Analysis of digital forensics to overlay evidence of continued stalking and harassment

The victim had moved to a new apartment after ending a relationship with the suspect and had not informed them where the new apartment was. 

The case was initially reported as a burglary when the landlord saw a man he did not recognise outside the victim’s apartment. He later saw him again wearing a wig and he had gained entry to the victim’s apartment. The victim and her new partner regularly worked away and had previously noticed furniture had been moved when they returned home and had also reported finding a lockpicking tool in the kitchen.

The victim reported ongoing phone, text and email harassment from her ex-partner, who was subsequently arrested. A search of the victim’s address uncovered a knife under her bed, which she had not seen before. 

Following arrest, a Section 18 search of the suspect’s car and home revealed weapons, covert cameras, disguises, wigs and lockpicking tools, as well as nylon rope, duct tape, underwear and other items belonging to the victim. Investigators involved in the case described these items as a ‘murder kit’, given that the suspect had also placed a knife under the victim’s bed.

Line of enquiry

Downloads of the suspect’s phone showed him installing covert cameras into a short-term rental in Cambridge, where the victim had stayed for work. He had travelled from his home in Nottinghamshire, wearing a fake beard and wig with his vehicle registration covered. When his car broke down outside the rental, he had told the recovery driver that he was a private investigator. 

Digital forensics and analysis of the victim’s and suspect’s devices proved the suspect had hacked into the victim’s emails to find and gain entry to places where she had stayed. 

Outcome

Investigators secured an indefinite stalking prevention order against the suspect, and he was subsequently extradited to his home country.