Extortion - Case Study
Case Outline
A successful businessman and his family were relentlessly harassed by a very powerful and influential political figure. The politician considered himself to be above the law. The harassment continued for over 24 months and escalated to such heights that the physical well-being of the family was in severe jeopardy.
Threats
The businessman received anonymous threats at work and at home, both day and night; the business was compromised and the children were in danger of being kidnapped. After all efforts to solve the problem failed, the businessman came to Alcyon seeking a solution to the crisis.
Solution
The crisis was managed in three main stages: assessing the risks; setting a security plan, and implementing the solution.
The assessing of the risksstage is of utmost importance, because Alcyon knows from proven experience that if the risks are not carefully assessed they cannot be managed. The assessment process consists of the following elements:
1. Information Gathering
Alcyon’s experts gather as much relevant information on the crisis, as rapidly as possible, using both overt and covert means. These included interviews, counter-surveillance and more. A detailed field file is compiled of the client's residence and business units and at the same time a preliminary evaluation of the perpetrator's motives and capabilities is prepared.
2. Criticality Assessment
Based upon the information gathered, Alcyon’s KHED team conducts a criticality assessment, which identifies which targets are the most critical in terms of human life and economic value.
3. Threat Assessment
Based upon the assessed capabilities and the perceived motivation of the perpetrator, the team will conduct a detailed threat assessment which includes identification of the most probable scenarios. This assessment is further facilitated by the gathering of information on the particular perpetrator(s).
4. Vulnerability and Consequence Assessments
Based upon the threat at hand and the measures that the client had taken to date, Alcyon’s KHED experts will assess the vulnerabilities of the client and his assets in terms of how susceptible each critical target is. The potential consequences of successful attacks will also be assessed both in terms of possible direct as well as collateral damage.
5. Prioritization and Mitigation
Based upon the threat, vulnerability and consequence assessments, the KHED team will then prioritize the risks to the client and recommend the best courses of action to take; the objective being to mitigate and manage the risks.
B. Crisis response and implantation
Based upon the risk assessment and the recommendations for mitigation, a comprehensive security plan is formed which consists of the following elements:
1. Covert Action
In confronting the risks of this particular case, a detailed plan for covert protection was set in an effort to monitor any possible threats that could put in danger the client's family, residence and business. This form of protection was planned and subsequently implemented because of the nature of the threats and in an attempt to minimize adverse exposure to the client's business and his family. Immediate intervention capabilities were also put into place.
2. Legal Emphasis
Based upon an abundance of incriminating evidence that was gathered by Alcyon through legal surveillance and monitoring, and in light of the psychological profile provided by the team psychologist, it was decided to place a strong legal emphasis on the mitigation plan. Statements were prepared and documents were drafted by leading legal counsel.
3. Alternative Action
An alternative course of action was planned in case the primary plan did not provide the optimal results. Although this was not required as it turned out, it included a discrete relocation scheme for the client's family and effective solutions for his corporate activities.
C. Implementation
Not only was the designated plan implemented following the detailed, step-by-step process prepared, but the crisis was managed in accordance with the risk-based recommendations outlined in the plan. In addition, the solution to the crisis was achieved in full compliance with both international and local laws.
Why Alcyon?
The client chose Alcyon once it became apparent to him that Alcyon’s crisis management team consisted of international security experts with vast surveillance and counter-surveillance experience; that it included not only specialists in intelligence gathering as well as an internationally acclaimed clinical psychologist who served for over 2 decades in various security capacities, but also leading legal counsel specializing in international law and local legal procedures. |
