Firms on the frontline
David Pallister, The Guardian, December 10, 2003

Global Risk Strategies

Has more than 1,000 personnel, including 500 Gurkhas, in Iraq providing security for the coalition provisional authority, the US defence department, USAID and the UN. Its use of former Fijian soldiers to distribute the new Iraqi currency has been attacked as improper by human rights groups.

Erinys International

Headed by South African Sean Cleary, a former senior official in pre-independence Namibia. Directors include Alastair Morrison, former SAS officer. Erinys has been awarded a $40m contract to guard oil sites and pipelines.

Rubicon International

South London-based firm is a partner with Erinys on the contract. Founded in 1996 by former British army officer John Davidson. Directors include major general Bob Hodges, former commander of land forces in Northern Ireland.

Olive Security

Based in Mayfair. Provided security for TV crews during war then was awarded initial security contract by major US contractor Bechtel. Directors include former Welsh Guards officer, Harry Legge-Burke, brother of former royal nanny Tiggy and skiing partner of Prince William.

Control Risks Group

Hires armed guards to protect officials from Whitehall, aid workers and businesses. Directors include Sir Michael Rose, former SAS commander and head of UN protection force in Bosnia.

Janusian Security Risk Management

Subsidiary of The Risk Advisory Group, set up in 1997 by ex-SAS soldier Arish Turle. Active in Iraq since April running western trade delegations into Baghdad.

Genric Ltd

Located in Hereford and Plymouth for recruitment from SAS and Royal Marines. Has set up unit outside Basra providing armed site security and armoured vehicle hire.
- posted by ARYABHATT @ 7:22 am