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Foglight Investigations

Truth. Discretion. Results.

Leading San Francisco Private Investigator Firm — Serving the Peninsula, Bay Area & California
F oglight Investigations is a licensed and insured private investigation agency in San Francisco, led by former San Francisco Police Department detective Art Tilis – bringing real law-enforcement expertise to private investigations across the Bay Area and throughout California. We provide discreet and effective investigation services for individuals, families, businesses, and attorneys – delivering evidence you can trust when answers matter most.

Led by Former Law Enforcement

Art has extensive field and intelligence experience from years with the San Francisco Police Department – translating into proven operational knowledge in every investigation.

His background includes:
 
  • Field Training Officer
  • Defensive Tactics Instructor
  • Terrorism Liaison Officer (FBI Clearance)
  • Intelligence Officer (Informant Development)
  • Impact Weapons Instructor
  • Planning of High-Risk Searches
  • Security for Major Events and Public Gatherings
  • Security Detail Work and Bodyguard Services
  • Working With Lawyers and District Attorneys

Art holds a Bachelor of Science degree from San Francisco State University and formerly played semi-professional baseball for 10 years.
He is fluent in English, Russian, Ukrainian, with moderate Spanish – serving diverse Bay Area communities with confidence and discretion.

What We Do

When You Need the Truth — We Deliver

As a trusted Bay Area PI, we provide confidential and results-driven investigations with the ability to deploy rapidly across California.

We specialize in:
  • Missing Persons & Witness Location Services – San Francisco & statewide witness investigations
  • Asset & Financial Investigations – hidden assets, fraud & divorce cases
  • Surveillance Services – covert monitoring throughout the Bay Area
  • Counter-Surveillance – bug sweeps & GPS tracking detection
  • Legal Case Support / False Arrest Investigations
  • Infidelity & Cheating Investigations – trusted private detective in California
  • Child Custody / Family Law Investigations
  • Bodyguard & Executive Protection Services – Bay Area
  • Background Checks & Due Diligence – nationwide checks available
Questions & Answers

Regular questions from first-time investigation clients

Yes. As a licensed California PI, confidentiality and legal compliance are guaranteed.

Absolutely. We support attorneys with evidence, reports, and expert testimony if needed.
Often the same day — after a free case evaluation and signed agreement.

A comprehensive investigation report with:

  • Photo/video evidence when applicable

  • Verified findings

  • Recommendations for next steps

Foglight Investigations

San Francisco’s trusted private detective agency

Serving the Peninsula, the Bay Area & the State of California.

Contact Us
Testimonials

Our clients choose us for reliability

Art and team at Foglight Investigations were extremely professional. They were upfront on potential risks, explained different options to collect information, had excellent communication, and all around provided exceptional services. For anyone requiring PI services, I’d recommend this team.

Google review

Alexander Antaris

This is a huge shout out to Art: Thank you for your guidance and support!
For everyone else: this man has a good heart, earnestly cares, and will go the extra mile for you.

Google review

Nicole Holt

Foglight’s asset investigation service helped me uncover hidden financial holdings in my divorce case. Their documentation was solid and helped my attorney take the next step.

Yelp review

Samer E.

Half Moon Bay, CA

We were very fortunate to have Art complete a professional investigation of a family member that passed away suddenly and left us with many unanswered questions. Art was able to put together all of the missing information we needed to have closure. Art was great in listening to all of our concerns, always very responsive, gave us recommendations, and gave us timely updates. A true pro and empathic person.

Yelp review

David L.

San Francisco, CA

Art is the best! I used his P.I. services at my last law firm for legal cases and he assisted me on a small claims lawsuit. He is highly professional, extremely cordial (plus has a wicked sense of humor), highly informative of all PI processes, and prompt in returning correspondence. His fees are also reasonable for the dedication & time he provides for clients. I would recommend him for any P.I. work. I’m pleased we’ve remained in touch as well on a friendly basis after he concluded his servies.Thanks so much, Art!

Google review

Jason Pfister

We have used Foglight Investigations many times throughout the last several years, and I can say with confidence:
They are reliable, professional, and very good at “quick thinking” under pressure. The team is ex law enforcement so they are very familiar with escalation protocols, and have educated me on such to always ensure we are giving the right directives, and never opening ourselves up to risk. I wholeheartedly trust Foglight, and strongly recommend them to anyone in need of PI or Security Contractor services.

Yelp review

Scott S.

Manhattan, NY
(415) 926-3440
foglightpi@gmail.com