Unraveling the Mystery: Is INSLAW Still Operating Today?

Unraveling the Mystery: Is INSLAW Still Operating Today?

Delve into the intrigue of American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders now available on Netflix. Explore the question: does the renowned software company INSLAW continue to exist in the present day?

American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders is a captivating new true crime docu-series from Netflix, directed by Zachary Treitz. The series delves into the mysterious death of journalist Danny Casolaro, whose investigation into a conspiracy known as ‘The Octopus’ may have led to his demise. Despite police ruling his death a suicide, his family and colleagues suspect foul play. This hidden organization is believed to be linked to stolen government spy software, a series of unsolved murders, and some major political scandals of the 20th century.

Years later, researcher Christian Hansen is determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding Casolaro's death and the story that led to his demise. Produced by Stardust Frames, Duplass Brothers Productions, and directed by Zachary Treitz, this four-part docuseries delves into a decades-old enigma.

As the docuseries is unveiled, there is a flurry of inquiries surrounding the fate of the company that initiated the inquiry, INSLAW. Here is what we can ascertain.

The Octopus Murders: Does Inslaw still exist?

Despite the controversy surrounding INSLAW, the tech company responsible for developing the case management software PROMIS, it appears that the company still exists. William "Bill" Hamilton, the founder of INSLAW, is currently listed on LinkedIn as the President of INSLAW, Inc. Additionally, a basic website for the company can still be found online, indicating that it is still operational.

INSLAW has established itself as the top vendor of case management software products in the United States for more than four decades. Its software is widely used by customers in both public and private sectors across the United States, Europe, and the Pacific Rim.

Footage of PROMISE as shown in American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders

Footage of PROMISE as shown in American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders

Netflix serves a diverse range of customers, including courts and prosecution agencies, law enforcement and correctional agencies, corporate and government law departments, claims litigation offices, and special investigation units of large property and casualty insurance companies.

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Hamilton, located in Potomac, Maryland, is listed as the key contact on the company's website.

INSLAW sparked journalist Danny Casolaro's investigation into a conspiracy theory known as "The Octopus." Casolaro stumbled upon this theory while covering a dispute between the Department of Justice and Hamilton for a trade magazine called Computer Age.

INSLAW created the software PROMIS (Prosecutors Management Information System) in the 1970s and ‘80s, with the intention of assisting prosecutors in managing their caseloads. This development is highlighted in the premiere episode of American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders.

The software initially provided functions like case tracking, scheduling, document management, and data analysis. Over time, PROMIS transformed into a versatile and advanced database system that was adopted by different government entities, including law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

PROMIS sparked controversy when the Justice Department awarded a $10 million contract to INSLAW in 1982 to install the case management software in US Attorneys’ offices nationwide.

Hamilton alleged that the DOJ did not provide the rightful payments to INSLAW. Additionally, there were accusations that intelligence agencies illicitly modified INSLAW’s software to include backdoors for espionage, resulting in legal disputes and congressional inquiries during the 1980s and ‘90s.

IN 1985, INSLAW declared bankruptcy. A federal bankruptcy judge ruled in favor of the company, accusing the Justice Department of unlawfully obtaining PROMIS software through fraudulent means. However, the ruling and subsequent multi-million-dollar compensation were later overturned on appeal.

Nevertheless, this case merely scratches the surface. According to Netflix, investigative journalist Casolaro stumbled upon a web of dark secrets when he delved into a dispute between the Department of Justice and Bill Hamilton. Little did anyone anticipate that this would lead him to uncover some of the most sinister tales of the 1980s.


Whistleblower Michael Riconosciuto, featured in American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders, is connected to the case. He submitted an affidavit stating that he was instructed to alter INSLAW's software to enable surveillance on foreign governments.

The streamer reveals that Riconosciuto claimed to possess knowledge of numerous covert government operations, which he shared with Casolaro and later with photojournalist Christian Hansen after Casolaro's passing.

In 1991, Riconosciuto was arrested on drug charges shortly after giving the affidavit, although he refuted the accusations. Despite his return to prison, Riconosciuto was ultimately released, and the documentary illustrates his ongoing communication with Hansen, providing enigmatic hints and intriguing details.

American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders is available to stream on Netflix now. 

Editor's P/S:

"American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders" delves into a labyrinthine tale of intrigue and potential foul play surrounding the death of Danny Casolaro. The article effectively captures the essence of the docuseries, highlighting the enigmatic nature of Casolaro's investigation into the shadowy organization known as "The Octopus." The involvement of INSLAW and the controversies surrounding their software PROMIS adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, leaving viewers with a sense of lingering doubt and curiosity.

The article's exploration of INSLAW's current status and the ongoing connection between whistleblower Michael Riconosciuto and researcher Christian Hansen adds further intrigue. The fact that INSLAW still exists despite the controversies raises questions about the true extent of their involvement and the possible cover-ups that may have occurred. Riconosciuto's enigmatic presence and his communication with Hansen suggest that the secrets surrounding Casolaro's death may still be unraveling. The article effectively sets the stage for the docuseries, leaving readers eager to delve deeper into the dark and twisted world of "The Octopus Murders."