A bug sweep in Toronto, also called technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM), is a structured inspection of a room, building or vehicle for hidden microphones, cameras and trackers. PiPro’s licensed investigators sweep boardrooms, executive offices, homes, condo units and vehicles across Toronto and the GTA, then give you a written report of what we checked, how we checked it and what we found.
People book a sweep for two reasons: a specific worry, or a high stakes moment where nothing can leak. Either way, the aim is the same. You get a clear answer about whether a space is safe to talk in, and you learn what to do if it is not.
When a bug sweep makes sense
- Confidential information keeps reaching the other side of a negotiation, a lawsuit or a hiring fight.
- A boardroom meeting, shareholder discussion, merger or sensitive hearing is coming up.
- You finished a renovation, moved into a new office, or gave contractors and cleaners wide access.
- A senior employee left on bad terms, or an insider threat is possible. See our guide to workplace investigations.
- You are going through a separation and the other person seems to know things they should not.
- You believe someone is tracking your car or monitoring your home, and you fear for your safety.
What we search for
A professional sweep looks for more than a stereotypical “bug”. We search for:
- Audio devices that transmit live or record to storage, including devices hidden in outlets, furniture, smoke detectors and power adapters
- Hidden cameras in clocks, vents, fixtures and electronics
- GPS trackers on or inside vehicles, bags and personal items
- Compromised network equipment, such as unexpected devices on a Wi-Fi network or rogue access points
- Telephone and conferencing equipment that has been tampered with or reconfigured
How a sweep works
Methods vary by space and risk, but a thorough sweep follows a clear order.
- Confidential consultation. We learn what you fear, who has had access, and what is at stake. If you suspect you are being listened to, call us from a phone that is not in the suspect space and do not discuss the plan in that room.
- Threat assessment and scope. We agree on the rooms, vehicles and devices to inspect, and we plan timing so staff and visitors are not alerted.
- Radio frequency survey. We scan the radio spectrum for unexpected transmissions and compare them with the normal signals in your environment.
- Physical inspection. We examine walls, ceilings, fixtures, furniture, electronics and wiring points, because a device that is switched off or records to storage will not appear on a radio scan.
- Network and device review. We check for unfamiliar devices, rogue access points and smart equipment that could capture audio or video.
- Specialized detection where needed. For high risk spaces, we extend the sweep with thermal imaging and tools that detect dormant electronics.
- Report and recommendations. You receive a written record of scope, methods, findings and practical steps to keep the space secure.
What a sweep can and cannot tell you
We want you to understand the limits. A sweep is a snapshot in time. It shows that a space was clear on the day it was inspected, not that nobody can install a device tomorrow. For sensitive locations we recommend repeat sweeps, tighter access control and a sweep right before the most sensitive meetings.
A TSCM inspection also does not replace digital forensics. If you suspect spyware on a phone or laptop, you need a forensic review of the device. We can tell you when that is the right next step.
If we find a device
If we find something, we stop and document it. We photograph the device in place, record its location and keep a chain of custody. We do not remove or tamper with it unless there is a reason to, because the device may be evidence. In Canada, intercepting private communications is an offence under the Criminal Code, so you may want to speak to a lawyer and consider a police report. We help you with the next step.
Where we sweep
Offices and boardrooms
Law firms, financial services, healthcare, technology and professional services firms across Toronto’s Financial District, midtown and the suburbs use sweeps ahead of board meetings and negotiations. Our corporate investigations team can pair a sweep with an inquiry into how information is leaking.
Homes and condo units
Shared walls, rental suites and building access make Toronto condos a common concern. We inspect the unit, the vehicle and the personal devices that go with it.
Vehicles
We check for GPS trackers and hidden devices under the vehicle, in the cabin, in the trunk and in the wiring points. If tracking is part of a controlling relationship, see our domestic violence investigation support.
Why hire a licensed Ontario investigator
Under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, people who investigate for a fee in Ontario must hold a licence. A licensed team works within the law, keeps your matter confidential and writes reports that can go to your lawyer. We also look beyond the device. If we find one, you will want to know who benefits from the information, and our wider security consulting work can help you tighten the gaps that let it happen.
Book a confidential bug sweep
Call 416-912-7755 from a phone you trust, or use our contact page. Pricing depends on the size of the space, the number of rooms and vehicles, and the level of risk, so we quote after a short confidential conversation.
