Bellingcat

Bellingcat is an independent investigative research network that specializes in the use of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and social media to uncover critical global stories and reveal injustices.

Bellingcat brings together researchers, investigators, and citizen journalists who focus on analyzing open sources such as social media profiles, videos, satellite images, and other information available online. The network has distinguished itself through spectacular investigations, including the investigation of the downing of the Malaysian passenger plane MH17 over Eastern Ukraine, the uncovering of the identities of the alleged perpetrators in the Skripal case, and the tracking of Russian secret agents in the poisoning attempts of Alexei Navalny and other opposition figures[3][5].

Bellingcat's mission is to show ordinary citizens how they can uncover injustices and hold the powerful accountable. The founder, Eliot Higgins, emphasizes the importance of credibility and transparency. Bellingcat aims to create facts and expose problematic issues, with truth-finding at the forefront[1][4].

Bellingcat is strongly committed to promoting open source research methods and offers training and guides so that journalists, human rights activists, and the general public can learn and apply these methods. The network operates the Global Authentication Project (GAP), which harnesses the power of the open source community to promote a network of volunteer investigators. Bellingcat's Justice & Accountability unit demonstrates the effectiveness of online open source information in legal proceedings[3].

Bellingcat works closely with international media organizations and investigative authorities to solve crimes and promote the rule of law. Partnerships with organizations like "The Insider" in Russia have led to significant revelations and show that open source intelligence can be effective in exposing state intelligence services and other powerful actors[1][5].

Bellingcat utilizes advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to find leads for their investigations, always with healthy skepticism and the necessity to confirm results through other means. This approach ensures the reliability and verifiability of the researched information[4].

Bellingcat has established itself as a central player in the field of investigative journalism, notable for its innovative use of open source intelligence and its efforts towards transparency and accountability. By sharing its methods and fostering a global community of researchers, Bellingcat contributes to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in uncovering truths.

• 1 - https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/bellingcat-recherchen-101.html
• 2 - https://de.bellingcat.com/uber-uns/
• 3 - https://www.bellingcat.com/about/who-we-are/
• 4 - https://www.persoenlich.com/medien/es-reizt-mich-fakten-zu-schaffen
• 5 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellingcat