Protecting the Powerful

Welcome to On the Circuit, your trusted source for global security and protection insights.

This week, we’re looking at how the world’s richest man became entangled in a corporate surveillance scandal and what Elon Musk’s new government role means for his evolving risk profile.

We’ll also explore how oversharing on social media has led to real-world security breaches and catch up on tensions in the Gulf as the Houthis ramp up their actions.

Don’t miss our latest podcast with James Hamilton, diving into why knowing yourself is critical for protectors, and stay tuned for our regular global roundup of major security incidents.

Stay informed, stay prepared.

World’s Richest Man Caught in Surveillance Scandal

In a Paris courtroom, the world’s richest man, Bernard Arnault, found himself uncomfortably close to controversy. 

The trial of Bernard Squarcini, LVMH’s former security consultant and ex-chief of France’s domestic intelligence, has thrust allegations of corporate surveillance into the limelight.

Squarcini is charged with influence peddling and misusing public funds and is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated system of surveillance for Arnault and LVMH.

But what does "sophisticated" really entail? Reports suggest Squarcini’s network spied on critics, including journalist François Ruffin, known for his investigative digs at Arnault. LVMH previously settled related accusations, discreetly shelling out €10 million to make one problem disappear. But did that settlement close the book—or simply turn the page on a much larger story?

Squarcini's case poses a bigger question — how much visibility should CEOs have over their security operations?

The trial paints a picture of blurred lines and unsupervised autonomy. But does plausible deniability hold weight when these practices come under public scrutiny? For those managing security at the top level, this case serves as a reminder: transparency might be uncomfortable, but in the long run, it might just save your reputation.

With the outcome of this trial still hanging in the balance, the lessons for corporate security teams are unfolding in real-time. How will the court rule, and what precedent will this set for the use—or misuse—of private intelligence? We’ll keep you informed.

READER POLL

When Social Media Becomes a Burglar’s Blueprint

British reality TV stars Charlotte Crosby and Chloe Ferry, known for appearing on Geordie Shore, recently became victims of targeted home invasions. These incidents highlight a growing trend: criminals exploiting celebrities’ social media presence to gather intel on home layouts, travel plans, and routines.

For figures like Crosby, who regularly shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her home and life with millions of followers, the line between connecting with fans and exposing vulnerabilities can blur dangerously. Does sharing a newly renovated kitchen or holiday snaps inadvertently give burglars a roadmap?

But where does the responsibility lie? Should celebrities completely alter their online presence to mitigate risk, or should our strategies evolve? These incidents aren’t isolated—they’re part of a larger trend where high-profile individuals become targets, not just for their wealth, but for the data they unknowingly provide.

For our profession, the challenge is clear: how do we balance the client’s public life with their private safety? And as these incidents become more sophisticated, are traditional security measures enough?

Elon Musk Takes His Risk Profile to a Whole New Level

Elon Musk: billionaire innovator or unexpected government official? With his appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk’s risk profile has taken a sharp upward turn. This isn’t just a new title—it’s a shift that places him—and those responsible for his security—in a complex and politically charged environment.

Musk is no stranger to the spotlight, navigating everything from activist protests to cyberattacks as the driving force behind Tesla and SpaceX. But now, he's stepping into the political arena, where public figures endure relentless scrutiny, polarized opinions, and the ever-present threat of politically charged attacks. Musk’s involvement puts him at the intersection of private innovation and public governance—a hotbed for potential conflict.

And let’s not forget the ripple effects. Musk’s companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, are now indirectly tied to his political role. Does this increase their exposure to adversaries looking to make a statement? Should his team rethink how they approach physical and cyber security, not just for Musk but for his enterprises as well?

Perhaps they already do. But for those in executive protection, this dynamic poses key questions.

• How do you protect someone whose life straddles high-risk industries and government work?

• What happens when one role inadvertently exposes the vulnerabilities of another?

• And in a world where public perception can drive physical threats, how do you manage not just the man but the brand?

The answers to these questions could shape how we handle the growing convergence of private and public spheres.

🇵🇭 Philippine VP Duterte Reveals Assassination Contingency Plan—Targets include President Marcos Jr., First Lady, and House Speaker if she is killed first.

🇵🇰 Pakistan Protests Turn Deadly—Six killed as PTI supporters demand Imran Khan's release; army deployed with live fire authorisation.

🇧🇷 Brazil Indicts Bolsonaro Over Coup Plot—Ex-president and 36 others accused of attempting to overturn 2022 election results.

🇪🇺 European Probe Links Chinese Ship to Baltic Cable Sabotage—Investigators explore Russian intelligence ties to deliberate anchor dragging incident.

Q: What's the biggest lesson from the Secret Service/Obama home scandal?

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ A) When you think no one will find out, they always do. (18%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ B) Even top-tier agencies aren't immune to human error. (30%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 C) No one's untouchable— mess up, and you're out. (44%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ D) Other. Let us know. (8%)

Your Comments:

HR: The lack integrity, secrecy, discretion, and disregard of the law, his profession, protocols and his institution. Very egocentric behaviour. That is not an error, it is not the SS fault, that is absolute intention and lack of maturity.

WL: That's certainly an individual who put his libido before his livelihood and now he has given a platform to a previously very unknown women. A job as an 1811 with the USSS or a protection specialist for the CIA Director are at the pinnacle of the protection profession. It just doesn't get better.

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