Tracking a Belarusian Spy: An OSINT Case Study #
This article details the process of using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) techniques to locate and track the movements of Tomasz Szmydt, a Polish judge who fled to Belarus and is suspected of collaborating with Belarusian intelligence services.
Key Takeaways:
- OSINT techniques are powerful tools for investigating individuals and events. The author used a variety of open-source resources to track Szmydt's movements in Belarus, including social media posts, online maps, satellite imagery, and video analysis.
- Specific details in images and videos can be used to triangulate location. This can include identifying unique landmarks, street signs, restaurant names, clothing details, and even reflections in glasses.
- A combination of tools and techniques is often needed for successful geolocation. The author used Yandex Search, Google Street View, EO Browser, and Mapillary to verify Szmydt's location in different scenarios.
Key Concepts and Techniques:
- Image Analysis: Analyzing details in photos and videos to identify potential landmarks and clues. This includes looking at background objects, text in images, and even reflections.
- Reverse Image Search: Using online search engines to find more information about images. Yandex Image Search, Google Image Search, and Tineye are popular options.
- Satellite Imagery: Utilizing services like EO Browser to access and analyze satellite images for identifying specific locations and validating information.
- Geospatial Analysis: Using mapping tools to track movement and identify potential locations of interest. Tools like Google Maps, Yandex Maps, and OpenRoute Service are helpful in this process.
- Social Media Analysis: Analyzing social media posts to identify location clues, patterns of behavior, and connections to other individuals.
Top Quotes:
"The main tool for searching for anything on the internet is search engines. Although the most popular of them is Google, in the case of scouring the "eastern" internet, the Yandex search engine will be more suitable."
"In the case of finding a location, searching by image might make you want to use it right away. However, it may sometimes lead you to the wrong places and make you waste your time."
"A picture is worth a thousand words."
Summary of Techniques:
- Identifying Key Elements: Look for specific details in photos and videos, such as street signs, restaurant names, and clothing features
- Using Online Tools: Utilize Yandex Search, Google Street View, EO Browser, and Mapillary to further investigate those elements.
- Looking for Patterns: Examine social media activity and image/video content for potential patterns in behavior and location.
Action Steps:
- Practice OSINT techniques. Use the techniques outlined in this article to analyze images, videos, and social media posts.
- Become familiar with OSINT tools. Explore resources like Yandex Search, Google Street View, and EO Browser to learn how to use them effectively.
- Develop a systematic approach to OSINT investigations. This includes identifying objectives, gathering data, analyzing findings, and documenting results.
Additional Information:
- The article is accompanied by a map detailing the author's findings on Szmydt's movements in Belarus.
- The author also mentions a Discord server called "Zaufanej Trzeciej Strony" (Trusted Third Party), where users can practice OSINT skills.
Concluding Remarks:
This article showcases how OSINT tools can be used to track the movements of individuals and uncover potential connections or activities. The author highlights the importance of combining multiple techniques and utilizing different resources to conduct thorough investigations. While this specific example involves a suspected Belarusian spy, the methods applied can be used for a variety of OSINT investigations.