CAT Investigators, founded by Afia Sengupta, an experienced investigative journalist and legal expert, is a premier New York State–licensed private investigation firm built on one principle: find the truth. With over a decade of experience spanning criminal defense law, investigative journalism, and private investigations, Afia offers comprehensive expertise tailored to each case. Backed by seasoned professionals Ryan Campbell and Georgina Medina, CAT Investigators delivers tailored investigative solutions with speed, precision, and discretion.
From Midtown Manhattan, we support legal teams, businesses, and individuals nationwide — offering customized consultations and ensuring every case is handled with integrity, respect, and proven results.
Capabilities & Track Record
🔍 Rapid, Tailored Intelligence Delivers custom background and criminal record reports in minutes, meeting urgent deadlines with client-specific solutions.
🔍 Advanced Investigative Tools Uses graphical tracking, associate mapping, location analytics, and discreetly monitors adverse media and legal developments.
🔍 High-Profile Case Support Aids in federal and criminal defense cases and major investigations involving political figures and corporate executives.
🔍 Specialized Financial & Crypto Investigations Performs asset tracing, forensic reviews, and investigates fraud, scams, and compliance breaches across industries.
🔍 Comprehensive Domestic & Legal Investigations Handles sensitive family, financial, and corporate cases, uncovering hidden assets and personal histories for legal needs.
Afia Sengupta is the founder, firm administrator, and managing director at CAT Investigators, bringing over a decade of experience in private investigations, legal advocacy, and investigative journalism. With a career advancing human rights, constitutional protections, and women’s rights, Afia has built a reputation for uncovering the truth and championing those whose voices are often overlooked.
Drawing from her extensive background in criminal defense and litigation support, Afia has contributed to significant victories in high-profile cases, including the landmark Blackwater trial, an espionage investigation, and a major real estate fraud case. Her work bridges legal strategy and investigative storytelling, empowering clients to navigate complex legal systems and driving critical conversations around social justice. Afia’s investigative and leadership skills have led to multimillion-dollar settlements, successful habeas corpus petitions, and pivotal legislative critiques.
Based in New York City, Afia’s career has spanned several major legal markets, including time at a top defense firm in Washington, D.C., clerking for Hon. Judge Robert E. Larsen in Missouri, and collaborating with international law firms and human rights organizations across Zimbabwe, the UK, Poland, and India. In addition to leading CAT Investigators, she directs a nonprofit media platform, advocates for underrepresented communities, and continues to amplify social issues through journalism, research, and public speaking.
Ryan is an experienced attorney and investigative journalist with a decade of expertise in trademark, copyright, IT transactions, criminal defense, family, and immigration law. He provides litigation support for criminal investigations at CAT Investigators and works as a staff attorney at Current Affairs Times.
As the co-founder of DRM Capitol Group, he champions immigrant and LGBTQ rights, contributing Op-Ed articles on immigration, gun laws, and legislative matters.
Ryan actively engages in public speaking, managing multimedia political campaigns, and volunteering at legal aid clinics. He has previously litigated for political asylum seekers in immigration courts with the Council of People’s Organizations.
Georgina Medina is the paralegal and office manager for CAT Investigators and Current Affairs Times. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a minor in Legal Studies from Lycoming College. During her time there, she was actively involved in student organizations, including the Student Senate, and held officer roles in the Gender and Sexuality Alliance and Latin American Student Organization.
Manuel Desmangles Derenoncourt, Director of Operations and Investigations
Manuel Desmangles Derenoncourt is the Director of Operations and Investigations at CAT Investigators, where he plays a key role in conducting investigations for litigation support, background research, and complex case development. With a sharp investigative eye and strong organizational leadership, he drives fact-finding efforts critical to the firm’s success.
At CAT Investigators, Manuel works closely with attorneys, senior investigators, and clients, overseeing active investigations while coordinating daily operations to support the firm’s investigative mission and organizational effectiveness. He is deeply involved in evidence gathering, source verification, and case reporting, ensuring that each investigation meets the highest professional and ethical standards. His ability to manage sensitive information, coordinate field activities, and adapt under pressure strengthens the firm’s operational and investigative capabilities.
Currently enrolled at Richmond American University London, a private international university, Manuel is pursuing a degree in Political Science with a concentration in Military Studies. His academic and professional paths are guided by a long-term commitment to justice, with aspirations to serve as a field investigator specializing in war crimes, human rights violations, and international criminal investigations.
Manuel’s work reflects a disciplined and proactive investigation approach, combining tactical fieldwork with a deep understanding of global justice systems. His commitment to uncovering facts, protecting integrity, and advancing accountability drives his impact at CAT Investigators.
Real Client Testimonials
Discover how we’ve empowered clients through expert investigations.
“Afia has not only supported me throughout but done an amazing job. She has been patient, very dedicated, filled with compassion. I have known Afia for over 5 years now. She’s hardworking and very efficient. She is very knowledgeable and follows up on every detail. I highly recommend Afia and her team.”
Dorota Fusaro
“My name is Anthony Gibson and I highly recommend Afia Sengupta and Ryan Campbell. I had a serious case and those two together made my situation and my life much better. I’m highly satisfied of the outcome and the service and communication was more than appreciating. I highly recommend to any and everyone to hire them they are great professionals not just good ones.”
Anthony Gibson
“I hired Afia and Ryan to represent me in a case of crypto fraud. I wasn’t even sure that I had been defrauded by a scammer until they did their research into forms of fraud. They contacted Telegram, Bakkt, Coinbase and Bank of America until I got my money back. They also charged very reasonable rates with a fair payment plan and stayed on top of my needs as a client.”
Elizabeth Tharakan
“I would like to start off by saying Ms. Sengupta is the most caring, kind hearted professional I have ever met! Afia has gone above and beyond to find my brother help and there could never be enough words to describe the amount of respect and gratitude I have for her. She has helped my brother so much through this past year, she has gotten him into what I would say is the best place my brother could now be in. Just when you thought her day was over she would call late nights to talk about my brothers case, it showed me she cared and really wanted the best outcome for my brother. She is by far the best Lawyer you could have in your corner. Thank you so much Afia!”
