Financial Intelligence Unit Jersey (FIUJ) has signed an agreement with Blackdot Solutions, to adopt its Videris platform for open source intelligence (OSINT) collection, analysis and reporting.
Blackdot Solutions is a provider of advanced intelligence and investigations software.
FIU is driving insight through open source intelligence after trialling Blackdot Solution’s Videris platform.
Director Jonathan Groom has spearheaded the transformation project to ensure the FIU is delivering the ‘INT’ in OSINT.
As part of Jersey FIU’s wholesale transformation project to address intelligence limitations, drive effectiveness, ensure efficiencies and deliver more valuable intelligence insight for stakeholders, the FIU reviewed OSINT platforms that assist in delivering financial crime-focused value-add.
The platform reportedly has to be usable and adaptable across tactical, operational and strategic deliverables.
The organisation has articulated that it is employing a systematic and understandable approach to research tasks and further intelligence development to negate the sporadic and random nature of searching the internet.
After reviewing a number of providers, FIU Jersey articulated that they were impressed by Blackdot Solution’s award-winning OSINT platform.
After a successful trial of Videris, FIU Jersey concluded that utilising the platform provided by Blackdot Solution demonstrated a significantly increased ability to enhance accuracy, deliver consistent searches and enable the research process more effectively and in a timely manner.
This is set to significantly increase the efficiency and accuracy of this function of the intelligence cycle.
FIU have highlighted that ultimately the technology, training and engagement changes are empowering ability to deliver enhanced assessment, analysis and insight to its various partners and stakeholders both locally and internationally.
Jonathan Groom, Director, Jersey FIU commented: “The FIU transformation is being conducted due to identified weaknesses and the aim is to ensure a suitable FIU for an International Finance Centre such as Jersey, where better global data and insight are critical.
“Intelligence is dependent on sources and the veracity and uniqueness of that data, alongside the human intelligence analysis, insight and assessment.
“Blackdot’s Videris platform is an important tool to enhance insight and we are delighted to work with them.
“An effective FIU, beneficial to the jurisdiction, requires knowledgeable people, robust processes, supportive partners, efficient technology and a wide range of valuable and verifiable sources.”
Groom continued: “The FIU re-launch event in February 2024 underscored our multi-pronged transformation approach. Intelligence isn’t just a word; it is a methodology that focuses on threat understanding and insight.
“The Videris platform allows us to undertake OSINT with a focus on the INT – ensuring there is a process and methodology in place – and be more dynamic, accurate and proactive.
“Being able to deploy the Videris platform is a significant step and provides the FIU team with the utility and flexibility we require.
“During the trial phase, we recognised the additional opportunities to integrate, expand and tap into a vast wealth of dynamic, up-to-date data from sources that intelligence analysts may not usually have access to, ensuring we do ‘access the widest range of sources’ in an effort to understand the illicit finance suspicions more clearly.
“We were also impressed with Videris’s expandability, which allows for APIs from other source platforms, meaning that the sources of information that can be added in the future can grow and be tailored to ease users’ requirements.”
Stuart Clarke, CEO, Blackdot Solutions added: “The opportunity for FIUs to make better use of OSINT is growing rapidly.
“From early conversations with FIU Jersey, it was clear that Jonathan and the team had a strong vision for using OSINT to enhance intelligence gathering.
“Videris is designed specifically to support that goal, enabling FIUs to integrate and analyse multiple sources efficiently and securely.
“Blackdot is well placed to help FIU Jersey and others, take full advantage of this approach as OSINT becomes increasingly central to combating financial crime.”
