Crisis Management
Since 2010, our consultants who are fluent in 12 different languages, have been deployed to over 35 countries and managed over 600 cases.
In a world full of risks, organisations and individuals living or working in medium to high-risk environments are likely to encounter security challenges.
We are an industry leader providing strategic and operational Crisis Management solutions. Headquartered in the UK, our dedicated Global Response Centre operates around the clock to support our world-wide operations. We utilise our proprietary technological support systems for case management and intelligence, alongside our worldwide capacity, to effectively manage crisis response and conduct emergency evacuations on a global scale.
We protect your people, your property and your brand
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People Risks
We advise on abduction, assault, cyberstalking, detention, hijack, hostage crisis, kidnap, murder, mysterious disappearance (investigation services), stalking (support services), suspicious death, threat (assessment services) and workplace violence or a series of connected insured events.
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Property Risks
We advise on acts of terrorism, civil unrest, civil war, confiscation, coup d'etat, deprivation, insurrection, malicious damage, occupation, rebellion, revolution, riot, sabotage and war or a series of connected insured events.
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Brand Risks
We advise on aiding and abetting (a crime), blackmail, bribery demand, competitor misconduct, extortion, industrial espionage, products extortion and product tampering or a series of connected insured events.
We are positioned to deploy globally
Our Services
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![Front view of a large cargo ship sailing on ocean waters with containers on deck and a clouded sky in the background.]()
Piracy
Our Crisis Management Team has years’ of experience in piracy cases, which has included crews both held hostage on vessels and taken onto land during negotiations. We are specialists in operating in multi stakeholder complex environments and are prepared to respond and deploy to incidents anywhere in the world.
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![A person sitting on top of a military tank driving on a paved road in a rural area with trees and utility poles in the background.]()
Political Evacuation
Drawing from extensive expertise, our global assistance firm adeptly manages political evacuations for clients in crisis. Leveraging strategic networks and meticulous planning, we ensure safe extractions from volatile regions, providing comprehensive support, secure transportation, and seamless relocation, mitigating risks in politically unstable situations worldwide.
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![Person's hands tied with rope, hands clenched into fists, with one hand free.]()
Kidnap, Ransom and Extortion (KRE)
Our crisis management experts serve as invaluable advisors in kidnap-for-ransom and extortion cases. With a wealth of experience, we offer strategic counsel, negotiation guidance, and support to mitigate risks, ensuring the safe resolution of these sensitive situations while prioritising the well-being and safety of those involved.
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![Rescue workers and firefighters surveying the wreckage of a collapsed building with smoke and debris, amidst rubble and destruction.]()
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
Specialising in Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation, our team ensures swift and secure extraction from high-risk situations worldwide. Employing meticulous planning and global networks, we facilitate safe returns, offering comprehensive support and logistical expertise for seamless repatriation, prioritising the safety and well-being of our clients.
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![Multiple bottles of water with blue labels and white caps arranged in rows on a conveyor belt in a factory or processing plant.]()
Malicious Product Tampering / Extortion (MPTE)
Within Malicious Product Tampering/Extortion (MPTE) scenarios, our crisis management team excels as trusted advisors. Leveraging extensive expertise, we provide strategic guidance, comprehensive risk assessments, and tailored solutions to navigate these sensitive situations. Our focus remains on swift resolution, safeguarding stakeholders while mitigating the impact of such threats.
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![Silhouette of a person standing in front of a digital background with blue and white lines resembling data or code.]()
Fixated and Malicious Threat
In cases of Fixated and Malicious Threats, our crisis management team offers expert guidance and support. Drawing on our specialised knowledge, we conduct thorough risk assessments, develop tailored strategies, and implement proactive measures to ensure the safety of individuals and organisations. We prioritise swift resolution and comprehensive protection against such threats.
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![A chain-link fence topped with three lines of barbed wire against a sky with scattered clouds at sunset.]()
Illegal Detentions and Missing Persons
In the realm of Illegal Detentions and Missing Persons, our crisis management team serves as a dedicated resource. Leveraging our expertise, we conduct meticulous investigations, liaise with authorities, and employ strategic intervention to secure the release of individuals or locate missing persons. Our priority is swift action and safe resolution in navigating these complex situations.
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![NYC police cars at night with flashing lights and smoke, marked off with yellow police tape, in front of a building with large glass windows]()
Terrorism
In the face of terrorism, our crisis management team stands resolute. With extensive expertise, we craft robust strategies, conduct risk assessments, and implement proactive measures to ensure the safety of individuals and organizations. Our focus is on rapid response, employing comprehensive solutions to mitigate risks and safeguard against terrorist threats.
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![A person wearing fingerless gloves typing on a silver laptop keyboard, with a dark background.]()
Cyber Attack Response
In the realm of Cyber Attack Response, our crisis management team is at the forefront. Leveraging cutting-edge expertise, we swiftly analyze, strategize, and execute comprehensive plans to mitigate cyber threats. With a focus on rapid response and meticulous recovery, we ensure minimal impact on operations, safeguarding systems, and restoring normalcy efficiently.
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![Security personnel standing in an indoor hallway, one wearing a high-visibility vest labeled 'Security,' and the other in dark clothing and a mask, with reflections visible on the polished floor.]()
Workplace Violence
When it comes to handling Workplace Violence, our crisis management team operates with precision. Drawing on specialised expertise, we conduct thorough risk assessments, develop proactive strategies, and implement safety protocols to prevent and manage such incidents. Our priority lies in ensuring a secure environment, swift response, and support for affected individuals.
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![Business meeting in a modern glass-walled conference room with five people working on laptops and a man standing at the table, in a corporate office setting.]()
Pre-Event Consulting
In Pre-Event Consulting, our crisis management team offers invaluable foresight. Leveraging extensive experience, we meticulously analyse potential risks, design comprehensive crisis management plans, provide strategic guidance and personal security awareness training. Our focus is on preemptive measures, ensuring proactive readiness to mitigate potential crises and optimise preparedness for any eventuality.
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![Top-down view of a cluttered wooden table with multiple laptops, smartphones, notebooks, headphones, pens, cups, a water bottle, and various electronic accessories, with people working on the laptops and using smartphones.]()
Crisis Management Training & Planning
In Crisis Management Training & Planning, our team excels as proactive architects of preparedness. Leveraging our expertise, we develop tailored training modules, conduct immersive simulations, and craft meticulous crisis response plans. Our focus is on empowering organisations with the skills and strategies necessary to effectively navigate and manage crises, ensuring resilience and swift, informed action.
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![Night aerial view of New York City showing illuminated streets, bridges, and waterways.]()
Intelligence Reporting
Our in-house intelligence team pioneers comprehensive intelligence reporting. With specialised expertise, we gather, analyse, and disseminate actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making. Through meticulous monitoring and analysis, we provide tailored intelligence reports, empowering clients with crucial information to anticipate, mitigate, and navigate potential risks and emerging threats effectively.
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![Modern house with large glass sliding doors opening to a patio with a swimming pool, surrounded by green plants and trees, under a clear blue sky.]()
Elite Family Protection
Within Elite Family Protection, our crisis management team embodies a stronghold of security. Leveraging extensive experience, we craft personalised security strategies, offering round-the-clock support and meticulous planning to safeguard families. Our focus is on discreet, proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients in all facets of their lives.
Case Studies
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![Kidnap for Ransom: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)]()
Kidnap for Ransom: D.R. Congo
Incident
Four employees of a European-based NGO were intercepted at an illegal militia roadblock. Two employees escaped, while the remaining two were kidnapped. The NGO's in-country office received a ransom demand.
Challenges
The consultant was stationed at the client’s head office in Europe, not in the DRC. Initially, the client refused negotiation or payment of ransom. However, the consultant convinced the client to engage in dialogue and facilitate negotiations via their in-country security director.
Outcome
With assistance from the client’s in-country security director, an agreement was reached with the kidnappers. After six days and ransom payment, the kidnapped employees were released.
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![Extortion Threat: Mexico]()
Extortion Threat: Mexico
Incident
Client information and activities were posted on a security website's page, raising concerns about an imminent extortion demand.
Challenges
Past incidents of threats and violence from local cartel members highlighted the specific targeting of the Citrus Growers Association for extortion and kidnapping.
Outcome
At the client’s request, the consultant did not deploy but conducted all consulting remotely. While no further threats were received, future threats were anticipated based on the client's history.
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![Evacuation: South Sudan]()
Evacuation: South Sudan
Incident
A European-based NGO had two female employees in Juba, South Sudan, during a security deterioration that prompted national evacuation directives.
Challenges
The employees were in an unsecured location with suspended commercial flights and a closed airport. Limited resources were available for immediate employee assistance.
Outcome
Consultants utilised in-country resources to relocate employees to a secure place. Various evacuation options were presented, and 'shelter in place' was decided upon until security improved. When the airport reopened, the women were safely transported via commercial flight.
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![View of airplane wing during sunset, flying over city landscape]()
Political Evacuation: Haiti
Incident
The client maintained permanent expat staff in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In July 2018, political and civil unrest erupted in the area. The client sought support to assess the threat to in-country staff and to execute an evacuation if necessary.
Challenges
The lack of a formal Crisis Management Plan (CMP) or a designated Crisis Management Team (CMT) posed significant challenges. There was no prior experience in planning or executing an evacuation. Communicating the potential risks of not evacuating personnel/dependents despite available international commercial flights proved difficult.
Outcome
Against CMT advice, the client allowed staff to remain in Port-au-Prince. They requested a one-day delay in evacuation pending a no-confidence vote of the PM. resignation of the PM was perceived by the client to significantly reduce the threat level, leading them to stay in Port-au-Prince.
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![View of a long corridor in a jail or prison, seen through metal bars, with multiple closed doors on either side and dim overhead lighting.]()
Wrongful Detention: Ghana
Incident
Two North American-based NGO employees were detained by Ghanaian police while returning to their housing in Accra. The taxi they were traveling in was stopped by the police for unknown reasons. They had spent the evening at clubs and bars and had consumed alcohol.
Challenges
The employees refused police instructions to exit the vehicle, resulting in police escorting them to the local police station after a prolonged refusal. Intervention by their NGO supervisor occurred upon arriving at the police headquarters in Accra.
Outcome
After extended discussions, both employees were released into their supervisor's custody and returned to their housing unharmed. Risk mitigation advice/training was provided to prevent future incidents.
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![Kidnap for Ransom: NW Syria]()
Kidnap for Ransom: NW Syria
Incident
An employee of an international NGO in NW Syria was kidnapped by a group associated with a designated ‘terrorist’ organisation.
Challenges
Consultants filed an application to the UK government to assist the family with negotiations, which was denied. Limited legal capability hindered direct NGO advice due to the sensitive situation.
Outcome
Despite unsatisfactory proof of life, the family agreed to a ransom payment of USD 35k. Regrettably, the victim’s body was discovered on the same day as the payment, indicating probable murder at the location.
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![Business meeting with four people working on laptops in a modern glass-walled conference room at night, with empty chairs and a hallway visible outside.]()
Risk Management: Africa
Incident
An international NGO sought aid in ensuring the safe delivery of goods and services in challenging areas of Africa.
Challenges
Safety concerns arose for staff during convoys in conflict-ridden rural areas. Additionally, there was a lack of infrastructure and support in case of convoy issues.
Outcome
Consultants provided region-specific threat risk assessments and security training. Meticulous operational planning was conducted for safe passage during convoys, implementing tracking and journey management for all.
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![Two black handguns placed on a white surface, one with an extended magazine and the other with the slide open.]()
Kidnap for Ransom: Mexico
Incident
A trusted employee of a large citrus manufacturer was abducted by armed men in Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Challenges
The client adopted a negotiating strategy, considering the frequent targeting of members of the Citrus Growers Association in the area. The client also revealed available funds to the kidnappers. A consultant was deployed to Monterrey, Mexico.
Outcome
The initial demand was MXN 3.0M (USD 165K), accompanied by violent threats to the family. Ultimately, a final agreement was reached for MXN 836K (USD 44.6K), and the victim was safely released.
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![Threat Extortion: Tamaulipas]()
Extortion Threat: Tamaulipas
Incident
The client fell victim to an ‘auto kidnap’ scheme orchestrated by an employee in Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Challenges
Threats made to harm the client, family, and/or employees due to the discovery of the scam posed considerable risks. Initially, there was a high-risk assessment and reluctance to endorse security recommendations.
Outcome
The client agreed to make monthly protection payments of MXN 10K (USD 500). The first payment was made without incident. However, the client subsequently chose to cut off contact and declined future instalments.
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![Extortion Threat: El Salvador]()
Extortion Threat: El Salvador
Overview:
An extortion letter demanding USD 3K was delivered to a client-owned supermarket in El Salvador.
Challenges:
The client's decision not to pay increased threats to themselves, family, and employees due to the extreme nature of local criminal groups.
Outcome:
As advised, the client relocated to San Salvador, and fortunately, there was no escalation of violence. The extortionist was likely a local street criminal posing as a gang member.
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![Kidnap for Ransom: Puebla, Mexico]()
Kidnap for Ransom: Mexico
Incident
A victim was kidnapped leaving a frequented restaurant in Puebla, Mexico.
Challenges
There were concerns over potential targeting of other executives and senior managers. Additionally, the victim was threatened and interrogated during the abduction.
Outcome
A ransom of MXN 900K (USD 49K) was delivered, leading to the victim's safe release.
