Pirate Market: No End In Sight for the Piracy Boom
Straits of Malacca, Maritime Security Providers, New Women Pirate Gangs, Undiscovered Pirate Treasure, Pirate-Themed Teams, Sociology of Piracy
It is a sad fact of life that after a year the tsunami, pirate attacks have intensified in the Strait of Malacca. One explanation is that humanitarian aid was "monetized" (goods sold on the black market instead of landing in the hands of those who needed them), and "invested" (laundered by buying boats, guns, and other equipment for hijacking and commandeering ships). Hijacking ships is nothing new -- in The Outlaw Sea, William Langeweische describes how the attacks occur. Now, instead of small ships with a small team of highly effective pirates, there are now organized flotillas of highly skilled, heavily armed pirates. This is a complicated issue.
Chemical Tanker Hijacked in Malacca Strait - December 23, 2005: Oil tankers as well as any other tankers and ships carrying high-yield, easily sold goods are vulnerable.
Key Straits Get Hi-Tech Map - Dec. 20, 2005 - Japan Times: In an attempt to coordinate the efforts of security forces, Japan has developed a high-tech electronic map of the strait of Malacca
Pirates Attack Ship in Malaysian Strait - March 15, 2005 - Asian News. This was the second attack in the Malacca Strait following the December 26 tsunami, which some experts thought might have hurt the pirates.Piracy has long plagued the 885km-long waterway between Sumatra Island and peninsular Malaysia. Every year, the shipping lanes in the Malacca Strait are used by about 50,000 ships. The International Maritime Bureau recorded 37 pirate attacks in 2004.
Territory No Longer an Issue in Malacca Security Quest - Dec. 10, 2005 Jakarta Post Because of the severity of the problem, countries have put aside their sovereignty claims and have decided to band together to conquer piracy in the Strait of Malacca and other shipping "pinch points." This comes partially as a response to accusations that the sovereignty argument was a fairly transparent mask which attempted to conceal the corruption and the complicity of nations in the "informal" (that is to say, outlaw) activities.
Business Opportunity for Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Combat Veterans? Providing security and being able to use the most high-tech devices, as well as to come up with creative, cost-effective solutions could be highly valued. Singapore firms hire Gurkhas and commandos to protect ships as they pass through the treacherous straits. December 20, 2005. Article here.
Are you interested in providing security for ships at risk of hijacking and/or being pirated? Investigate port security; commercial vessel security. Do you have an affordable solution? It would not be a bad idea to start implementing it now. Develop a team and a set of standard operating procedures. Innovate. Develop unique techniques, equipment, approaches, surveillance. Can you beat Blackwater? Question: When you're looking for security training (homeland security, criminal justice, maritime), how do you tell the scams and "business opportunities" from legitimate, high-quality providers?
Women Pirates in History
Ann Bonny and company. I have to say that I recommend without reservation David Cordingly's Under the Black Flag. Granted, it romanticized history a bit, even as it debunks the "outlaw tales" so common to pirate history and lore. It certainly avoids the Disney and Hollywood traps. However, as one reads, it is important to keep in mind that he views the pirates as having an egalitarian counter to what he views as the grossly labor-exploitive system of mercantilism in the 16th through 19th centuries.
New phenomenon: To the Surprise of Law Enforcement: New "Modern Pirates" are Women... Frustrated with the atmospheres of their countries, and a neo-conservative attitude that requires women to wear long, modest coats and headgear, a certain percentage of women from conservative countries are leaving their homes to join pirate gangs, consisting of women.
Pittsburgh Pirates -- Will a maritime security company by the Pittsburgh Pirates? If I were one of the big ones, I'd think about it! Imagine if Blackwater Security owned the Pittsburgh Pirates ... the names even sound poetically resonant!! Blackwater Security site.
East Carolina
University Pirates
East Carolina
University Lady Pirates
Orlando Pirates (soccer) -- Official home page of the Orlando Pirates. It looks to me like they've been pirating the best players from the league! Who will stop them? Will they raid Paraguay? Check out Paraguay Futbol. Will they get Jose Luis Chilavert? He's a fantastic goal-keeper.
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Useful information released for general distribution:
AD Consultancy
Headquarters:
ADC House
P.O. Box 153
Sutton, Surrey SM3 9WF
United Kingdom
Tel: 0870 707 0074
Fax: 0870 707 0075
Website: www.adconsultancy.com
Email: security.services@adporta.com
Contact in Iraq:
Ian Grealey
Tel: 0870 707 0074
Email: ian.grealey@adporta.com
Description of Services:
Risk and threat assessment, close protection teams/bodyguards, asset protection,
secure commodity escort, travel and escort security, residential and premises
security, aviation security, maritime security, oil and gas industry security,
surveillance and counter surveillance.
AKE Limited
Headquarters:
Mortimer House
Holmer Road
Hereford HR4 9TA
UK
Tel: [44] (0) 1432 267111
Fax: [44] (0) 1432 350227
Email: services@akegroup.com
Website: www.akegroup.com
Contact in Iraq:
The Manager, AKE Baghdad
Tel: ( In Iraq) 07901 425 199, or in the UK + [44] (0) 1432 267 111
Email: akebaghdad@akegroup.com
Description of Services:
Hostile regions training, reduced personal insurance rates, the services of
security risk specialists, location security audits, personal security reviews,
body armor, medical audits, equipment, assistance and evacuation; political,
security, intelligence and cultural briefings, subscription-based online secure
database of security, risk and intelligence information, including twice-weekly
Iraq security briefings.
ArmorGroup
Headquarters:
25 Buckingham Gate
London
SW1E 6LD
Tel: [44] (20) 7808-5800
Fax: [44] (20) 7233-7434
Email: info@armorgroup.com
Contact in Iraq:
Mark Carruthers
Tel: [44] (20) 7808-5800
Email: mcarruthers@armorgroup.com
Description of services:
ArmorGroup operates in 40 countries worldwide and is a leading international
risk management, security services, mine action, and information service provider.
In Iraq we currently have offices in Mosul, Baghdad, and Basra, and on-going
operations throughout the country. They provide major corporate and government
clients in Iraq with risk assessment and management, close protection, manned
guarding, technical security systems, and mine action services (mine clearing
and unexploded ordnance disposal). ArmorGroup supports the Joint US/UK Government’s
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, and subscribes to the Code
of Conduct of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. ArmorGroup
is a United Nations approved provider, and is ISO 9001:2000 certified. ArmorGroup's
Baghdad office is not able to deal with job applications. All applications must
be accompanied by a current CV/resume and sent to: jswaggerty@armorgroup.com
(US residents), or sdaniels@armorgroup.com (UK residents and other nationalities).
Control Risks Group
Headquarters:
83 Victoria Street
London SW1H OHW
United Kingdom
Tel: [44] (20) 722 1552
Fax: [44] (20) 7222 2296
Website: www.crg.com
Email: james.blount@control-risks.com or criraq1@control-risks.com
Contact in Iraq:
James Blount, Country Manager
Tel: 1-914-822-9502 (NY number but person is located in Iraq)
Thuraya: +8821621158121
Email: james.blount@control-risks.com or criraq1@control-risks.com
Description of Services:
Control risk is a leading international business risk consultancy with 28 years
experience of supporting more than 5,300 clients in over 130 countries. They
currently have an office in Baghdad providing major governmental and corporate
clients with a range of services, including security management, discreet armed
protection, and information support.
Custer Battles
Headquarters:
3959 Pender Drive
Suite 109
Fairfax, VA 22050
Tel: [1] 703-385-1121
Fax: [1] 703-385-2177
Email: cbaumann@custerbattles.com
Website: www.custerbattles.com
Contact in Iraq:
Brig. General Charles Baumann, Director
Tel: [1] 914-360-9223
Email: cbaumann@custerbattles.com
Description of Services:
Security services, life supports, construction, logistics, transportation, and
personal security details.
Diligence Middle East
Headquarters:
1275 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: [1] 202-659-6210
Fax: [1] 202-659-6210
Email: kjosey@diligenceiraq.com
Website: www.diligencellc.com
Contact in Iraq:
Ken Josey, Country Manager
Tel: [1] 914-822-9746 (NY number rings in Baghdad)
Email: kjosey@diligenceiraq.com
Description of Services:
Diligence Middle East is the Middle East subsidiary of Diligence LLC, a global
information and security services firm. In Iraq, Diligence provides risk advisory
consulting, competitive due diligence, close protection, site security, and
security escort services for multiple international clients and CPA contractors.
Edinburgh Risk and Security Management
Headquarters:
International Operations
DAFZA
P.O.Box: 54659
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Email: info@edinburghrisk.net
Tel +971 4 299 06 06
Contact in Iraq:
Operations Director
Street 15 House 12
District 215
International Zone
Baghdad
Iraq
Email: Iraq@EdinburghRisk.net
MCI: +1 914 360 5900
Iraqna: +964 7901 417176
Description of Services:
Edinburgh Risk provides consultancy, training and physical services (management,
logistics and security) aimed at facilitating business operations in high-risk
environments. With a strong client-based focus, Edinburgh Risk is able to act
as an 'in house' security provider and business advisor that provide a superior
level of service, tailored to your individual needs.
Through applying our extensive knowledge and capabilities to individual risk and business management issues, our objective is to work side by side with our clients to support and facilitate their business operation and provide strategic solutions that will remove any obstacles to effective management. Our aim is to protect our clients people, assets and reputation; and in turn provide them with the freedom to explore the opportunities that are available for their business. We do this through careful planning and accurate threat assessment and by ensuring that client staff are fully aware of the risks of the environment in which they are operating.
Erinys Iraq Limited
Headquarters:
16 Zukak 18
601 Emerat Mahla
Al-Mansour
Baghdad, Iraq
Tel: +873763692882
Email: opsbaghdad@erinysinternational.com
Website: www.erinysinternationa.com
Contact in Iraq:
Michael Hutchings
Tel: +873763692882 or +96447901921231
Email: CV@ErinysIraq.com
Description of Services:
Expatriate and Iraqi security services supported by nationwide radio and voice/data
satellite communications. Services include managed guard forces, personal protection
services, convoy protection, key point, and area security. Company is structured
in 3 regions and 12 sectors with expatriate managed offices in each sector.
Genric
Headquarters:
Hereford House
East Street
Hereford, UK HR1 2LU
Tel: [44] 1432 379083
Fax: [44] 1432 370786
Website: www.genric.co.uk
Email: nick.duggan@genric.co.uk
Contact in Iraq:
Nick Duggan
Tel: [44] 7919 478484 or [965] 904-8217/8257
Email: nick.duggan@genric.co.uk
Description of Services:
Genric provides global security solutions to corporations in the form of risk
assessments, plans and policies for kidnapping, evacuation, crisis management
and general security guidelines, physical provision of armed escort teams for
personnel and convoys, security managers, occupational health, Technical Surveillance
Counter Measures (TSCM), defensive driving, personal, asset and property protection.
Offices in the UK, Slovakia, Serbia and the Philippines. A secure facility has
been established outside Basra, which provides: armed site security 24/7, air
con accommodation, air con offices, 4x4 armored and non-armored vehicle hire
or purchase, service and parts center, generation hire or purchase, communications.
Global Risk Strategies
UK Offices:
Tel: [44] (0) 207 491 7492
Website: www.globalrsl.com
Email: ops@globalrsl.com
Contact in Iraq:
Description of Services:
Working together with the U.S. government, United Nations, and key commercial
clients to provide significant security, logistics and facilitation services
in post conflict Iraq. A country wide network of specialist teams, communications
and logistics assets have been established, headquarted in Baghdad, to assist
with immediate humanitarian aid and reconstruction projects in the Aviation,
Oil, Banking and Infrastructure sectors. Further to this, there are now GLOBAL
Close Protection Teams working in support of the Ministries of the Coalition
Provisional Authority.
Group 4 Falck A/S
Headquarters:
Panchwati
82-A, Sector 18
Gurgaon 122016 (Haryana)
India
Tel: [91] 124-2398888
Fax: [91] 124-2397131
Website: www.group4falck.com
Email: reg.office@group4falckmesea.com
Contact in Iraq:
Abrahem Ghazarian
Tel: 919811768800
Fax: 971508131680
Email: brahem@group4falckmesea.com
Description of Services:
Guarding services including static guards, patrol guards, close protection,
control room guards, and air marshals (armed and unarmed). Technical and security
systems solutions. Physical security and design. Cash services (armed vehicles)
with trained crew to transfer cash and valuables. Provide ATM services, wage
packaging and distribution. Cashing sorting. Ambulance services (vehicles and
professional staff). Firefighting services (vehicles, products and professional
staff). Prisons and prison management. Global solutions. Facility management
and training services.
Hill and Associates, Ltd.
Headquarters:
2604-9 Harbour Center
No. 25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong King
Tel: [852] 2802-2123
Fax: [852] 2802-2133
Email: info.ae@hill-assoc.com
Website: www.hill-assoc.com
Contact in Iraq:
Richard Hancock, Director
Operations - Middle East
Tel: [971] (4) 211-5447 (Dubai) or (65) 6322-2558
Thuraya: 882-162-1100-133
Email: Richard.hancock@hill-assoc.com or richancock@hotmail.com
Description of Services:
Hill and Associates are a risk management consultancy company with ten years
of experience supporting Fortune 500 companies in Asia Pacific and the Middle
East. They currently have offices in Kuwait City, Dubai and Baghdad focused
on providing clients in Iraq with a range of services, including: executive
protection, information services and security audits.
ICP Group Ltd
Headquarters:
2 Old Brompton Road
London SW7 3DQ
United Kingdom
Tel: [44] (0) 207-591-4411
Fax: [44] (0) 207-584-1460
Email: iraq@icpgroup.ltd.uk
Website: www.icpgroup.ltd.uk
Contact in Iraq:
Will Geddes or Andy King
Tel: [44] (870) 464-1000 (UK number that rings in Baghdad)
Email: iraq@icpgroup.ltd.uk
Description of Services:
ICP Group Ltd is an international threat management company servicing many international
organizations including the corporate, industrial, financial, telecoms and pharmaceutical
industries. With representation country-wide since Desert Storm (1991), ICP
Group Ltd have provided security support and services to many major multi-national
companies, NGO and government agencies. Providers of high-quality and competitively-priced
protection services, security equipment, logistics management and liaison services,
ICP Group Ltd can ensure that you are provided with an effective and efficiently
managed security solution for short, mid and long-term engagements. Services
include: close protection/bodyguards (static and mobile), secure accommodation,
armored vehicles, personal protection equipment, field operations supplies,
due diligence, risk assessment, audits and project evaluation/analysis, medical
services, hostile environment training, specialist insurance coverage (through
Lloyds of London), crisis management, and business continuity services and evacuation
support and services. ICP Group Ltd protection employees are only either former
British and US Special Forces or Elite Forces personnel.
ISI
Headquarters:
Baghdad Conference Palace
Mansour, Baghdad
Tel: [1] 914-360-2492
Email: omarhadi@hotmail.com
Contact in Iraq:
Omar Hadi
Tel: [1] 914-360-2492 or [1] 914-822-7707
Email: omarhadi@hotmail.com
Description of Services:
ISI Iraq is a part of the ISI Group and is the only security company to provide
24 hour Iraqi security guards to the CPA "Green Zone". All guards
are trained by the U.S. army, vetted through "local knowledge" and
have been a valuable asset to the American troops at the convention center in
Baghdad. ISI also provides guards for residences, offices, and also do low key
protection work for foreign nationals. All guards provided to foreign nationals
have proficient English, and invaluable local knowledge, military or police
backgrounds as well as British and American training. ISI has also been involved
in due diligence, providing information for foreign and domestic companies through
a network of personalities, companies, and families throughout Iraq. ISI's senior
management includes experienced military personnel mostly ex-special forces
from both the US and UK. ISI provides turnkey accommodation solution for foreign
companies and press, in low key locations around Baghdad, providing and vetting
all members of staff, 24 hour security as well as other complimentary support.
Security services include: manned guarding, close protection work, site surveys,
turnkey accommodation, and provision of commercial intelligence and due diligence,
translators and drivers. Commercial services include: representation, construction,
turn key 'camps', transportation within and in and out of Iraq. ISI has existing
joint venture agreements with both US and UK established security firms.
Meteoric Tactical Solutions
Headquarters:
6 Meteor Road
Valhalla
Pretoria, South Africa
Tel: [27] 12 651 3402
Fax: [27] 12 651 3402
Email: Juanitavr@bestmed.co.za
Contact in Iraq:
Lourens Horn (Louwtjie)
Tel: 914-360-3113
Email: louwtjieh@hotmail.com
Description of Services:
Specialized training programs, VIP protection, asset protection, risk management
and analysis, even management, asset recovery.
Meyer & Associates
Headquarters:
P.O. Box 1800
Joshua (DFW), TX 76058
Tel: [11] 817-426-1199
Fax: [11] 817-558-4868
Website: www.meyerglobalforce.com
Email: gdesmith@meyerglobalforce.com
Contact in Iraq:
Tim Meyer or Gary DeSmith
Tel: 1-817-401-8142 or 1-817-821-8820
Email: tjmeyer@meyerglobalforce.com or gdesmith@meyerglobalforce.com
Description of Services:
Security consulting and problem resolution, executive protection/bodyguards,
advance work, intelligence, transportation and drivers, security guards, threat
assessment, kidnap negotiations, investigations, reporting, analysis, liaisons
with government, diplomatic, military, local and guerilla leaders. Aggressive
security including specialized ex-military personnel utilizing state of the
art equipment and tactics. Armed Patrol Vessels.
Olive Security (UK) Limited
Headquarters:
2 Charles Street
Mayfair, London
W1J 5DB
England, UK
Tel: [44] (0) 207307 0540
Fax: [44] (0) 207307 0542
Email: barrylb@olivesecurity.com
Website: www.olivesecurity.com
Contact in Iraq:
John Yourston and Douglas Dick
Tel: 008821652100377 or [965] 914-0169 (Kuwait office)
Description of Services:
Armed VIP protection, armed convoy escort, threat and risk analysis, security
site survey, key point security, manned guards, technological security including:
TSCM, debugging/sweeps, IT security implementation.
Optimal Solution Services
Headquarters:
4/35 Spencer Street
Fairfield NSW
Australia
Tel: [61] (2) 97555840
Fax: [61] (2) 97559835
Email: optimal1@optusnet.com.au
Contact in Iraq:
Zahir F. Hameed
Tel: +8821621233556
Email: optimal_solution@hotmail.com
Description of Services:
The infrastructure is streamlined to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness
in vigilance and security alert response. Our emphasis is on maintaining the
highest industry standards with our security personnel adhering to safety and
health regulation and best work practices.
Overseas Security & Strategic Information, Inc/Safenet - Iraq
Headquarters:
Post Office Box 52067
Atlanta, GA 30355
USA
Tel: [1] 404-307-4072
Fax: [1] 413-208-6069
Email: OSSIInc@hotmail.com
Contact in Iraq:
John H. Walbridge, Jr. or Mauritz Le Roux
Tel: [964] 7901915494 or [88] 216 5201 4591/4592
Description of Services:
We provide in-country "hands on" management of highly trained and
experienced South African security personnel by former American intelligence
officers with paramilitary backgrounds. Services include close protection of
VIPs, general personal security of employees, convoy escorts of personnel and
equipment, training of local security personnel, provision of armored and unarmored
vehicles, threat and intelligence reporting, and provision of combat medics
with proper equipment. Our approach is responsive, personalized and cost-effective.
RamOPS Risk Management Group
Headquarters:
7312 Suite 8 Hihenge Court
Raleigh, NC 27615
Tel: [1] 919-740-4597
Website: www.ramops.com
Email: globalservices@ramops.com
Contact in Iraq:
Andy Potts or John Autenreith
Email: globalservices@ramops.com
Tel: [1] 919-740-4597 (US)
Description of Services:
Security consulting that includes threat assessments, recommended precautions,
and contingency planning for personnel, sites, and equipment. Site security
including area patrols, point security, and barricade design. Executive and
VIP protection, convoy escort, 24/7 coverage available throughout Iraq. Communications,
information technology, and logistic services available in support of any NGO
or commercial operation. Their entire organization is comprised of US special
operations and military intelligence professionals. Security consulting and
training available in the US for NGO or corporate personnel prior to deployment.
Sabre International Security Ltd
Headquarters:
13A United Trading Estate
United Road,
Old Trafford
Manchester M16 ORJ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 161 868 8179
Fax: +44 161 868 8171
Mob: +44 791 701 7559
E Mail: bd@securitybysabre.com
Description of Services:
Sabre offers the bespoke security services with a difference. Sabre staff is
exclusively ex Special Force with the majority being made up of ex SAS operators
with extensive experience in terrorist environments. As a result we have developed
highly different methods of approaching the threat of Iraq and how we transport
our customers. Our services include, security equipment, close protection/bodyguards
(static and mobile), secure accommodation, armoured vehicles, personal protection
equipment, project and site risk assessment, audits and project evaluation/analysis,
hostile environment training.
Sumer International Security
Headquarters:
Almasbah - Dis Babilon
Sec. 929, St. 10, Building 10(54/356)
Baghdad, Iraq
Tel: [1] 312-869-7336 (VOIP)
Fax: [1] 202-438-9710
Email: lipmanj@thesandigroup.com
Website: www.thesandigroup.com
Contact in Iraq:
Janna Lipman
Tel: [1] 312-869-8336 (VOIP) or [964] 7901-916-338 or [1] 202-483-5900
Email: lipmanj@thesandigroup.com or karslim@corporatebankintl.com
Description of Services:
SIS security guards, body guards, and private police armed and uniformed are
trained by DynCorp International. Our clients are protected by a 365 days, 24/7
basis and we maintain a 24 hours dispatch operation with field supervision.
Triple Canopy Inc.
Headquarters:
600 Knightsbridge Parkway
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
USA
Tel: [1] 312-261-8000
Fax: [1] 312-261-8010
Email: sales@triplecanopy.com
Website: www.triplecanopy.com
Description of Services:
Triple Canopy excels in executive protection, site security, and convoy security.
Our operators have an average of more than 20 years in the most elite military
Special Operations units and are the highest quality personnel in the industry.
Our services range from discreet travel companions to heavily armored, high
profile convoy escort. From security assessments to tactical training to direct
security work, Triple Canopy has the solution.
Wade-Boyd and Associates LLC
Headquarters:
Suite 116
Main Street
Lawler, IA 52154
Tel: [1] 641-330-4581 or 931-302-7822
Fax: [1] 270-518-5780
Email: wbaprotection@yahoo.com
Contact in Iraq:
Malek (Ali) Mehanna or V. Brooke Phillips
Tel: [1] 641-330-4581 (US)
Email: malekmehanna@hotmail.com or invops@yahoo.com
Description of Services:
Owned and operated by honorably retired U.S. army military police investigator,
who currently is the command investigator lieutenant for the U.S. DOD federal
police. And, an honorably retired (twice) U.S. DOD federal police investigator
sergeant/chief of police. With over 40 years of combined experience, we provide:
professional, experienced, former military/federal law enforcement, armed close
protection teams, K-9 dogs for explosive detection and protection, security
officers both standing and roving, investigations, under-cover investigations,
armed escorts, vehicle and transportation convoy security, armed patrol in vehicle
and water craft, air craft protection teams both on land and in the air, translators,
armed money/valuables escorts, surveillance, global vehicle tracking, home and
business protection both uniformed and plan clothes, armored vehicles, and more.