COMP47420 Exploring Search Operators for Investigations Assignment 2026: Bing OSINT Operators and Case Exercise | UCD

This COMP47420 assignment tests practical open-source intelligence skills. Question 1 asks for a researched table of at least 12 Bing search operators with law-enforcement examples and a short comparison with Google; Question 2 is an OSINT case exercise in which you trace burial and family records for a 2012 Dublin case and show the search operators you used.

Submission Instructions

Answer both Question 1 and Question 2. Upload the assignment to Moodle as a PDF (maximum 3 pages) using the filename format COMP47420_StudentName_StudentNumber.pdf. A deduction of 10% applies to an assignment submitted in an incorrect format.

Question 1: Bing Search Operators for OSINT

While Google is the most commonly used search engine in OSINT investigations, Bing (operated by Microsoft) provides unique search operators and indexing behaviours that can uncover data not visible through Google Search. This assignment challenges you to explore Bing’s advanced search syntax and demonstrate how these operators can support investigative research, particularly in law-enforcement and intelligence contexts.

Task instructions

• Research and compile a list of at least 12 Bing search operators (for example, site:, filetype:, contains: and inanchor:).
• For each operator, provide a description of what the operator does and a practical example: a realistic search string showing how it might be used in an OSINT or law-enforcement context.
• Ensure that examples are relevant to investigations such as cybercrime, fraud, missing persons or corporate insider threats.
• Present your findings in a clear, structured table (see the example below).

Example format

Additional guidance

• You are encouraged to test queries in Bing and note differences compared with Google’s results.
• Highlight at least two operators that are unique to Bing and are not available in Google Search.
• Conclude with a short paragraph of 100–150 words summarising your findings: How does Bing differ from Google for OSINT use? What advantages or limitations did you notice?

Question 2: OSINT Scenario

Alan Ryan, RIRA leader (32 years of age), was shot dead in a north Dublin suburban street on the afternoon of Monday, 3 September 2012.

Scenario: A recent examination of an OCG member’s mobile phone reveals that a firearm and a quantity of drugs have been hidden under a plaque containing an engraving of a motorbike. Ryan is buried in a graveyard managed by Dublin Fingal County Council.

Using OSINT (open-source intelligence) techniques, complete the following tasks:

1. Build a family tree for Alan Ryan RIRA.
2. What is the name of the graveyard?
3. What was the date of his interment?
4. In which section is Ryan buried?
5. What is the grave number?
6. What was his religion?
7. What was his last place of residence?

NB: Include the Google or Bing search operators you used to find this information.

Postgraduate-Level Guidance (NFQ Level 9)

The UCD Postgraduate Certificate in Fraud and E-Crime Investigation is aligned with Level 9 of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), the same level as a Master’s degree. Students are expected to demonstrate a high standard of academic knowledge, critical analysis, independent research and professional application of the subject matter.

• The work should be clearly organised, logically developed and written in a formal academic style, supported by relevant academic literature, credible sources and appropriate evidence.
• All sources must be accurately cited and referenced using the required referencing style.
• Attention should be given to spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and consistency; headings, tables and figures should be clearly labelled.
• The submission should go beyond description and show critical engagement, evidence-based reasoning, independent thought and the application of theory to practical issues in fraud and e-crime investigation.