⚠️ Disclaimer: This case study represents a composite of real-world TSCM investigations conducted by The Grafton Group’s Technical Services Division (TSD). Names, locations, and company details have been fictionalized to protect confidentiality. The threats, methodology, and outcomes reflect actual counter-surveillance work.
CASE STUDY
TSCM Sweep Reveals Surveillance Threat Inside a Corporate Merger War Room
What began as suspicion of leaked negotiations led to a covert discovery that changed the course of a $220 million merger.
When a major real estate firm in Jacksonville suspected its confidential merger strategy was being leaked, their attorneys called in The Grafton Group. Our Technical Services Division (TSD)—operating under FloridaTSCM.com—launched a full-spectrum TSCM sweep of their executive offices and meeting environments. What we uncovered confirmed their worst fears—and stopped a corporate breach in progress.
Client Profile:
Name:
“Summit Holdings Group” (Fictional)
Type:
Commercial Real Estate Development
Location:
Jacksonville, Florida
Case Type:
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM)
Threat Level:
High — potential financial sabotage during confidential merger
The Situation
Summit Holdings was in the final stages of acquiring a competing development firm—a $220 million strategic move that had been tightly guarded inside their boardroom and legal offices. But over the course of three weeks, sensitive details from their negotiations began appearing in competitor filings and press leaks—information that had only been discussed in secure strategy sessions.
Initially, executives suspected internal miscommunication or human error. But as the timing and specificity of the leaks escalated, the possibility of deliberate espionage could no longer be ignored. Despite full internal audits by their IT department and legal counsel, no digital trail emerged to explain the breach.
The stakes were too high for guesswork. With reputational risk mounting and potential SEC scrutiny on the horizon, the board approved immediate escalation. The suspicion quickly turned to electronic surveillance. Grafton’s Technical Services Division (TSD) was contacted for a rapid, discreet TSCM sweep to protect the integrity of the deal—and identify the source before irreparable damage occurred.
The Challenge
The client’s executive offices were spread across two buildings and included multiple hybrid meeting spaces and shared access points. Because the merger process involved legal, financial, and political stakeholders, any interruption or misstep could damage the deal—or attract unwanted media attention.
Our work needed to be surgically precise, completely discreet, and admissible for internal legal action if necessary.
How our Technical Services Division Responded
FloridaTSCM.com’s field team deployed within 24 hours, operating as the Technical Services Division of The Grafton Group. Over the course of two nights, we completed a full-spectrum sweep of:
- Boardrooms, executive offices, and remote conferencing gear
- Connected devices, including smart TVs, VoIP systems, and HVAC control panels
- Secure areas such as mail rooms, IT closets, and secondary access points
- Two executive vehicles used for offsite meetings
Advanced techniques included RF spectrum analysis, thermal imaging, non-linear junction detection (NLJD), acoustic leakage testing, and forensic inspection of routers and access points.
What We Discovered
Two covert surveillance devices were discovered:
- A voice-activated digital recorder hidden inside a desk lamp in a shared conference room—camouflaged inside a replacement power cord adapter
- A Bluetooth beacon embedded in the casing of a soundbar speaker connected to a video conferencing system, transmitting short-range pairing requests to nearby mobile devices
Additionally, our RF scan revealed multiple unauthorized Wi-Fi access points broadcasting from a closet area shared with a neighboring suite—used as a likely digital handoff relay.
The Outcome
Our team provided a full forensics chain-of-custody report, including time-synced data logs, signal activity maps, and physical device imaging. The client was able to:
- Safely remove all compromised equipment
- Present technical evidence during internal legal proceedings
- Reset negotiation protocols with confidence in their secure environment
- Complete the merger without further interference
Estimated Loss Avoided: $6M–$12M in deal disruption, competitive sabotage, and reputational damage
Client Perspective (Fictionalized)
“Without The Grafton Group and their TSD team, we’d still be chasing shadows. They found the breach, documented it, and helped us protect the most important deal of our year.”
— L.K., Chief Strategy Officer, Summit Holdings (name changed for privacy)
Trust is Earned. Privacy is Engineered.
When the stakes are high, privacy isn’t a feature—it’s a defense strategy. The Grafton Group’s Technical Services Division (TSD), operating via FloridaTSCM.com, offers advanced TSCM services for legal teams, executives, and corporations across Florida.
Contact Tim O’Rourke today for a confidential TSCM consultation.
Our specialists find what others miss—and secure what matters most.
Call (813) 658-9438 | (727) 648-3510 | (954) 353-8904 | (407) 374-8721 or Request a Private Consultation
FAQs
Explore answers to the most common questions about our investigative services.
How do I know if my boardroom or office has been compromised?
Unexplained leaks, sudden shifts in competitor behavior, or media access to confidential information are red flags. If discussions held in private begin surfacing externally, it’s time to consider a TSCM sweep.
What makes The Grafton Group’s TSD different from an internal IT audit?
Internal teams focus on digital systems and may lack training in covert hardware detection. Our Technical Services Division (TSD) uses military-grade equipment and advanced counter-surveillance methods—including RF spectrum analysis, NLJD, and thermal imaging—to detect physical and electronic threats others miss.
Can surveillance devices be hidden in common office equipment?
Yes. Many devices are disguised inside everyday items—lamps, chargers, speakers, HVAC controls. In this case, one was found inside a desk lamp adapter and another in a conference soundbar. That’s why visual checks alone are never enough.
What happens if you find a device during a sweep?
We follow strict forensic protocols to preserve evidence. You’ll receive a full incident report with timestamps, signal data, imagery, and legal documentation to support internal or legal proceedings. We also advise on immediate remediation steps and re-securing communications.
Get the Answers You Need Today
Contact us now to discuss your case and find out how our investigative services can help you uncover the truth.