FOI findings reveal untapped potential of OSINT in UK public sector fraud investigations

A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) campaign from Blackdot Solutions, a leading provider of advanced intelligence and investigations software, has revealed a strategic opportunity for UK public sector bodies to strengthen fraud investigations through greater investment in open source intelligence (OSINT), the targeted collection and analysis of publicly available data.

The data suggests that with enhanced training and tools, departments could recover more lost funds and better protect taxpayer resources.

Key findings include:

• Only a fraction of reported fraud is currently being reclaimed, with some departments recovering less than a quarter (23%) of losses, despite employing dedicated counter-fraud teams.
• Thousands of referrals are going uninvestigated due to “insufficient data” or lack of capacity.
• OSINT training and tool investment is inconsistent, with some authorities relying on general search engines. Fewer than 10% of investigators are equipped with specialist tools, raising both efficiency and security concerns.
• In some forces, staff trained in OSINT make up less than 2% of the workforce, raising questions about preparedness for increasingly digital-era threats.

The findings point to a growing disconnect: while fraud is becoming more sophisticated and digital in nature, many public bodies continue to rely on outdated or limited methods to detect and investigate it.

Stuart Clarke, CEO of Blackdot, said: “The public sector has a real opportunity to recover more losses and safeguard taxpayers’ money by adopting modern intelligence techniques. Fraudsters are increasingly using digital tools, and investigators must be equally equipped. Consistent investment in OSINT capabilities will not only improve recovery rates but also strengthen the resilience of public bodies against future threats.”