KRE Risk Alert from LIU and red24: June-July 2013

June - July 2013
LIU Global Monitor - June - July 2013 01
Welcome to the June-July 2013 edition of the red24 Kidnap, Ransom and Extortion (KRE) Global Monitor. This bi-monthly
publication, authored by the KRE experts at red24, provides Liberty International Underwriters’ (LIU) clients with important
information on emerging and current KRE trends and incidents. In this edition, we focus on the threat of kidnapping in the
Sahara-Sahel region. Our incidents snapshot section provides a short analysis of KRE incidents since June 2013,
including details of incidents in Mozambique, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Lithuania and China. You will also learn more about
the team of KRE experts at red24, who provide crisis management services to LIU clients. Together with LIU and red24
can help ensure your clients are protected before, during and after a crisis. If you have any feedback on the red24 KRE
Global Monitor, or if you would like to suggest a specific country, topic or theme for inclusion in a future issue, please do
not hesitate to email kre@red24.com.
Kidnapping in the Sahara-Sahel Region
According to reports released on 20 March 2013, a French
national who had been kidnapped in Mali’s Mopti region
in November 2011 was killed by his captors. Reports of
his death have come from regional news sources, citing a
commander from al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
According to AQIM, the victim was beheaded on 10 March
in response to the French military intervention in Mali. This
event is one of multiple KRE incidents to have taken place
in the Sahara-Sahel region of Africa in recent years. The
region, encompassing (for this assessment) parts of
Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Algeria and Libya, is a vast largely
lawless area with porous borders in which government
control is extremely limited; it has become synonymous
with poverty, Islamist extremism, transnational crime, arms
and drug smuggling, and KRE. The lack of social services
and employment opportunities has drawn greater numbers of people into the criminal economy as the distinction between
insurgent and criminal groups becomes increasingly vague.
Since the first KRE incident involving a foreign national was reported, as of January 2012, 53 people have been
kidnapped, according to the UN. Since then, the security situation has declined further due to civil war in Libya and a coup
in March 2012, when Islamist militants and Tuareg rebels defeated the Malian military and captured the northern half of
that country. Given these dynamics, KRE is set to persist in the medium-term.
Perpetrators
The majority of kidnappings involving foreign nationals are perpetrated by Islamist extremist groups. The most prominent
of these is AQIM, but also to a lesser degree more recently formed groups such as Movement for Oneness and Jihad in
West Africa (MOJWA) and Ansar Dine. Secondary threats emanate from criminal groups, Tuareg militants and
Moorish tribesmen. Although the kidnapping activities of AQIM are perceived as a relatively recent phenomenon, its
previous incarnation as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) engaged in KRE activities throughout the
mid-1990s. Although its kidnapping activities have subsequently subsided from its peak from 1993 to 1997, under its new
In this Issue:
Kidnap in Mali
KRE Incidents in the Sahara-Sahel
Global Incidents Snapshot
Meet the Specialist - Hans
About us – red24 and Liberty International Underwriters
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LIU Global Monitor - June - July 2013
banner of AQIM, it has stepped up activities considerably, especially against foreign nationals in Mali, Mauritania and
Niger since 2007.
Given AQIM’s limited numbers in the vast area in which it operates (estimated at 300 to 800 in the Sahara-Sahel),
pre-operational planning and surveillance are sometimes impractical and costly. It is thus possible that, dependent on
motivation and logistical capabilities, AQIM and criminal networks may operate separately from one another or
cooperatively, and that a number of initial abductions are carried out by criminal networks who then sell their victims on
to AQIM. To highlight this, leaked cables from the US Embassy in Bamako revealed that the group has offered potential
kidnappers up to US$100,000 for Western victims.
There is evidence to suggest that government officials, although not involved in the actual abductions themselves, are
also involved in KRE activities and may even encourage them. Local officials have on numerous occasions acted as
intermediaries in the ransom negotiations, especially since 2008. If a ransom is successfully negotiated and a hostage
released, the intermediary will often receive a ‘cut’ of the ransom.
Victims
Unlike other kidnapping hotspots in the world, such as Mexico, Pakistan and Afghanistan, perpetrators focus their efforts
mainly on foreign nationals, and Europeans appear to have been particularly targeted in the Sahara-Sahel. Some
analysis indicates that French, Spanish, British and Italian nationals are particularly targeted, and this is asserted as being
indicative of AQIM’s desire to strike at powers involved in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; however given the vast open
territory in which kidnappers are operating, it is more likely their activities are driven by opportunity rather than by specific
intelligence regarding their victims’ nationalities.
Foreign nationals who have been abducted include diplomats and employees of oil, gas and mining companies, as well
as employees in the NGO sector. The risk to such persons (with the exception of diplomats) is further heightened by the
often remote and insecure locations in which they are based, such as mining compounds and refugee camps. The threat
also extends to more secure urban areas as well. For example, in June 2009, a US national was shot and killed during an
attempted abduction in the Laksar district of Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott. In January 2011, two French nationals, an
aid worker and his friend, were abducted from a busy restaurant in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
Tourists are also targeted, as they usually have no or minimal security protocols in place. This, combined with the
perception that they are wealthy, makes them attractive targets. Irrespective of the relative issues of such kidnapping
operations, even foreign nationals with security measures in place still face a risk of being targeted.
Some analysts have suggested that kidnappers focused on nationals of states that were known to be willing to negotiate
ransom payments. Given that most European countries and the US have publically stated that they will not pay any
ransoms to secure the release of KRE victims, it seems counterintuitive that nationals of these countries are
disproportionately targeted. However, as will be detailed below, there is ample evidence to suggest that at least some of
these states indirectly make or facilitate substantial ransom payments.
Ransom demands and payments
Ransom demands are believed to be considerably higher than those in other geographical regions. However, these
figures may not accurately reflect the overall demand and payment environment due to the unwillingness of some
individuals to divulge ransom demands. The below figures aim to provide only general guidance. Furthermore, although
it is true that a significant proportion of kidnappings are successfully resolved through the payment of a ransom, the true
ratio of kidnappings to successful outcomes is almost impossible to ascertain; this is due to the unwillingness of many
locals to report abductions to the authorities.
Available information pertaining to the income derived by
AQIM, MUJAO, and associated mediators from
kidnappings suggests the likely total to be between US$40
million to US$65 million since 2008; this is believed to
have been paid mostly by Western governments. By some
estimates, these groups have earned as much as US$90
million during the same period. Other analysis suggests
that on average AQIM earned US$5.4 million per hostage
released in 2011. Despite this, public information indicates
that the majority of ransoms paid were between US$1.5 to
US$4 million per hostage, although initial ransom demands
usually far exceed this. MOJWA demanded a US$37
million ransom for the release of an Italian and two Spanish
nationals following their abduction from a Polisario refugee
camp in south western Algeria in October 2011; although

the final amount is disputed, some reports indicate that a combined ransom of US$15 million to US$19.4 million was paid
to secure their release in July 2012.
Some other ransom amounts paid to secure the release of victims include:
• One Swiss national: US$1.3 million (Mali – 2012)
• Two Austrian nationals: US$4 million (Tunisia – 2008)
• Two Canadian nationals: Disputed US$6.6 million to US$1.1 million (Niger – 2008)
• Ten German nationals: US$6.6 million (Algeria/Mali – 2003)
Incident durations and outcomes
Although political demands were at times voiced by AQIM, MOJWA and Ansar Dine in messages posted on jihadist
websites, available evidence suggests that all releases of Western nationals were secured through ransom payments.
However, given this, the execution of a hostage is more likely to be driven by a realisation that either no ransom or
substantive concession would be made, or by a desire to demonstrate the kidnapper’s resolve for future abductions. In a
number of instances, attempted rescues or the refusal to pay ransoms have led to the death of hostages.
In some instances, the payment of a ransom has not secured the release of hostages. According to the former US
ambassador to Mali, France paid US$17 million to the Malian government to be used for the release of five French
hostages captured in Niger in September 2010 and subsequently moved to Mali. Although the majority of this money
found its way to the kidnappers, four of the French hostages remain in captivity. The vast and isolated territory, almost
total lack of central government control, and porous borders provide ample cover in which AQIM, MOJWA, rebel groups
and their criminal affiliates may hold victims for extended periods of time with near-impunity. red24 is not aware of any
victims being killed by their captors following ransom payment, although several victims have been badly beaten or
drugged.
Outlook
Islamist militants, rebel groups and their criminal affiliates will continue to pose a credible threat to both foreign personnel
and interests in the Sahara-Sahel. The threat posed by such entities will likely translate into more opportunistic and less
sophisticated attacks; these will likely take the form of highway ambushes and/or the infiltration of unsecured residential
compounds located within surrounding urban centres. Islamist militarism has been a protracted feature of the Sahara-
Sahel’s security environment. Variables such as the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Mali, persistent insecurity in
Libya and the region’s geography make military and policing operations extremely difficult. These are all factors which will
likely continue to see the region remain a high-risk operating environment for the short- to medium-term.
KRE incidents in the Sahara-Sahel region since 2010
This list is not exhaustive but merely serves to illustrate the threat environment:
2013
• 19 February (Cameroon): A family of seven French nationals was abducted near the Waza National Park, located in
the Far North region, and subsequently released on 18 April.
• 16 January (Algeria): Militants associated with the al-Muaqioon Biddam Brigade attacked the Tigantourine gas
facility near In Amenas, taking hundreds of locals and foreign nationals captive. On 19 January, Algerian forces
launched a security operation at the site, resulting in the death of at least 39 foreign national hostages and 29
militants. A total of 685 locals and 107 foreign nationals were rescued.
2012
• 21 November (Mali): A French national was kidnapped in the Diema area of Mali’s western Kayes region. The victim
was tracked by Mauritania-based militants and abducted as he crossed over the border between the two countries.
• 14 October (Mali): Five Nigerien nationals and one Chadian national were seized in the southern Maradi region. The
Niger nationals were released on 14 October near the Niger-Mali border, while the Chadian national was killed by his
captors.
• 11 October (Algeria): One Italian and two Spanish aid-workers were kidnapped from a refugee camp near the town of
Tindouf; they were later released in July 2012 following a ransom payment.

• 2 September (Mali): Members of MOJWA executed an Algerian diplomat, Tahar Touati, whom they had kidnapped five
months earlier along with six other Algerian diplomats. The hostage was executed after the Algerian government failed
to accede to a demand by MUJAO to pay a US$19.9 million ransom and release of three of its members who had
been arrested in southern Algeria.
• 15 April (Mali): A Swiss national was kidnapped from her residence in the Abaradjou neighbourhood in the northern
town of Timbuktu. She was released unharmed on 24 April.
2011
• 25 November (Mali): A Dutch, Swedish and dual South African-British foreign national were kidnapped by
unidentified gunmen in Timbuktu. The victims involved were tourists and were abducted from the Amanar Restaurant
in the north of the city; a fourth foreign national, a German, was killed by the abductors while trying to resist the
kidnapping.
• 2 February (Algeria): An Italian national was abducted from Djanet in the Illizi province; she was subsequently
released in April 2012. It is unknown if a ransom was paid for the release.
• 7 January (Niger): Two French aid workers were abducted from a restaurant in the capital, Niamey. They were shot
and killed by their captors the next day after they came under pressure from Nigerien and French security forces.
2010
• 16 September (Niger): Five French nationals, one Madagascan and a Togolese national were kidnapped from the
uranium-mining town of Arlit. It has been asserted that the French government paid US$17 million for the French
nationals’ release.
• 19 April (Niger): A French national was kidnapped in the northern regions and then moved to Mali, where he was
killed by his captors on 25 July.
Global Incidents Snapshot
MENA and Africa
Mozambique, 16 July: A Portuguese businessperson was kidnapped by approximately six unidentified persons in
Mozambique’s capital, Maputo. The victim was seized from his workplace in the downtown area of the city. The
Portuguese diplomatic representation in Mozambique has confirmed the kidnapping. Local authorities have not indicated
if a ransom demand has been received. The abduction of a Portuguese national is unusual but does not necessarily
indicate the beginning of a new trend of kidnappings.
Nigeria, 9 July: A Lebanese national was kidnapped by gunmen in Benin City, capital of Edo state. According to reports,
the foreign national, who was in the country for business purposes, was ambushed by armed assailants while travelling
in a convoy. Gunmen opened fire on the vehicles and wounded three security force members. Although no group claimed
responsibility for the kidnapping, authorities have blamed criminal groups for the incident. Furthermore, it remains unclear
as to whether a ransom demand was made.
Nigeria, 24 June: Seven members of a suspected KRE syndicate were killed and two more arrested during a security
operation in Agbara, in Ogun state. The syndicate is believed to have been responsible for the abduction of an Indian
national, as well as locals, including the Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (who was released following
a US$100,000 ransom payment), and a federal high court judge, among others. The syndicate was headed by a
Nigerian-born Chinese national and conducted the majority of its activities in neighbouring Lagos state before transferring
victims to Agbara.
Senegal, 12 July: Authorities confirmed that nine hostages, kidnapped in the southern Casamance region on 3 May, were
released near the border between Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. The hostages were part of a group of 12
Senegalese nationals working to clear mines in the region. The workers were kidnapped in an armed attack by the
Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) rebel group, outside the village of Kaylou, located approximately
30km from Ziguinchor, the region’s largest city. Three female hostages who were a part of the group were released on
27 May on ‘humanitarian grounds’; however, the terms under which the remaining nine hostages were released remain
unclear.
Syria, 14 July: The French government stated on 14 July that it is working to secure the release of two French nationals
who were kidnapped in Aleppo governorate in June. The victims, both journalists, were abducted while passing through a

checkpoint en route to the city of Aleppo. Their driver and local contact were also reportedly kidnapped. The identity of the
kidnappers is unknown and further details regarding a possible ransom payment have not been released.
Yemen, 21 July: An Iranian national was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on 21 July. The
victim is an employee of the Iranian Embassy in Sanaa. He was forced out of his vehicle in the diplomatic quarter of the
city, an area traditionally considered as more secure due to the large security force contingent present there. Local
authorities have not indicated if a ransom demand has been made. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
Yemen, 10 June: Local media citing police sources have stated that a Dutch couple who went missing in the capital,
Sanaa, during the week of 10 June is likely to have been kidnapped. The victims both worked at the Lebanese
International University in Sanaa. The Dutch woman also worked as a journalist for a radio station in the Netherlands.
Further details regarding the case are currently unavailable, and authorities have not indicated if a ransom demand has
been made.
Asia
Afghanistan, 3 July: Three locals were kidnapped from the Guzara district of Herat province. The victims, employees of
the Norwegian Rescue Council, are believed to have been abducted by militants either part of or affiliated with the
Taleban. Despite being a relatively insurgency-free province by Afghan standards, this incident demonstrates the
countrywide threat of KRE. Local authorities have not indicated if a ransom demand has been made.
Afghanistan, 11 June: Media reports indicate that a Kyrgyz national, belonging to a group of hostages kidnapped by
Taleban militants in Afghanistan’s eastern Logar province on 22 April, was released unharmed. The group, comprising the
Kyrgyz national as well as eight Turkish nationals, a Russian and an Afghan national, were kidnapped when their
helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing within the province’s Azr district. The eight Turkish hostages were
released in two groups of four on 12 and 14 May respectively. The Russian and Afghan nationals are still being held by
the militants; details about their detention or the possibility of their release are currently unavailable. The hostages that
have thus far been released were reportedly freed by Taleban militants as a gesture of good will to fellow Muslims.
China, 27 June: A US national held against his will by workers inside his company’s factory in Huairou, north of Beijing,
was allowed to leave after being held there since 20 June due to a dispute between himself and factory employees. The
victim, co-owner of Florida-based Specialty Medical Supplies, travelled to China on 18 June. The businessman was held
hostage in the factory for six days by workers demanding alleged owed salaries as well as severance pay for those being
laid off. He and a union representative reached an agreement over employee grievances. Details of the agreement were
not specified, although it is believed he paid money to employees who had already received severance packages. The
perception of workers in general is that they do not have effective legal remedies to protect their interests, and find that
taking action into their own hands gets near-immediate results.
India, 3 June: Two British nationals of Sri Lankan descent were rescued unharmed by police on 1 June near
Mandarakuppam, located approximately 150km south of Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu state, following their abduction
on 29 May. Seven Indian nationals and two Sri Lankan nationals were arrested in India during the rescue. The victims, a
husband and wife who are long-time residents in the UK’s capital London, were abducted upon their arrival at Chennai
International Airport. It is believed they climbed into a vehicle which they thought had been sent by their hotel to collect
them. Indian police were alerted to the incident after the abductees’ daughter, who lives in London, received a call from
the kidnappers demanding a US$460,000 ransom. Following this, security forces carried out a security operation and
arrested the perpetrators; it is not known how Indian security forces managed to locate the kidnappers. However, it has
been established that one of those involved in the kidnapping was an employee at the victims’ business in London.
Indonesia, 13 June: A British national, kidnapped in Aceh province, was found unharmed. The 61-year-old oil engineer
was working for a local mining firm, PT Medco E&P Malaka, when he was seized from his vehicle by a small group of
armed assailants at around midday on 11 June. He had been travelling in the Peureulak area of East Aceh Regency, on
his way home from a work site in the Blang Simpo area. A ransom was reportedly demanded for the foreign national’s
release; however, official reports indicate that no money was paid to his captors or any other related party. The identity of
the group or individuals responsible for the abduction, as well as their motivation, remains unknown.
Pakistan, 1 July: According to the Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), a body set up to help police by providing
crime statistics and technical support, reported cases of extortion have risen sharply in the country’s commercial hub of
Karachi. Statistics provided by the CPLC show that 630 extortion attempts were reported between January and mid-June
of 2013, in comparison to 589 reported cases during the whole of 2012. However, the actual number of extortion attempts
is assessed as being considerably higher as the number of reported incidents is only indicative of those who refused pay
the extortion demand.
Papua New Guinea, 7 June: A Chinese national was kidnapped by a group of eight armed assailants in Madang, capital
of the eponymous province. The victim, CEO of Ramu NiCo Management Ltd, was stopped while driving along Kalibobo
Beach Road at approximately 20:00 local time. He was tied up, driven out of town and repeatedly beaten and stabbed

by the assailants, who demanded an immediate ransom payment of K400,000 (US$ 186,000) from him for his release.
Although the exact circumstances remain unclear, he managed to escape several hours later without paying any ransom.
He was found by a group of locals, who took him to a hospital, where was treated for numerous stab wounds. No arrests
have been made in connection with the incident. In recent weeks, in response to a perceived increase in kidnapping
activities, a new law has been passed in the legislature that provides for sentences of up to 50 years for kidnapping, and
life imprisonment for kidnapping for ransom.
Solomon Islands, 7 June: Seven locals have been arrested in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a Chinese
national near the capital, Honiara. The victim boarded a bus in the Ranadi area, and was headed towards Point Cruz.
Once on-board, the victim was detained on the bus against his will by a group of locals armed with screwdrivers. He
was then instructed to phone family and request that money be paid for his release. However, before any money was
exchanged, the bus developed a puncture, and when it stopped the victim was able to escape. It is believed he suffered
minor injuries during the incident.
Thailand, 24 June: Three people were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping an Estonian national in Pattaya. The suspects,
Russian, Thai and Peruvian nationals, are believed to have abducted the victim over non-payment for an apartment. The
exact involvement of the suspects in relation to the apartment remains unclear. The suspects were arrested several hours
after the abduction, while driving around with the victim. The victim was beaten and tortured. Police also recovered
hammers, tasers and drugs from the vehicle. It has subsequently emerged that some of the perpetrators were part of a
local mafia.
Americas
Colombia, 12 July: Authorities in Colombia confirmed that a Spanish national, who went missing on 5 June, was
kidnapped. The victim, a tourist, was kidnapped in the Santander de Quilichao municipality in the Cauca department.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the kidnapping was orchestrated by a criminal organisation (also known as a bacrim),
Los Rastrojos, with the support of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). A ransom demand of 1 million
euros was made for the release of the victim.
Mexico, July: A Canadian national, missing since mid-March 2013, is believed to have been kidnapped. The victim went
missing from the town of Nuevo Laredo, near the US border on 14 March. The vehicle in which he was travelling in has
since been recovered, and local police have detained one suspect in connection with the victim’s disappearance.
However, no charges have been filed and the police progress on this case remains unclear. The family of the victim has
stated that they have not received any ransom demand thus far.
Venezuela, 23 June: The Criminal Investigation Corps (Cicpc) released a report indicating that 212 kidnappings have
taken place countrywide from January until June 2013. According to the report, the number of kidnappings has dropped
in Miranda, Carabobo and Aragua states, as well as the Distrito Capital; however, statistics for 2012 were not available so
the degree to which reported KRE incidents have dropped remains unclear.
Venezuela, 19 June: A Portuguese national, who was kidnapped in July 2012 in the town of Cagua in Aragua state, was
freed during a security force operation. Having been abducted by a group of armed men after leaving the store he owned,
the victim was held captive near the town of Las Trincheras in Carabobo state, where he was found unharmed. A ransom
payment for his release had been demanded by his captors, who are believed to be members of a local criminal
organisation known as Los Caliches del Centro. One arrest has been made.
Europe and the FSU
Italy, 15 July: Three people were arrested in connection with a plan to kidnap a wealthy local businessman in February
2012. Although details remain unclear, it is believed that they were planning to kidnap the owner of a cheese making
business from his hometown of Cagliari and demand 5 million euro (US$6.5 million) ransom from his family for his
release.
Lithuania, 21 June: Four locals and one Norwegian national were sentenced to prison terms of between five and seven
years for their role in the kidnapping of a Norwegian national. The incident occurred in the capital Vilnius in October 2011.
Although the exact circumstances surrounding the abduction remain unclear, the victim was held in an apartment on
Gediminas Avenue in Vilnius, and a ransom of 250,000 kroner (US$42,000) was demanded. The perpetrators were
captured when anti-terrorism police officers freed the victim.
Russia, July: Reports indicate that Russian immigration officials are extorting foreign nationals at points of entry into the
country. It is believed that nationals from European countries and former Soviet bloc are having some of their documents,
particularly those allowing them to work in Russia, withheld by the officials until a 10,000 rouble (US$300) ‘fine’ is paid.

Piracy
Gulf of Guinea, 6 June: Nigeria-based pirates have released five Pakistani sailors who were kidnapped on 25 May, when
their vessel, the Nigerian-flagged MT Matrix, was attacked in waters off the coastline of Nigeria’s Bayelsa state. The
circumstances surrounding the release of the sailors remain unclear. It is not clear as to whether a ransom was paid to
secure their release.
Gabon, 22 July: Authorities confirmed on 22 July that the Turkish-owned MT Cotton cargo vessel, along with its 24 foreign
crewmen, was released in waters off the coast of Gabon. The vessel was boarded and seized by a group of pirates on 16
July while docked in waters off the coast of Port Gentil. The circumstances surrounding the release of the vessel remain
unclear at this time.
Somalia, 7 July: At least four foreign nationals and seven Somali pirates died when their vessel, MV Albedo, sank off the
town of Hobyo. Another 14 people remain missing. The Malaysian-owned vessel and its 23 crew members, including
Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Iranian nationals, were reportedly hijacked off the coast of Somalia in November
2010 and were being held for ransom. Details over what may have caused the vessel to sink currently remain unclear;
however, the vessel had reportedly been gradually sinking for over a week. The nationality of the four deceased, as well
as the 14 missing crew members, is currently unavailable. In addition, unconfirmed reports indicate that of the remaining
crew members, four had previously been taken off the vessel while one had reportedly been killed.
Somalia: According the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) as of 30 June, Somali pirates were holding 57 crewmembers
hostage on four captured vessels. Another 11 crewmembers are being held in unknown locations on shore. The IMB has
also stated that eight piracy incidents, including two successful hijackings, in which 34 sailors were taken hostage, have
occurred in 2013 up until 30 June, a considerable decline in comparison to recent years.
Togo, 16 July: Authorities have confirmed that the Marshall Islands-owned MT Ocean Centurion commercial vessel was
raided during an attack by suspected pirates in waters off Togo’s capital, Lome. Although two crew members were
abducted in the attack, they have subsequently been released; details on their nationalities have not been released as
yet. Three additional crew members were injured in the attack. The suspected pirates did not capture the vessel during
the attack.
About us
red24’s Special Risks advice, assistance and response services are retained by a number of insurance companies in the
UK and USA. In the event of a kidnap, hijack, extortion or wrongful detention incident covered by one of our partners,
Insureds will receive expert practical advice and assistance from red24, who are always on call to provide whatever help
the Insured requires. red24 not only help Insureds achieve the possible release of the insured person, we also provide
risk management and pre- and post-loss consultancy. As a policyholder, Insureds will have access to red24 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week and will be issued with a number to call in the event of an emergency.
red24
red24 is a leading crisis management specialist. Founded in 2000, red24 provides security information, advice,
consultancy and assistance services to corporate entities, private clients and insurance providers across the world. Our
team has an unparalleled reputation for providing a comprehensive range of risk management solutions, both to
individuals wishing to protect themselves and their families and to companies wanting to minimise the risks to their
personnel, operations, reputation and profitability. Our experienced, multi-disciplinary team of experts is ready to help
you, your company and your employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week. red24 has operating experience in over 120
countries worldwide and the capability to physically support any organisation across the globe within 24 hours.
Meet the Specialist: Hans
A former member of the National Police Force, Hans spent twelve years in the Serious Crime Prevention Unit,
specialising in anti-terrorist prevention. He was involved in the liberation of kidnap victims (including the Heineken
case) and the apprehension of IRA-terrorists during this time. He was also involved in the close protection of
executives and high ranking government officials and diplomats. Hans has many years of experience in the area of
Risk & Crisis Management and is a former consultant for companies such as Corporate Risk International and Kroll
International. During these years Hans has handled domestic and international cases in the field of kidnap, hostage
taking, extortion, labour unrest and personal threats.

Our Special Risks team is led by Jack Cloonan, formerly of Clayton Consultants, and comprises a high-quality team of
highly-skilled professionals. Selected for their experience in crisis management, KRE response and negotiation, security
management and implementation of risk mitigation strategies, team members have been drawn from various fields,
including the military, law enforcement and the intelligence services, and each team member has approximately 15 years
of experience in crisis handling.
The red24 Special Risks team is supported by red24’s 24/7 Crisis Response Management (CRM) Centre and its
multilingual team of analysts and security experts.
Liberty International Underwriters (LIU)
Established in 1999, Liberty International Underwriters(www.libertyiu.com) provides a diverse range of specialty products
distributed exclusively through the independent broker network. The LIU staff of over 1,000 professionals offers core
products in marine, aviation, energy, engineering, global crisis management, property, casualty, professional liability,
directors & officers, surety bonds, legal expenses and trade credit insurance. Worldwide offices include North America,
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As a leading crisis management underwriter, LIU prides itself on providing immediate protection and exceptional
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clients face ever-increasing perils that threaten their safety and security, as well as their bottom line. With more than 30
years’ experience in the industry, our Global Crisis Management underwriting team - including in-house claims and loss
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When your clients work or travel internationally, adequate protection must go with them. We connect your clients to
industry leading resources to help them operate safely while outside of the country. And we protect them and their
business if the unthinkable occurs — kidnap, property damage, extortion, hijack or wrongful detention. We provide
coverage for such considerations as ransom monies, loss of ransom monies during in-transit delivery, expenses
associated with kidnap and extortion demands, consultant costs and judgment, settlements and defense costs.
Capacity Available: $25,000,000
Target Markets:
• Global corporations with foreign assets
• Businesses with traveling employees
• Families
Territory: Worldwide

Contact Details
Please contact any of our offices or visit our website (www.LIU-USA.com) to learn more about our products and services:
Louis Lubrano
212-208-9543
Louis.Lubrano@LibertyIU.com
New York
55 Water Street, 18th Fl
New York, NY 10041
Jane Baumann
212-208-2821
Jane.Baumann@LibertyIU.com
Jane McCarthy
212-208-9505
Jane.McCarthy@LibertyIU.com
Phil Rorty
212-208-9509
Philip.Rorty@LibertyIU.com
Dallas
8350 North Central Expressway,
Suite 850
Dallas, TX 75206
Thomas Dunlap
469-232-5628
Thomas.Dunlap@LibertyIU.com
Kim (Matous) Gardner
469-232-5632
Kim.Gardner@LibertyIU.com
Jan Lovell
469-232-5629
Jan.Lovell@LibertyIU.com
Karen McCullough
469-232-5631
Karen.McCullough@LibertyIU.com
San Francisco
353 Sacramento Street
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94111
Tamra Maupin
415-983-4559
Tamra.Maupin@LibertyIU.com
Toronto
181 Bay Street, Suite 1000
Brookfield Place Bay Wellington Tower
Toronto, ON
Canada M5J 2T3
Angela Feudo
416-847-3563
Angela.Feudo@LibertyIU.com
London
3rd Floor 2 Minster Court Mincing
Lane
London EC3R 7YE
Julie Ross
0207 256 3356
Julie.Ross@LibertyIU.com
Brenda Whelan
0207 256 3355
Brenda.Whelan@LibertyIU.com
Lee Niblett
0207 860 6658
Lee.Niblett@libertyiu.com
Brendan Carberry
0207 256 3345
Brendan.Carberry@libertyiu.com
Sydney
Level 27 Gateway Building
1 Macquarie Place Sydney
NSW Australia 2000
Michael Lincoln
+61 2 8298 5958
Michael.Lincoln@LibertyIU.com
Jonathan Marsh
+61 2 8298 5985
Jonathan.Marsh@LibertyIU.com
Melbourne
Level 49 Rialto South Tower
525 Collins Street Melbourne
VIC Australia 3000
Donna Niblock
+61 3 9619 9832
Donna.Niblock@LibertyIU.com
Dubai
Office 8 Floor 4
Gate Village Building 5
DIFC Dubai
Kit Welsh
+971 (0) 4 302 8024
Kit.Welsh@LibertyIU.com

KRE Risk Alert from LIU and red24: June-July 2013

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