Private intelligence in the Republic of Slovenia: theoretical, legal, and practical aspects

Abstract

The article explores elements of private intelligence in the Republic of Slovenia (hereinafter Slovenia) using a combination of theoretical, legal, and practical aspects. The theoretical aspects define and explain intelligence through its fundamental elements and concepts. These fundamental elements are then further utilized in the context of legal aspects to identify the main private intelligence actors in Slovenia. Finally, the practical aspects of private intelligence were researched with an online survey among companies dealing with private detective investigations, private security, information security, and security consulting. The exact spread and impact of private intelligence and counterintelligence in Slovenia is definitively not easy to assess. However, an analysis of legal framework and findings from online survey suggest that there are identifiable but limited elements of private intelligence and counterintelligence, with the latter primarily limited to passive protective measures, mostly performed by private detectives and private security companies. Although it is likely difficult, further research of corporate use of intelligence and counterintelligence in Slovenia would be needed.