Historical Website (2011)

The original PJL Investigations website featured Flash animation with a distinctive steampunk aesthetic. This recording captures the website as it appeared in February 2011, recovered via the Wayback Machine.

PJL Investigations website circa 2011 — Flash animation with audio (79 seconds)

Service Overview

TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures) was the flagship service of Lynch Investigations & Countermeasures, representing the "Countermeasures" component of the company name. This specialised discipline involved the systematic detection, location, and neutralisation of technical surveillance threats including covert listening devices, hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and compromised telecommunications.

Over 23 years of operation, Lynch Investigations conducted TSCM sweeps for more than 200 clients across Australia and internationally. Clients included corporations concerned about industrial espionage, legal firms protecting client confidentiality, government contractors maintaining security clearances, and private individuals facing harassment or domestic surveillance situations.

The service was delivered by Peter Lynch, who held TSCM certification from Countersurveillance Australia and the National Intelligence Research & Training Centre (NIRTC), complemented by extensive training in computer spyware countermeasures (CSTSCM) and information security (CISM, CISA, CISSP certifications).

Technical Capability

Lynch Investigations maintained professional-grade TSCM equipment capable of detecting surveillance devices across the radio frequency spectrum from DC (direct current/baseband) through to 75GHz as standard operational capability. Extended detection to 325GHz was available on client request through the use of harmonic mixers and horn antenna systems.

Spectrum Coverage

The 75GHz standard capability encompassed all commonly encountered surveillance transmission frequencies including VHF, UHF, cellular bands, WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), and millimetre-wave frequencies used by advanced covert systems. The extended 325GHz capability addressed emerging threats in the sub-terahertz range.

Detection Methodologies

TSCM sweeps employed multiple complementary detection methodologies to ensure comprehensive coverage of potential threats:

RF Spectrum Analysis: Broadband scanning to identify active transmitters, including burst and spread-spectrum devices
Non-Linear Junction Detection: Identification of electronic components regardless of operational state, detecting devices that were switched off or dormant
Physical Inspection: Systematic examination of premises, furniture, fixtures, and infrastructure for concealed devices
Telephone Line Analysis: Testing of POTS, ISDN, and VoIP systems for series and parallel taps, infinity transmitters, and hook-switch bypasses
Thermal Imaging: Detection of heat signatures from active electronics concealed within walls, ceilings, and objects
Acoustic Leakage Testing: Assessment of sound transmission through walls, windows, HVAC systems, and other potential acoustic paths

Equipment Portfolio

Lynch Investigations invested in professional-grade TSCM equipment from recognised manufacturers including Research Electronics International (REI) and other specialist suppliers. The following equipment formed the core of the TSCM capability:

OSCOR Blue — 24GHz Spectrum Analyser

The OSCOR Blue from Research Electronics International represented the primary broadband RF detection platform. This portable spectrum analyser provided continuous coverage from 10kHz to 24GHz with automatic signal detection, classification, and geo-location capabilities. The OSCOR platform could identify and characterise RF transmissions including analogue and digital signals, frequency-hopping devices, and burst transmitters.

Manufacturer: Research Electronics International (REI), USA

ORION 2.4 — Non-Linear Junction Detector

The ORION 2.4 NLJD detected electronic components by transmitting a microwave signal and analysing harmonic responses from semiconductor junctions. This technology identified surveillance devices regardless of whether they were transmitting, switched on, or even connected to power — making it essential for detecting dormant or remotely-activated bugs. The ORION could locate devices concealed within walls, furniture, and structural elements.

Manufacturer: Research Electronics International (REI), USA · RRP: $20,249 AUD (2009)

CPM-700 Deluxe — Broadband RF Detector

The CPM-700 Deluxe provided broadband detection capability with multiple probe options for different applications. The system included RF detection probes for wireless transmitter location, telephone line analysers for detecting series and parallel taps, and acoustic probes for identifying carrier-current devices. The modular design allowed rapid reconfiguration for different sweep scenarios.

Manufacturer: Research Electronics International (REI), USA

HP 8562A Spectrum Analyser

The HP 8562A provided extended frequency coverage beyond the OSCOR platform. When configured with external harmonic mixers and horn antennas, this equipment extended detection capability to 75GHz as standard operational range, with potential extension to 325GHz for specialised applications involving millimetre-wave and sub-terahertz surveillance threats. The portable chassis with integrated display allowed field deployment for on-site sweeps.

Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard / Agilent Technologies, USA · Extended capability with mixers and horn antennas

TSCM Sub-Services

Electronic Sweeping

Comprehensive RF spectrum analysis to detect active wireless transmitters including audio bugs, video transmitters, and data exfiltration devices. Sweeps covered the full spectrum from baseband through millimetre-wave frequencies.

Physical Inspection

Systematic examination of premises, furniture, fixtures, electrical outlets, telecommunications infrastructure, and structural elements for concealed surveillance devices, modified equipment, or evidence of tampering.

Telephone Analysis

Testing of landline, ISDN, and VoIP telephone systems for wiretaps, series and parallel taps, infinity transmitters, hook-switch bypasses, and compromised handsets or PBX equipment.

CSTSCM — Computer Spyware

Computer Spyware Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures addressed software-based threats including keyloggers, screen capture malware, remote access trojans, and data exfiltration tools on workstations and mobile devices.

Acoustic Leakage Testing

Assessment of sound transmission pathways through walls, windows, doors, HVAC systems, and other structural elements. Identification of vulnerabilities to laser microphone, contact microphone, and passive acoustic collection.

Security Risk Management

Post-sweep reporting with threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, and recommendations for ongoing protection. Reports suitable for compliance, insurance, and legal purposes.

Client Sectors

TSCM services were provided to clients across diverse sectors, each with specific confidentiality and security requirements:

Legal Practices: Protection of legal professional privilege and client confidentiality in sensitive litigation and commercial matters
Corporate: Safeguarding boardrooms, executive offices, and meeting spaces from industrial espionage and competitive intelligence gathering
Government: Maintaining security clearance requirements and protecting classified or sensitive information. Conducted post-visit TSCM sweeps for Australian Government facilities following dignitary visits, swept witness protection units for Australian Government organisations, and provided TSCM services to WHS regulatory organisations of the Australian Government.
Financial Services: Protecting trading floors, deal rooms, and client meeting spaces from information leakage
Private Clients: Addressing domestic surveillance, stalking, harassment, and family law matters involving covert monitoring
High-Net-Worth Individuals: Residential sweeps, vehicle inspections, and personal security assessments

Client Testimonials

"Expert and conscientious are two words that describe Peter Lynch's investigative and TSCM Debugging Investigation abilities. It's rare to find a PI like Peter who can single-handedly and capably perform Electronic Countermeasures, Forensic Accounting and Corporate Due Diligence services. I will continue to rely on Peter Lynch from Lynch Investigations & Countermeasures Pty Ltd for assistance whenever my projects require efforts in Australia."

Wendy Thanisch

United States

2006

Great Results Expert Good Value

"Peter is a very keen enthusiast and professional in his field. He is passionate about his work, detailed in his reports, prompt, responsive, of the highest integrity and very well qualified in numerous fields related to the Investigation and Security Industries."

Warren Mallard

Lyonswood Investigations & Forensic Group

2008–2009

Great Results Expert High Integrity

TSCM Credentials

Peter Lynch held the following qualifications relevant to TSCM service delivery:

TSCM — Electro Audio Surveillance Countermeasures

Countersurveillance Australia / NIRTC

2002
Computer Spyware Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures (CSTSCM)

Robert Pac / Specialist Training

2009
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Career Academy

2015
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Career Academy

2015
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Career Academy

2009
Advanced Diploma in Security Risk Management

Australian Institute of Public Safety

2003

Industry Memberships

Lynch Investigations maintained membership in the following professional bodies relevant to TSCM and security services:

BECCA: Business Espionage Controls & Countermeasures Association
ASIAL: Australian Security Industry Association Limited
AIPD: Australian Institute of Private Detectives

Media Recognition

ABC PM — Anthony Pelicano Case

December 2008 · Presenter: Mark Colvin · Reporter: Barbara Miller

When Hollywood "private eye to the stars" Anthony Pelicano was convicted on 78 charges including wiretapping and racketeering, ABC Radio sought Australian industry commentary on the case. Peter Lynch was interviewed as an expert on the distinction between illegal wiretapping and legitimate TSCM counter-surveillance services.

"There has been the odd occasion when I'll be with a client and they have discussed their needs to have wire-tapping services provided. We definitely don't provide wire-tapping services, knowing that it is highly illegal to do so.

We only ever provide a technical surveillance countermeasure debugging investigation service which involves searching, sweeping and detecting wire taps and bugging devices."

— Peter John Lynch, ABC PM Interview, December 2008

The Pelicano case highlighted the critical difference between offensive surveillance (illegal wiretapping) and defensive TSCM services (detection and protection). Lynch Investigations operated exclusively on the defensive, lawful side of this distinction.

TSCM — Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures