Bug Sweeping: Process and Cost of a Professional Inspection

If you suspect you are being listened to, you want to know two things: what an inspection involves and what it costs. This guide answers both plainly. We don't use scare tactics, and we don't make promises that no serious provider can keep.

When a bug sweep makes sense

Technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM, called Lauschabwehr in German) are worth it when confidential information has real value or when there are concrete warning signs:

• Negotiations: acquisitions, pricing talks, tenders, personnel decisions.
• Unexplained leaks: competitors or third parties know things discussed only in a small circle.
• Private conflicts: separation, divorce, inheritance disputes, with worries about the home, phone or car.
• People with elevated protection needs: business owners, public figures, families already using close protection.
• Moving in or after renovation: when outsiders had access to the premises for a long time.

A suspicion is not proof. The real cause often turns out to be something else, such as a compromised email account or someone in the know. That is why a structured, documented inspection beats guesswork.

The process, step by step

1. Confidential first conversation

Do not contact us from the affected room or from the phone that may be compromised. Use another device in another place. We clarify the reason, premises, floor area, vehicles and timing. Avoid mentioning the planned sweep in the suspected environment.

2. Quote and planning

You receive a written quote based on area and effort. We agree which rooms, lines and vehicles are checked, and when the sweep will attract the least attention.

3. On-site technical inspection

• Radio monitoring: searching for active transmitters and unusual signals.
• Non-linear junction detection (NLJD): locates electronic components even when a device is not transmitting or is switched off.
• Optical and thermal check: finding hidden cameras by lens reflections and heat signatures.
• Line checks: 230 V mains, Ethernet and telephone lines.
• Vehicle check: searching for GPS and GSM trackers.
• Physical search: sockets, power strips, smoke detectors, furniture and typical hiding places.

4. Written report

You receive a written inspection report that lists what was checked, the methods used, any findings and our recommendations.

5. If something is found

Do not destroy or remove a device yourself. It is documented (location, photos, condition), and then you decide whether to involve the police. In Germany, secretly recording private spoken words is a criminal offence under Section 201 of the Criminal Code (StGB). Covert imaging can fall under Section 201a, and data espionage under Sections 202 et seq. Rash action can destroy evidence.

How much does a bug sweep cost?

Room inspections cost €30–40 per m² plus VAT, including the written report. Where your price falls in that range depends on:

• Room type and furnishing: an empty office is quicker than a fully equipped conference room.
• Scope of line checks: number of power, data and phone connections.
• Additional objects: vehicles or further locations.
• Timing and discretion: e.g. inspections outside business hours.

You get the total in a quote before the appointment.

Honest note: no sweep can guarantee absolute certainty. It shows the situation at the time of inspection. If you hold sensitive talks regularly, consider recurring sweeps.

Meeting sweep right before your appointment

For important meetings we can sweep the meeting room immediately beforehand, which is useful for negotiations, board meetings or talks in third-party premises.

Combining bug sweeping with close protection

Our core business is close protection. Our founder Vadim Dischewski has worked in personal protection since 2008. For clients at higher risk we combine checks of home, office and car with protection of the person. See bodyguard cost for pricing. If a leak may come from within your team, a corporate polygraph test can be considered. It is voluntary, requires written consent, and is a supporting tool rather than evidence.

Bug sweeping in Hamburg

We are based in Hamburg and inspect offices, homes and vehicles in Hamburg and the surrounding area. Other locations can be discussed. Full service details: bug sweeping.

Confidential first conversation

Have a suspicion or an important meeting coming up? Book a free, confidential first conversation. Please don't contact us from the affected room or phone.