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As salaamu alaikum Beloved Ulema & Asatiza,
I had a quick question - really praying Inshallah that I may receive a quick answer.
 
Would it be permissible to hire a Private Investigator to:
1. Follow/do surveillance of a potential spouse while they are in public to ensure that they are not involved in something haraam? for eg. frequenting  haraam venues. I recall the relation of a sahabi hiding and observing a spouse candidate from behind bushes until he was satisfied. This is just to ascertain if the person is fit for marriage purposes only. Any thing discovered would be kept completely confidential - will be very discreet - intention is not to expose someone's faults. 

2. To perform a background check to ensure they have not been married before, do not have a criminal record via public records etc. I have heard of one too many cases where this sort of information was suppressed and only came to light after marriage! 
I understand the prohibition of peaking into someone's home and the general prohibition of spying on people. But I am not sure the acts above would constitute spying.
May Allah swt continue to reward you.

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