About Us
AI-Enhanced Corporate Intelligence, Delivered with Government-Level Expertise
We are your trusted partner in accessing intelligence services tailored to your individual and business needs.
Checks & Traces delivers a new class of strategic intelligence, combining experienced analysts with advanced artificial intelligence. We were founded to give corporate and investment leaders a decisive advantage, providing the same calibre of intelligence that governments use to protect national interests. This combination of seasoned analysts and our bespoke AI automation suite uncovers what others miss, so nothing important slips through before a deal is signed or a hire is made.
Our Foundation: A Hybrid Intelligence Model
Our firm was established by professionals from military and police intelligence units, whose experience forms the bedrock of our analytical tradecraft. Today, that expertise is amplified by our proprietary AI platform. Every analyst has undergone rigorous government-level training and now guides our AI systems to conduct detailed digital intelligence and cyber investigations in 15+ languages.
Our Methodology: AI-Powered OSINT
At Checks & Traces, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is our cornerstone, and our bespoke AI suite is the engine. It automates the meticulous collection and analysis of information from a vast array of global sources at a scale and speed beyond human capability alone. This technology sifts through troves of data to uncover non-obvious connections and hidden patterns, allowing our human experts to focus on the most critical element: strategic analysis.
This process is enhanced by our global network of vetted, discreet assets who provide on-the-ground context. This fusion of AI-driven data processing and human-verified intelligence allows us to operate with unmatched speed and discretion from our global hubs in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Cape Town.
Our Team
At Checks & Traces, our team is composed of a diverse array of research and intelligence professionals, each equipped with extensive skills and experience. Leveraging OSINT as our cornerstone, we excel in the meticulous collection, analysis, and dissemination of information sourced from strategic locations worldwide. Every member of our team undergoes rigorous government-level training in intelligence analysis and utilises cutting-edge tools to conduct thorough investigations, leaving no detail overlooked in our comprehensive checks.
James Ellender
Global CEO
Strategic intelligence leader with 25+ years directing high-stakes global investigations and expert testimony.
Full Bio
James Ellender brings over 25 years of specialised experience in global intelligence, corporate investigations, and risk management. A former UK law enforcement detective, he led high-profile investigations into complex financial crime, fraud, and insider threats.
Since founding the firm in 2014, James has driven its global investigative strategy, delivering intelligence and training programmes for government and corporate leaders across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. He regularly collaborates with top-tier legal counsel in cross-border proceedings, having served as an expert witness in over 50 global court cases.
Dominic Dias-Sizer
Technology Project Lead, Hong Kong
Technology and risk consultancy leader delivering intelligence-enabled solutions across Asia-Pacific.
Full Bio
With over two decades of cross-border experience, Dominic Dias-Sizer leads technology, finance, and risk consultancy initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region. He specialises in designing and delivering efficient, technology-driven solutions for organisations operating within complex international regulatory environments.
With deep expertise in APAC stakeholder management and operational strategy, Dominic oversees the delivery of intelligence-enabled risk management systems, combining technical innovation with strategic execution to protect enterprise operations in high-growth markets.
Christian Plowman
Strategic Advisor, EMEA
Counter-trafficking and environmental crime expert training global law enforcement in ethical intelligence practice
Full Bio
Christian Plowman is a recognised expert in counter-trafficking intelligence and transnational environmental crime, bringing 16 years of Metropolitan Police investigative experience and INTERPOL service. A fluent French speaker, he has designed UN-, EU-, and UK-compliant investigative frameworks for global NGOs, police forces, and border agencies.
Christian has trained over 1,200 law enforcement personnel across Africa, Asia, and Europe in ethical intelligence management and counter-trafficking strategy. As a DEFRA advisor and university lecturer, he combines practitioner precision with high-level advisory to strengthen global governance and investigative integrity.
Richard King
Strategic Advisor, China & Hong Kong
Counter-trafficking and environmental crime expert training global law enforcement in ethical intelligence practice
Full Bio
Based in Hong Kong, Richard King leads complex corporate investigations and research operations across Greater China. He specialises in China-related inquiries, third-party risk management, employee misconduct, and digital footprint analysis.
Richard blends rigorous open-source intelligence methodologies with behavioural assessment to deliver defensible, practical insights. His strategic guidance supports multinational clients in mitigating regional operational and reputational exposure.
Tagline: Deep investigative expertise delivering risk mitigation and digital intelligence across Greater China and Hong Kong.
Amber Martens
Global Project Manager
Directing global investigative cases across EMEA, APAC, and Africa with consistent operational precision.
Full Bio
Amber Jayde Martens orchestrates the end-to-end execution of complex corporate investigations, due diligence, and asset tracing mandates across EMEA, APAC, and Africa. Operating across the firm’s key hubs in London, Cape Town, Hong Kong, and Singapore, she synchronises multi-disciplinary teams of analysts and investigators to deliver precise, well-coordinated results.
Amber oversees strategic workflows and operational governance to ensure rigorous client reporting and strict quality assurance. Her leadership ensures consistently high standards across every stage of a case, from initiation to delivery.
Asmau Kontagora
Senior Associate, North & West Africa and Europe Desk
OSINT and geopolitical risk analyst covering North and West Africa and Europe, delivering strategic clarity on organised crime and regional security trends.
Full Bio
Asma’u Garba-Kontagora specialises in open-source intelligence, organised crime research, and geopolitical risk assessments across North and West Africa and Europe. Holding an MBA and a Master’s in Security Management, she brings nearly a decade of security intelligence expertise analysing political violence and civil unrest.
Asma’u combines multi-language capabilities with advanced analytical frameworks to produce high-level intelligence assessments. Her work helps multinational clients respond to volatile security environments and complex due diligence mandates
Rod Mckenzie
Head of Global Training
Elite operational training leader translating 30 years of covert counter-threat experience into global executive capability.
Full Bio
Rod McKenzie served over 30 years with London’s Metropolitan Police, specialising in counter-terrorism, organised crime, and covert operations. As former Head of Training for the UK National Undercover Unit, he spent over a decade establishing national benchmarks for investigative methodologies and intelligence operational standards.
Rod now directs international training programmes, equipping corporate and security leaders worldwide with advanced investigative and whistleblowing strategies. His global programmes transfer frontline counter-threat expertise directly to executive leadership
Katelin van Zyl
Senior Associate, Africa and Middle East Desk
Geopolitical risk and intelligence researcher covering Africa and the Middle East, with specialised academic expertise in China and regional analysis.
Full Bio
Katelin van Zyl conducts specialised open-source intelligence research supporting corporate due diligence, risk assessments, and investigative mandates across Africa and the Middle East. Holding a Master’s degree with high honours in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies, alongside advanced academic grounding in Mandarin and Chinese affairs, she brings a sharp geopolitical perspective to her research.
Katelin combines analytical rigour with a background in media and humanitarian initiatives in crisis-affected regions. Her work delivers clear, usable intelligence on complex regional and international risk factors.
Auhom Ahrar Al Quazi
Senior Associate (China & North Asia Desk)
Specialist in AI governance and OSINT, expanding strategic intelligence capabilities across China and North Asia
Full Bio
Auhom Ahrar Al Quazi drives open-source intelligence research, AI governance, and analytical capabilities across China and North Asia. Combining digital forensics expertise with policy analysis, he provides analytical support for complex cross-border inquiries and corporate decisions.
Auhom also plays a key role in expanding the firm’s strategic reach and business development throughout the region. His work brings together advanced open-source methodology with regional technology and commercial strategy.
Ghina Abdul
Senior Associate, South East Asia Desk
ASEAN risk analyst transforming open-source complexity into decisive regional intelligence
Full Bio
Ghina Abdul leads regional intelligence research in Singapore, specialising in ASEAN security, political disinformation, and non-traditional security threats. Drawing on prior high-stakes financial risk experience at J.P. Morgan, she excels at filtering open-source data to generate strategic intelligence.
Ghina holds advanced degrees in Strategic Studies and Criminology, paired with multilingual fluency across English, Malay, and Bahasa Indonesia. Her work gives leadership teams the insight to operate confidently in complex Southeast Asian markets.
Joanne Given
Head of Intelligence, United Kingdom
Translating three decades of elite law enforcement leadership into decisive global corporate intelligence.
Full Bio
Joanne Given directs global intelligence operations across London, Cape Town, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Drawing on a distinguished 30-year career in the Metropolitan Police, including senior command as Chief of Staff in the Intelligence Command, she brings deep expertise in risk analysis, strategic operational delivery, and organisational command.
Joanne turns complex, multi-jurisdictional data into clear intelligence that senior leaders can act on to manage critical risk. Her strategic leadership ensures rigorous, real-world solutions across the firm’s global footprint.
Wajahat Gondal
Head of Risk Technology Development, Pakistan
Engineering AI-driven risk technology and adaptable digital infrastructure to power global investigations
Full Bio
Wajahat Gondal leads the architectural development of risk technology and digital intelligence infrastructure. With background expertise spanning cybersecurity, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, he engineers secure systems for threat detection and automated intelligence analytics.
Wajahat has protected national-scale infrastructure and now designs tech solutions built to grow with client demand, identifying emerging digital risks and financial crime indicators. His work strengthens the firm’s investigative reach by embedding advanced technology directly into global risk workflows.
Fiona Murphy
Account Director, APAC
Proven account director with 15+ years managing complex due diligence and risk portfolios across APAC.
Full Bio
Fiona Murphy brings over 15 years of international leadership in corporate due diligence, background screening, and account management across global markets. Having managed high-risk client accounts in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia, she brings deep APAC expertise to client partnerships and risk verification processes.
Fiona plays a vital strategic role in aligning investigation capabilities with client governance and compliance requirements. Her consultative approach helps organisations manage risk and make confident cross-border decisions.
Chante Van Rensburg
Marketing Manager
Elevating brand authority and market growth across EMEA and APAC through strategic marketing leadership.
Full Bio
Chante Van Rensburg directs marketing strategy and communications across the EMEA and APAC regions to drive corporate expansion and client retention. She is responsible for elevating brand presence through targeted multi-channel campaigns, digital strategy, and strategic positioning.
Collaborating closely with senior leadership, Chante translates complex intelligence services into compelling propositions for international business audiences. Her initiatives drive market engagement and brand authority across key growth sectors.
Stuart Mclaughlin
Head of Investigations, EMEA
Leading complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations across the EMEA region.
Full Bio
Stuart brings over 25 years of policing experience, with a specialist background in intelligence development, covert surveillance, operational leadership and risk management. During 24 years within UK Law Enforcement, he spent 18 years as a nationally accredited Surveillance Officer and eight years as a Surveillance Team Leader, supporting complex serious and organised crime investigations across the UK.
His experience includes intelligence gathering and development, lifestyle development and asset tracing, alongside the dynamic management of covert operational deployments. As a Team Leader, Stuart directed resources, conducted risk assessments and made time-critical decisions within fast- moving and challenging environments.
Since 2024, Stuart has worked as a Surveillance Training Coordinator, delivering nationally accredited training and developing surveillance officers. A nationally accredited Surveillance Trainer, Stuart brings extensive practical experience in intelligence, operational planning, risk management, leadership and decision-making to his consultancy work
Other Researchers & Advisors
Some members of the intelligence and investigation community work most effectively while remaining unnamed. Checks & Traces works with a range of specialised investigators, researchers, and advisors who prefer not to have their identities disclosed. Each has worked with us for many years and has been vetted to ensure their integrity and ability. Some have been trained in open-source intelligence and investigation by our core team; others bring specialised expertise that has, in turn, informed our own methods. All members of our extended network, named and unnamed, have access to the same advanced tools and resources.
Our Purpose
Our mission is to give organisations the intelligence they need to make confident, informed decisions. We use our hybrid approach to provide actionable insights that help our clients in private equity, law, and corporate M&A to:
- Mitigate Investment Risk: Combining AI-driven data correlation with analyst review to uncover hidden liabilities and verify opportunities that traditional methods miss
- Ensure Seamless Compliance: Monitoring complex regulatory frameworks like FCA, ESG, and GDPR due diligence
- Safeguard Enterprise Value: Protecting against financial crime, reputational damage, and sophisticated malicious actors
We work to provide not just data, but a definitive strategic advantage, transforming uncertainty into opportunity.