victims of crime.
Reports built for proceedings
Our reports follow a structure that lawyers find practical: a summary of findings, a chronology, a description of the methods used, the sources relied on and the supporting material. Facts are kept separate from interpretation, and uncertainties are stated plainly. Where needed, the investigator can testify.
For foreign law firms, we write in clear English that can be exhibited to witness statements or translated without ambiguity. We understand that overseas courts and tribunals may apply different standards, and we discuss those requirements at the outset.
Lawful collection, always
Under Article 19 of the Greek Constitution the privacy of communications is protected, and Article 19(3) excludes illegally obtained evidence. Article 370A of the Penal Code criminalises illegal interception and recording, and the GDPR and Law 4624/2019 govern the processing of personal data in investigations.
In practice, we do not intercept communications, access devices or accounts, place trackers on vehicles belonging to other adults, or obtain bank, tax, telecom or police data. Criminal record certificates are obtained only through the lawful route, by the person concerned or a party with legal standing. Where formal disclosure is needed, we prepare the factual groundwork for your application.
How we work with counsel
We take instructions from the lawyer and keep the lawyer in control of strategy. The first meeting defines the facts to be established, the procedural timetable, confidentiality arrangements and the reporting line. You receive a written plan and cost estimate before any work begins, and updates at agreed intervals, with urgent developments reported immediately.
Many lawyers find it useful to involve us early, before pleadings are finalised, so that the factual basis of the case is tested from the start. Others bring us in at a specific moment: a witness who cannot be found, a debtor who has disappeared, or a claim that needs verifying before trial.
Foreign judgments and cross-border matters
When a foreign judgment or arbitral award needs to be enforced in Greece, the first practical question is usually where the debtor is and what they own. We locate the debtor, identify assets recorded in public registries and verify the position on the ground, giving your Greek counsel a realistic basis for enforcement. The same applies in reverse: when a Greek case requires enquiries abroad, our network of collaborators allows us to coordinate the work from Athens.
Instruct us
For a free, confidential discussion of a matter, call us 24/7 or write through our contact page. You can also book a consultation at our office in central Athens or by video call.