'I suspect he is having an affair': She helps find proof when spouses stray

In this new series, people from all walks of life offer an inside, often unfiltered, take on their livelihoods and what keeps them going in their job. In this installment, Ms Lim — a private investigator who cannot reveal her full name — talks to The Sunday Times.

- Sharon Salim

I am 24 and I am a private investigator who specialises in matrimonial cases.

My day typically begins with a call or text from a client with a request.

The opening lines are often rather direct, such as: "Are you able to check on my husband? Because I suspect he's having an affair."

She then goes on to describe a range of unreasonable or secretive behaviours, such as the husband repeatedly saying he has to work late, coming home at 3am, or hiding his phone and turning off the location features.

She provides us with a picture of her husband and who she suspects is the third party, and other information we need.

Do they drive or take the bus? What time do they get off work? Where is their workplace?

Work begins once we are able to gather information based on the client's knowledge of the spouse or the "subject" of investigation. Let's say she has seen her husband's booking for two plane tickets to Kuala Lumpur.

Sometimes, the client asks: "Can you follow him to the airport to see whom he goes with? Because he bought two tickets and I'm not one of the passengers."

Or if he usually ends work early on Tuesdays — but comes home late — then it becomes suspicious. So we will start from his workplace and follow him to see if he goes to a hotel, or if he takes another woman out for dinner.

HOW IT STARTED

Growing up, I used to play investigative computer games, watch TV shows and read fiction books related to crime or solving mysteries. For a long time, becoming a private investigator was a dream. It was not a goal I was working towards.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, with outside activities restricted, I spent time watching online videos of people who use their investigative skills for good, such as unearthing scammers.