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Private Investigators: Regulation

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 8 June 2026UIN 1189

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which department is the lead for the regulation of the private intelligence industry.

Answered by Blair McDougall

Professionals working in the private intelligence industry are not regulated in law in the UK.

Professionals working in the private intelligence industry can opt to register with industry bodies such as the Association of British Investigators. Such bodies provide oversight of the sector and enable consumers to select providers that have been accredited and adhere to a code of ethics and behaviour.

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