When Security Oversteps The Boundaries

Author

Circuit Magazine
April 30, 2022

On the Circuit is the weekly newsletter that brings you a round up of all the big stories affecting our industry. If you're overwhelmed with the mount of information out there we'll whittle it down to the bare essentials. In short, we do the work so you don't have to.

This week, we're looking into:

  • Operating in Switzerland - What you need to know beyond Davos

  • Training for Tactical Shooting - Close quarter instinctive shooting

  • Deterring China - Australia Accelerates Military Development

  • When Convoy Driving Goes Wrong - Drakes Security lose control

Let's get into it.

The Circuit Magazine Podcast

More than chocolate, clocks and mountains, operating in Switzerland can either be the most efficient EP experience you have ever had or one of the most expensive challenges depending on how much preparation you do - especially in advance of world events including Davos (the World Economic Forum) this May.

Today we are delighted to welcome James Otigbah, CEO and founder of Excel Solutions to guide us through this seemingly smooth landscape to ask:

  • How will most UHNW, Celebrity, Diplomatic and Corporate Clients require support in Switzerland at some stage in your career?

  • What can a first-time operator working in Davos expect?

  • What licensing arrangements are necessary?

  • How does the Swiss operating environment compare and contrast to other European locations?

  • How can we effectively assess potential local partnerships?

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The Need to Know

Donald Trump revealed in sworn testimony that he hired Matthew Calamari, at the time an activist alleges he was roughed up by Trump’s security team, as a bodyguard after seeing him demonstrate “bravery” in a fight at a tennis competition.

An American family caused havoc in Tel Aviv when they tried to transport an unexploded shell through airport security. The travelers declared the shell to airport security and airport staff announced an evacuation. Video shows people panicking, running behind pillars, and cowering on the ground. One person was injured, an Israeli passenger who ran onto the luggage conveyor belt amid the chaos.

Foul-smelling foam blankets homes and businesses and sends residents of Mosquera fleeing, as officials say don’t get too close!

The U.S. government on Tuesday announced a reward of up to $10 million for information pertaining to six alleged Russian military hackers tied to the 2017 NotPetya

There are over 800,000 registered drones in the US, according to news agencies. The US Administration is seeking expanded powers to detect and disable threatening drones, including protecting airports and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other government departments.

Boise mall shooting finds security company exposed officers to dangers of workplace violence

“Professional Security Consultants’ policies and procedures did not effectively address the risk of gun violence, a recognized hazard in the security services industry.” “Every worker has the right to a safe and healthful workplace. This employer must provide enhanced safeguards and training to ensure workers have the knowledge and tools to better protect themselves against assault.”

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From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine

April 2003, Russia - State Duma deputy, Sergei Yushenkov, was killed in Moscow, apparently in a contract killing. He had just left his chauffeur-driven car and was walking towards his apartment block in the early evening. He was shot in the back four times by an assassin armed with a silenced Makarov pistol.

Handguns are meant for close-quarter shooting. If someone is going to attack, kidnap or rob you on the street, they are going to be close, within conversational range.

Now, look around your home or business and see what the maximum distance is that you would have a clear shot at a criminal or terrorist, for most this will be less than 10 yards/meters. This places emphasis on close quarter instinctive shooting over precision target shooting.

In this article, Orlando Wilson shares advice on how to improve your handgun skills and how to discover your capabilities and limitations, with an emphasis on close quarter instinctive shooting.

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Geopolitical Snapshots by RANE

Australia is seeking to quickly develop new military capabilities to reassert its presence in the region and, in turn, mitigate current and future Chinese threats.

  • In September, Australia announced plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom as part of the three countries' new AUKUS trilateral security arrangement.

  • In March, the Australian government announced a ten year plan to combat external (particularly, Chinese) cyber threats, develop artificial intelligence, and build a robust cyber intelligence network. 

Australia is likely to utilize its new capabilities and personnel to address traditional security threats of interest to the West, including protecting commercial shipping, freedom of movement on the seas, and maritime territorial security. 

  • Many Pacific Island nations place greater weight on non-traditional security concerns, such as climate change and rising sea levels, illegal fishing and piracy.

  • Canberra's military plans can address some of these concerns such as illegal fishing or piracy. But others, like climate change, require different solutions that Australia is not prioritizing with its focus on traditional maritime security.

  • If Canberra neglects these interests, it leaves an opportunity for China to step in.

Special Offer for On the Circuit Readers

From the Community

Security for Drake stop traffic so his motorcade can regroup. Escalades drive in the Bike lanes as one of Drake's security stands in front of the dividing car and threatens to take the drivers Tesla from him.

The NABA community analyse this situation and consider alternate approaches.

Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:

🇺🇸 NABA Protector >

🇬🇧 BBA Connect >

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Upcoming Events

Join the ISRM for a conversation that will discuss human security risks and threats faced by Ukrainian refugees during this time of vulnerability. With an added focus on human trafficking, organized crime, and the dangers Ukrainian refugees may encounter in the months to come.

Cybersecurity landscape

In order to understand the current state of the cybersecurity landscape, you must understand the history of how we got here.

In the relatively short 50 year infosec history, it's possible to make the case that it roughly coalesces around four phases: 

  • Phase 1: The mainframe (1960 - 1981)

  • Phase 2: The personal computer (1981 - 1995)

  • Phase 3: The Internet (1995 - 2006)

  • Phase 4: The Cloud (2006 - Present)

Each phase represents a major disruption in how people used computers and consequently, changed how security practitioners thought about securing those computers too.

As we look at the history, certain recurring elements show up at each point.

Final thoughts

This interesting article, with contributions from Alex Bomberg & Simon Morgan, was picked up by Philip Grindell, who shares his own insights into why he believes so many high profile people are falling victim to this type of violent burglary.

Prior to founding Defuse - a Threat Intelligence & Investigations consultancy, Philip used to have responsibility for the Central London Burglary & Robbery Squad & managed investigations into numerous high profile/value offences.

3 contributing factors to Celebrity Raids:

1. Victims advertising their wealth, holidays & plans.

Far too often the rich & famous naively publicise their wealth via not just social media, but via publications such as ‘Hello’ & ‘Through the Keyhole’ unaware that criminal scan the media for such publicity. They get information of property plans & valuables, matching that to when the occupants publicise they’re on holiday or at an event.

2. Criminal target venues.

Offences investigated were nearby specific venues regularly attended by the rich and famous. ‘Hugger muggers’ were famed for their ability to steal from their targets without the victim immediately realising (often with their bodyguards watching on)

3. Greed/Stupidity.

Tradespersons/potential buyers and others were facilitated access to homes with no background intelligence checks or supervision.

Until next week...

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