Expert Asset Research and Recovery Investigations by EPIS in the Los Angeles Metro Area
Throughout its years of service, EPIS has enjoyed an enviable reputation based on a dedication to client service. Each member of our staff is highly skilled, ensuring a knowledgeable team proficient in every phase of the investigative field. These phases include asset research and recovery investigation – one of the most common reasons private investigations are sought out. With EPIS’s asset research investigation, we can provide you with the results you need for real peace of mind.
Another area we specialize in is background checks, business identity search, due diligence inquiries, Financial Investigations, and employment screening. These services aid in all areas, from gathering information on a potential employee to determining the legitimacy of a company by providing details regarding the company’s history and business practices.
From our experience, the most common hiding places for assets are:
- Under aliases
- Safe deposit boxes
- With relatives, friends, and partners
- Offshore/foreign accounts
- Home and commercial mortgages
- Overpayments to the IRS
- Universal life insurance
- Sweetheart lawsuits
- Stockbroker accounts
- Overpayments to credit cards
- Dissolved corporations
- Cars, yachts, aircraft, jewelry
- Savings bonds, travelers, and cashier’s checks
Based on our past and present experiences, we have concluded that most hidden assets, such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, are liquid. Other types of hidden assets include real property like property, as well as vehicles. Less frequently, individuals try to move assets out of the reach of creditors, litigants, or “enemies” by skillfully hiding these assets in places such as life insurance, annuities, offshore accounts, mortgage or credit card paydowns, or most frequently, by transferring assets to a spouse, partner, or business entity. The most complicated asset-hiding schemes involve transfers to living or offshore trust accounts.
Empire Pacific Investigative Services Inc. has experienced professional local investigators in the relevant cities throughout the US who have the capability and know-how to secure evidence of hidden assets. Our investigators have been uncovering hidden assets for years and apply the most cost-effective means and methods for securing the necessary evidence, documentation, or otherwise.
Asset Research
Empire Pacific Investigative Services’ Asset Research Team locates property records and vehicle registrations, aiding in the collection of money owed to you. We custom tailor every asset search to your specific needs, whether for Pre-Litigation or Post-Judgment collection, enabling us to uncover hidden assets. Assets encompass money in banks, stocks and bonds, vehicles without liens, and even personal belongings such as furniture. Everything you own is considered an asset, including your home. If you need to collect debts owed to you, EPIS will provide the necessary answers for finding and recovering what is rightfully yours. At EPIS, we believe that timing is crucial, and debts our clients seek to recover may be lost if not located promptly. Therefore, we offer an expedited 24-hour recovery service to ensure the most efficient and timely results.
Asset Searches
Empire Pacific Investigative Services Inc. custom tailors every asset investigation to your specific needs. Whether Personal, Business, Pre-Litigation, or Post-Judgment collection, we can uncover hidden assets. EPIS’s Asset Research team exposes the financial profile of individuals or establishments, proving useful in personal and business relationships. The asset search has four phases, starting with basic Phase 1 from public records and progressing to the thorough Phase 4, uncovering hidden assets like offshore accounts.
In personal matters, asset investigations are crucial during divorces or in prenuptial situations, confirming a potential spouse’s claimed financial means. They’re also useful in estate and probate matters.
In business-related legal matters, asset searches determine the financial worth of potential associates (due diligence investigations) and assess the ability to pay in potential legal actions. For debt or judgment collection, including small claims judgments, and in cases of declared bankruptcy, asset searches are valuable.
Below are common areas where assets are hidden:
- Offshore accounts
- Stocks
- Untouchable corporations
- Safety deposit boxes
- Mortgages
- Bank accounts
- Employers
- Boats, cars, planes
- Family gifts
- Transferring assets to family
- Gifts to friends
- Hiding businesses under illegal names
Asset searches are crucial in various situations, including:
- Judgment recovery and debt collection
- Matrimonial disputes
- Investigations involving fraud, embezzlement, etc.
- Determining economic viability for settlement offers
Important Features and Functions of Asset Search
At EPIS, our asset searches team utilizes a variety of public and private databases as primary tools to identify potential assets involved in a dispute. These databases may contain information on assets such as bank accounts, brokerage accounts, real and personal property, large assets like vehicles, boats, planes, interests in other businesses, and more.
Our Asset Research team initiates investigations with an extensive search of available databases. The results of these database searches often guide the direction of the investigation.
Vital to the judgment recovery process, our Asset Searches provide crucial information on debtors’ financial and asset records. Empowered with asset search information, including skip tracing, property search, and bank account search, every judgment creditor can collaborate with their court-of-origin and/or attorney for effective judgment collection.
Judgment Recovery — For businesses or agencies in need of manpower, our judgment collection service is the outsourcing solution. We assist corporations and financial institutions in locating and collecting on their portfolio of civil judgments.
Our asset investigations can offer any or all of the following:
- Asset Location
- Asset Tracing
- Asset Recovery
- General Financial Investigation
- Bankruptcy Fraud Investigations
- Money Laundering Investigations
- Embezzlement Investigations
Below are the different Phases that EPIS provides for Asset Research:
- Phase I
- Phase II
- Phase III
Asset RESEARCH PHASE I
| Phase I | Description | Cost |
| Asset Search |
|
Fixed Fee $475 |
Asset RESEARCH PHASE II
| Phase II | Description | Cost |
| Asset Search |
|
Fixed Fee $975 |
Asset RESEARCH PHASE III
| Phase III | Description | Cost |
| Asset Search |
|
Fixed Fee $1725 |
Key Considerations for Conducting an Asset Search
To collect on a judgment or pursue child support and understand a person’s income, these assets can be “attached” or “garnished” when filing for divorce.
For businesspersons contemplating investment in a new venture, seeking an investor, or considering a merger, assets fall into two categories: “tangible” or “intangible.” Assets can be either personal or real property. An individual’s personal property encompasses everything they own.
These include vehicles, equipment, inventory, phone systems, computers, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and paid-up insurance policies—items of value acquired through purchase or other means. Except for licensed personal property like vehicles, boats, and airplanes, “ownership” is typically determined by “possession.” Proof of ownership may be a sales receipt, a canceled check, or a bill of sale. In general, possession, especially long-term possession, is considered nine-tenths of the law.
EPIS expert Mr. Mike Hakimi, Managing Partner, and Private Investigator, emphasizes that assets can include money in banks, stocks, bonds, and even items like a new car with no lien. Everything one owns, from a bedroom set to a $750,000 home, is considered an asset.
Intangible Personal Property encompasses items such as patents, royalty agreements, promissory notes, contracts, accounts receivable, wages, or other income.
Assets for Collecting Judgments: If you have obtained a judgment but face challenges collecting the court-ordered sum, consider an asset search. Our experts recommend conducting this search before initiating a lawsuit to ensure the availability of assets if you win a judgment. Perform an asset search before taking possession of a vehicle or boat with a lien, as you may be liable for the lien.
Efficient Ways to Uncover Hidden Assets: Banks and Employment
If bank accounts are discovered, the court will enforce the provisions of your judgment. For instance, bank accounts with a matching SSN will be frozen.
Note: Many Americans have more than one bank account, insurance policy, brokerage account, and safety deposit box. An individual’s property and company records can be a valuable source of information about bank accounts, limited partnerships, and investments paying dividends or interest.
EPIS will conduct a detailed asset search to find out where people are banking. However, if they are adept at hiding assets, they may place them under their sister’s name or someone they trust, making ownership challenging to prove. It is much easier to determine where a person works. Their wages can be garnished, a task efficiently handled by our surveillance department. Note that salaries and wages are considered assets. If you have obtained a judgment in court, a writ of garnishment can be issued to collect the debt.
Successful Asset Search & Recovery Cases Handled by EPIS
A major corporation faced a $3.7 million judgment against its former investment advisor, who claimed no assets. Empire Pacific Investigative Services, Inc. located the subject in Balboa Island, CA, residing in a luxurious coastal residence with a yacht. After extensive database research, EPIS identified the owner of the rented residence and discovered that the subject had prepaid several months’ rent using a check from a foreign bank account. EPIS identified financial affiliations, stocks, bonds, mutual funds accounts, and immediately initiated freeze proceedings as per the client’s outside counsel.
A Fortune 500 corporation held a $1.2 million judgment against a subject in a construction contract dispute. Empire Pacific Investigative Services Inc. located various assets in the subject’s name, including a safe deposit box registered under the subject’s youngest son attending an out-of-state university. The client’s attorney obtained an order to open the box, revealing significant assets such as bonds, gold, diamonds, and a substantial amount of cash.
Asset Research Definition
Any item of economic value owned by an individual or corporation, especially that which could be converted to cash. Examples include cash, securities, accounts receivable, inventory, office equipment, real estate, a car, and other property. On a balance sheet, assets are equal to the sum of liabilities, common stock, preferred stock, and retained earnings.
From an accounting perspective, assets are divided into the following categories: current assets (cash and other liquid items), long-term assets (real estate, plant, equipment), prepaid and deferred assets (expenditures for future costs such as insurance, rent, interest), and intangible assets (trademarks, patents, copyrights, goodwill).
This definition assumes that:
- The asset will indeed generate a positive contribution for the entity – i.e. the service potential will be realized.
- The asset possesses a value that can be measured reliably.
- The estimated value is above the minimum amount specified in a recognition threshold.
Non-current physical assets are tangible assets with a useful life beyond the current accounting period, typically one year.
Non-current physical assets differ from inventory items because inventory items are ‘consumable’ (used up, expended, have a limited life, are sold), or fall under the recognition threshold for the category.
The term ‘service potential’ refers to the usefulness of a resource to an entity in achieving its objectives. It represents the benefit to an entity from utilizing a resource. Assets provide the means to meet objectives.
EPIS Los Angeles Metro | Testimonials
“We were extremely impressed by your speed and professionalism throughout and will not hesitate to use your services again in the future.”
– David, H. • NY
“We were very pleased with your efforts and the presentation was excellent. It was especially useful that you kept us up-to-date with progress.”
– Richard W. • FL
“May I thank you and your organization for the most excellent and professional way in which you have dealt with this matter.”
– Jasmine H. • CA
“Once again, thank you for all of your hard work and your professionalism. Our company and our employees are now safer, moral is much higher and everyone feels better knowing you found the thief and allowed us to fire her and have her prosecuted.”
– Ethel B. • AZ
“EPIS did a superb job! They were able to obtain excellent photographic evidence, both inside a dimly lit restaurant and outside at night. Their work leaves no doubt as to the nature of the relationship between the two targets of the investigation.”
– Tatyana W. • CA
“Thanks for all your help. I will stay in touch and gladly use your service again. Because of your help, the truth finally came out…”
– Ana G. • CA
“I am pleased to recommend EPIS to anyone who might benefit from their services. Recently, my wife and I were having difficulties after 16 years of marriage. A former colleague of hers began aggressively pursuing her. I retained EPIS to learn what was going on. They responded quickly and professionally. They provided timely feedback and were always able to adjust to my schedule, even on short notice. Because of the thorough, professional work of EPIS, I was able to learn exactly what was and was not going on.”
– Tucker B. • CA
“EPIS was able to locate the men who ripped off my elderly parents and guided the police to them. We owe you far more than the money we paid for your services. God bless.”
– John H. • CA
Los Angeles Metro Areas Served
We are able to serve clients anywhere in the country and routinely work with clients from the following areas:
Burbank
Downey
El Monte
Glendale
Inglewood
Long Beach
Norwalk
Pasadena
Pomona
Santa Clarita
Santa Monica
Torrance
West Covina
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Asset Searches
What is an asset search, and why might I need one?
An asset search is a thorough investigation to identify and locate an individual or business’s assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and more. You might need an asset search for various reasons, such as judgment recovery, divorce proceedings, business transactions, or legal disputes.
How does EPIS conduct asset searches?
EPIS utilizes a combination of public and private databases, investigations, and legal expertise to uncover hidden assets. We employ a multi-phase approach, ranging from basic database searches to in-depth investigations, ensuring comprehensive and accurate results.
Can EPIS help in recovering assets after a judgment?
Absolutely. EPIS specializes in judgment recovery and can assist you in enforcing court-ordered judgments by locating and freezing the debtor’s assets, including bank accounts and valuable possessions.
What types of assets can be identified through EPIS asset searches?
Our asset searches can identify a wide range of assets, including but not limited to bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments, and even hidden or offshore assets. We aim to provide a complete financial profile of the subject.
How long does an asset search typically take?
The timeframe for an asset search can vary based on the complexity of the case. Basic searches may yield quicker results, while more thorough investigations may take additional time. EPIS is committed to providing timely and efficient services.
Is my request for an asset search confidential?
Absolutely. EPIS prioritizes client confidentiality. Your request and all related information are treated with the utmost discretion and privacy. We adhere to strict ethical standards and legal guidelines in all our investigations.
Can EPIS conduct international asset searches?
Yes, EPIS has the capability to conduct asset searches on an international scale. Our network and resources allow us to trace assets across borders and jurisdictions.
How can I initiate an asset search with EPIS?
Initiating an asset search with EPIS is simple. You can contact us through our website, via email at epis0007@gmail.com, or by calling (310) 657-3747. Our team will guide you through the process and discuss the details of your specific case.
What sets EPIS apart in the field of Asset Search and Recovery?
EPIS stands out due to its extensive experience, skilled investigators, and a commitment to utilizing cutting-edge methods and technology. We tailor our approach to each case, ensuring personalized and effective asset search and recovery services.
Can EPIS help with business-related asset searches, such as due diligence investigations?
Certainly. EPIS has expertise in conducting asset searches for business-related purposes, including due diligence investigations. Whether you’re considering a business merger, investment, or legal action, we can provide valuable insights into the financial worth of individuals or entities.
Next Steps | Contact EPIS in Los Angeles Metro Today
Ready to take the next step in uncovering hidden assets or recovering judgments in the Los Angeles Metro? Contacting Empire Pacific Investigative Services (EPIS) is simple, and your path toward financial clarity begins now. Addressing asset-related concerns demands a skilled investigative partner with a proven track record. Contact EPIS today to initiate your asset search or recovery process. Let us guide you through the steps and bring clarity to your financial objectives.
