IT Forensics · Car

Forensic investigation into the private use of company vehicles – forensically documenting the distinction between business and private journeys

In the case of company vehicles where private use is restricted or prohibited, digital vehicle data such as location and driving profile histories may be relevant in distinguishing between business and private journeys.

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This distinction is of considerable practical importance for both tax and employment law matters.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We analyse the available location and journey profile data for a company vehicle and provide support in distinguishing between business and private use in a manner that is verifiable through forensic analysis.

Typical areas of application

Distinguishing between business and private journeys
Support with tax authorities’ logbook audits
Resolution of employment disputes concerning personal use
Supplement to analyses of leasing and company car usage
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Collaboration with businesses and tax advisers

This is how an analysis of the private use of company cars is carried out

Once the data has been backed up, available location and journey profile data is extracted and analysed for potential private usage based on journey destinations, times and patterns.

Why is the analysis of private use relevant in a forensic context?

Digital vehicle data can provide objective evidence where a submitted logbook may be incomplete or inaccurate.

For both companies and employees, a thorough, impartial forensic analysis of this data can help to clarify the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does forensic analysis replace a logbook?+
No, it is used to carry out a retrospective plausibility check on existing information and data sources.
Is the analysis of location data for this purpose permissible under data protection law?+
This depends on the relevant legal basis and the company’s internal regulations, and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can every journey be clearly classified as either private or business?+
This is not always clear-cut; in borderline cases, the available evidence is assessed in the overall context.

LanCologne – Vehicle IT Forensics, Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic examination of the private use of company vehicles"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence in a manner that stands up in court, as well as in the transparent analysis of relevant vehicle artefacts.

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