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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.