Elena Garrett at Russian-Detective

[viking]

Anybody know what happened here? Her site seems to be down. She was a great resource and her site had a lot of good scammer info on it.

[BillyB]

Send a PM to Maxx. He has her phone number and may be able to get in contact with her to find out if she's still in business.

[Bruno]

Anybody know what happened here? Her site seems to be down. She was a great resource and her site had a lot of good scammer info on it.

The server was attacked in the end october... the forum is always working : http://russiandetective.forumup.org/

more explain at http://russiandetective.forumup.org/about1323-russiandetective.html , last post

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 11:52 pm    Post subject:     Reply with quote
I have another announcement concerning the main web site being down.

As you may or may not know, I am RD's web designer, and me and my husband are in the middle of buying a house and relocating right now, plus my midterm exams are just a week away, so as a result I am not sure I will have time to take care of restoring the main site until after my midterms (closer to Thanksgiving). I will do what I can to get it up sooner, but until then I guess we will just have to use the forum.

I apologize for the inconvenience, folks!

If you currently have an open case with RD, please send me a PM, or and email (or both), in case you have not heard from us in a few days. We are continuing with all the cases.

Bruno, RWD detective 

[viking]

Bruno, you are good.

[Fiorella]

Elena Garret is a scammer and it was proven by russian press.

[Admin]

Elena Garret is a scammer and it was proven by russian press.

Fiorella,

I removed the unnecessary insulting comment you made above.

On your point about the Russian press proving Elena Garrett is a scammer - can you please provide substantiation? I am interested in seeing that - and I know others would be interested as well. In fact, it might be nice if you could help us with translation, since it is probably written in Russian.

Are you willing?

Thanks,

- Dan

[Maxx2]

Russians do not like it known that there is a need for her business in their country. Also this business of RW wanting to emmigrate out of Russia is also another uncomfortable fact for them. Hense the bad press about her and about this whole business. Personally I have used E.G's services on a few occasions and she did well for me. I know the same for others I have refered over to her. I know in my case everything was legitiment because I was furnished details about my case that only a 'hands on' person being there could get. Details that only I knew about.

Maxx    

[Fiorella]

Dan, I can't find a link to the article, it was publication in one our biggest newspapers about detective scam.

Here is the discussion about this article on antidate,
http://forum.antidate.org/index.php?showtopic=2121

also on stop-scammers
http://www.stop-scammers.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=439
and the letter of norwegian man who was scammed by detective:
http://forum.lillavilla.com/index.php?showtopic=91&hl=

This is an article http://mac.kp.ru/daily/23609.3/46550/

After this publication someone pretending to be mr. Matiushin, wrote to the autor from some woman email with threats to come to the office and that "he" will file actions against the newspapaers. He will invited to come and tell his point of view. But as expected nobody did come.

Also this kind of investigation is illegal in Russia. But it is possible to find illegal databases of telephone numbers and addresses, so anyone can pretend to be "a detective". But nobody garantee that datas from these bases and real things corresponds eachother.

[Admin]

Dan, I can't find a link to the article, it was publication in one our biggest newspapers about detective scam.

Here is the discussion about this article on antidate,
http://forum.antidate.org/index.php?showtopic=2121

also on stop-scammers
http://www.stop-scammers.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=439
and the letter of norwegian man who was scammed by detective:
http://forum.lillavilla.com/index.php?showtopic=91&hl=

This is an article http://mac.kp.ru/daily/23609.3/46550/

After this publication someone pretending to be mr. Matiushin, wrote to the autor from some woman email with threats to come to the office and that "he" will file actions against the newspapaers. He will invited to come and tell his point of view. But as expected nobody did come.

Also this kind of investigation is illegal in Russia. But it is possible to find illegal databases of telephone numbers and addresses, so anyone can pretend to be "a detective". But nobody garantee that datas from these bases and real things corresponds eachother.

Fiorella,

Thanks for the reply.

I do not know Elena - although Maxx, who posts here for a very long time seems to think she is honest.

Here is what I know about Ukraine - and what I have advised others when they inquired about using a Private Investigator:

* In Ukraine, the only authorized investigation service is the SBU (former KGB)
* Anyone who seeks to conduct an investigation will run afoul of the SBU, and will encounter MAJOR resistance. How do I know? A little story:

Back in the late 90's, when I first began traveling to Ukraine for business - I met several local marriage agency owners. It became pretty apparent that guys would be interested in some kind of 'assurance' about the girls they corresponded with - so I met with a few people who are highly-placed in the Ukraine military, and the Kyiv Militsia. They did some inquiring to see what might be possible, since it represented a potentially lucrative business opportunity. Those guys, some of whom are VERY powerful men, came back to me and told me in no uncertain terms that venturing into that business would result in someone getting "hurt" - or worse. They made it clear that the current authorities would NOT look favorably upon ANYONE making incursion into their authority, for any reason.

* Next, there are few central sources of data in Ukraine like there are in the West. Take for example medical records. While they are supposedly protected in the US - they simply do not exist, in most instances, in Ukraine. Same with employment records. Same with education records.

* About the ONLY possible investigative work which *might* be safe, and fruitful, to conduct would be tapping into the Babushka network of gossipy old women who haunt the grounds near where the girl lives.

* Even then - how can you trust the investigator to provide factual information? What is to prevent them from approaching the gal, and telling them they have been engaged to make a report - and asking for a few $$ to produce a good report? The extortion potential increased dramatically when an "investigator" knows a girl is conducting relations with a foreign man.

All things considered, my conclusion (and advice) is that the hiring of an investigator is a dubious endeavor - at best. It is likely to NOT produce reliable results - and may easily create an environment in which the very object of your desires is now subject to extortion of various sorts.

Anyway - just my view on things - and I could easily be wrong.

- Dan

[viking]

There are a number of sites that offer 'background' checks to determine if the woman you are speaking with is a real person or not, lives where she says she does, get a phone number and some other things that are not too hard to find out. I think it is sometimes who you know that counts. In my case the agency I used was most helpful, the data accurate and saved me some real grief.

I have, in the past, sought some advice from Elena and found her to be honest and upfront.

[BillyB]

I've read Elena Garrett's posts in RW forums. She never seemed like a fanatic who's paranoid about scammers but she did seem professional and genuinely concerned about helping her clients find a good woman or avoid the bad ones. Elena has even taken criticism from Andrew with him accusing her of being in a sleazy business since she's a private detective. Elena remained calm and answered any criticism elegantly. Elena has also defended some RW in her own forum from fanatic men who are quick to accuse a RW of being a scammer.

[Jack]

A little about this back-ground and detective work being discussed.

First, as Dan mentioned, in Ukraine it is illegal for a Ukraine or foreign  citizen to investigate another Ukraine citizen. I found this out the hard way a few years ago when we were watching the comings and goings of a lady that a man was engaged to and he was concerned she might be seeing another man. While watching the ladies flat from a distance the police pulled beside our car, got out, asked what he was doing and he told them. Nope, we were told, can't do that, it's illegal. We didn't get in trouble but was told to leave.

In Russia it's a different story. In Russia the almighty dollar, or ruble, can do wonders with respects to getting information and finding out things.

Almost every week we are doing sometype of investigative work for clients in Russia or Ukraine. Yes, even in Ukraine. You know, it's not illegal to wait on someone at there flat or work if your trying to deliver them flowers or candy or a gift. And we do deliver a lot of flowers in Ukraine  .   

Three days ago we uncovered a major scam coming out of Omsk. It involves the female owner of a marriage agency. Right now I cannot go public because one of the guys who got scammed is heading back to pick-up an expensive engagement ring. I suggested he NOT go to get this, to just chalk this up as a learning experience but he is determined to get the ring back. He confronted the agency owner with the proof of the scam, the agency got busted and they know it. In an attempt to buy his quietness, not to tell anyone, she agreed to give back the engagement ring. Again I think it's risky but he's determined to do this.

What would you think if you could read some of your girlfriends e-mails?  Maybe she is, maybe she is not writing other guys. It's quite amazing some of the tools available for detective work in the FSU.

[Gator]

What would you think if you could read some of your girlfriends e-mails?

If I could read them, I think nothing.  If I did read them, I think I would be a loser.   There is no upside. 


Instead, I suggest taking the time to know your woman.  There is no substitute for time.

[Jack]

Yes Gator, one of the several secret's to success, one of the ways to avoid getting scammed "taking the time to know your woman". Agree 100%.

Now Gator in your opinion, what percentage, and just take a wild guess, curious as to what your figure might be, what percentage of men who get engaged, or get married, really take the time to know their woman?

[Gator]

Jack asked Gator, ...what percentage of men who get engaged, or get married, really take the time to know their woman?

Rhetorical questions answer themselves. 

Because of geographic separation, having to work, etc., most men do not have the time that they would normally take with an American woman.   So they take much less time with a woman who comes from a different culture and who probably converses in 5-word sentences. 

And if I had limited time I would probably choose the prettiest woman and hope I am lucky with regard to warm personality, kind heart, happy spirit, good family, consistent values, compatible goals, similar interests, commitment to the relationship, communication skills, noble ethics, etc.  And I would enter marriage with high hopes and low expectations.  And I would do my best and I would be willing to accept the downside consequences.

But is reading her email the answer for not having time?  What comes next?  When does the spying end? 

Almost all of the women I met seemed courageous and adventurous.  It took courage for them to leave their rotten husband and gain independence (they did not have the protective divorce laws of America). 
They seek a better life and a better man.  The good woman will create a little world with her man and not let anyone enter it from outside.  Whether a woman is such is something a man should be able to feel.  And if he does not feel it - move on.  And if he feels it in a short time and he thinks he knows women in general and himself in particular - go for it.

Russia is a skeptical society.  And the women are naturally suspicious, frequently because they have been betrayed.  The answer IMO is to build trust, not destroy it with one's own unbridled suspicions, unwarranted jealousies, and the like. 

If I felt a need to spy, I certainly would be unhappy with my relationship.  To me it sounds like something a control freak would do.  And when does the spying end? 

I think it is best to vow that I will never do it and hope for the best, rather than do it and thereby diminish the honesty of the relationship. 

[Mir]

I agree with Gator.
I think one has to be balanced.
If one is developing a relationship with FSU woman then it is justified to make any inquires that confirm that she is real and not an established scammer.I think this can be achieved in most cases without PD etc. If there is doubt then move on.Once there is a one on one relationship with a woman spying on her to find out if she sees anyone else is possessive and jealous behaviour.
As Gator says:'Once it starts when will the spying stop?'
'Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?(Who will guard the guards?)'

[wiz]

I think one has to be balanced.

If one is developing a relationship with FSU woman then it is justified to make any inquires

Of course you have to make enquiries about her sincerity.

I think this can be achieved in most cases without PD etc.
Once there is a one on one relationship with a woman spying on her to find out if she sees anyone else is possessive and jealous behaviour.

Yes there is an easier and cheaper way.......

No it is not possesive or jealouse to keep an eye on her activities but not go over the top. Just a discreet observation.

How would you feel if you were in my position when I received the private message from another man that she was talking and organising a meeting during her Xmas holiday in UK with me?

I am sure you would have dumped her but I knew about her naivety and her chances of meeting somebody else without my knowledge, were extremely limited. Now she lost even that smallest chance to do so, because breaking my harsh conditions means only one thing and I am not a control freak, just keep an eye on my backside!

[Mir]

I might have dumped her or might have did what you did.Each case/situation is different and needs different approach/decisions.
Receiving a message means nothing unless the information in it is true(as it is stated).
Does she have the means to keep an eye on your activities?
Has she promised to you that she will not talk to anyother man(and vis versa)?
And: Even if you are married to her/any other woman.Would you try and keep an eye on her activities?

[Kvinna]

Has she promised to you that she will not talk to anyother man(and vis versa)?
And: Even if you are married to her/any other woman.Would you try and keep an eye on her activities?

seems it's called stalking

[ScottinCrimea]

Before I came to visit my wife for the first time I asked her for specific information such as phone numbers, place of employment, etc.  Then I called the Athena Agency which was just down the road from her because I knew that there would be someone there who spoke English.  They graciously agreed to call these numbers to confirm them and then when my wife to be showed up at their office asking why they were calling her family and work, they were able to confirm that the woman I was seeing in the pictures was really her.
     After my first visit, I knew I was falling hard for this woman and didn't want to let myself get any deeper unless I was assurred of her sincerity.  I found a detective agency in Kherson who agreed to conduct surveillance on her for a week for $300.  I got daily reports and weekly photos.  Unfortunately, they weren't discreet enough and she figured it out after 3-4 days, and we still laugh about this now.  She says that actually she was flattered to think I would go to such lengths to check her out.
   Initially I mistook her reticence to talk about her past with having something to hide, which wasn't the case at all, and I would check up on her in various ways, but she always passed with flying colors.  Now I have total trust in her and even being away from her for a few months as I am now, I have absolutely no worries about her faithfulness.
     While some here may disagree with my methods, it was what I needed to feel secure in moving forward.  And as for getting to know her well, I spent one year writing to her, then had four 10-14 day visits with her over the next year, then spent over a year living with her before we got married.  I must say that part of this was her need to feel secure about me as well.

[Jack]

Scott their are many men who feel the same way as you do.

With regards to you having total trust for this woman my opinion is this. When you find a good Russian woman you can trust her to the very end.

Yea Russia, Ukraine, have some bad women, as does every country in the world, but it is a much smaller percentage compared to what we have with American women. Again for those who might want to argue this fact it is only my opinion based on meeting, knowing, a lot of Russian women.

[Fiorella]

You guys like so much to put your curious hands deep into women's very private life including her medical records but you scream so loudly that it violate your human rights when it comes to IMBRA law!

[Jack]

Fiorella, the medical records of a lady (OR MAN) coming over is a government requirement.

Not sure about the human rights aspect you speak of, but from a constitutional point of view we have some rights violated.

[Gator]

SPYING ON A WOMAN IS BULL $HIT!

Who believes that the following is good for your relationship?

http://www.remotespy.com/lover_spy.php


Wiz, 
You should have said goodbye.  I know from your long “Dilemma” story that you are really attracted to this woman, yet her planning to meet someone else is really bad and frankly it fits everything else you have said in your roller coaster ride.   Two people happy with each other do not meet other people.   Wiz, if you like turmoil and melodrama, you should be very happy.  However, some of us appreciate spending our energy and emotion in more productive ways with women who love us unconditionally for what we are, women who are happy just to be with us, and women who value trust. 

Kvinna,
It is not stalking.  Stalking is about domination games and harassment.  Stalking is really bad as it causes fear.

In contrast, spying is not trusting someone who perhaps is trusting you.  It is not stalking.  It is not jealousy.  It is not having the confidence in one’s own self.  Worse, it is betrayal of trust. 

IMO, spying is somehow related to focusing on scam behavior, whether by men or by women.   This is "negative" although perhaps not as negative as spying.  Good people get scammed/used by bad people all the time.  Good people cry a little tear, not for themselves but for the bad people who are missing so much good in life.  And good people move on, a little wiser, but still filled with hope.

Scott,
I appreciate your honesty in revealing what you did.  I like your story; you seem like a well adjusted person.  Frankly you confession surprises me.  Perhaps you took these steps because of past hurts with other women (and we have all endured broken hearts).  I imagine (or hope) that you felt bad afterwards when the truth became known – the truth being that she was totally into you and trusted you.  And I think your woman is indeed a very understanding woman who somehow viewed your spying as just a weak moment on your part when you were trying to reconcile your doubts in this strange adventure.  And I hope you realize that you are a lucky man, not because she is pretty and sexy, but because she removed the defensive walls around your heart and let your heart sing so much that you share your happiness with others.  If you had not done the spying, I think you would be with her today.

RWD Men,
Let me ask you, who would you rather be with:

1.   A woman who passed your covert surveillance for a specific time period?
2.   A woman who you felt did not need surveillance at any time?

I would think we would choose the latter.  This is complete trust.  Trust is a special bond between two people, and it can not happen by the actions of just one person.  It takes two, and if one person is not completely trusting the bond is not strong. Both people must be truthful and forthright, and both must believe in the other.  Unless we are sick in the head, we want this complete trust as much as love.  In fact, true love and trust are very much related.

Sorry if I am incoherent tonight.  I have been out tonight with my golfing buddies and perhaps the bartender over served me.  I returned home and thought I would chat with the RWD men about something that I really enjoy – romance with a good Russian woman.

Finally, I must admit that I too have felt the compulsion to spy.  It was a negative feeling and I am happy that I did not follow up.   

[ScottinCrimea]

Thanks for your post, Gator.  A lot of my insecurity about the whole thing had to do with the way that we first got together.  I talked about this in the intro forum.  Another woman was using her photos for a scam so the first person I was writing to was not my wife but this other woman.  When I finally met my wife, she didn't know what I had been told so she was afraid to speak openly about some things and some things she did say didn't jive with what I had heard before.  She was afraid that if I knew the truth I would be angry.  Once she finally told me everything it was a big relief and I understood the inconsistencies that had been fueling my suspicions.