8 Killed in Mexico Near Tourist Hotspot

Eight people died early Tuesday after attackers hurled several Molotov cocktails into a Cancun, Mexico, bar.

Six women and two men, all Mexican nationals and employees of the tavern, were killed.  The matter is  now under investigation by judicial police.

Eight men hurled the explosives at the bar and fled in vehicles, the release said. No shots were fired.  The tavern is just 5 kilometers from the city’s tourist stretch.

Think I need to repeat the last part:   The tavern is just 5 kilometers from the city’s tourist stretch.

The violence in Mexico is getting worse.  Travelers thinking that sticking to the tourist areas will keep them safe, may want to strongly consider additional precautions. 

For the story, click HERE.

Mexican Mayor Killed By Bodyguard

The drug trade fueled violence in Mexico continues.

According to news reports, six police officers in Mexico have been arrested in connection with the murder of a mayor kidnapped early this week in the ultra-violent north of the country, local authorities said Friday.

The officers, including one who acted as bodyguard to Edelmiro Cavazos, the slain mayor of the town of Santiago, were paid off by a drug gang to facilitate the crime, the regional governor and the prosecutor, Rodrigo Medina and Alejandro Garza, told reporters.

Apparently his other bodyguard was overpowered and beaten but otherwise left alive during the kidnap attempt.

Click for the Full Story of The Mexican Mayor Killed by Bodyguard & Police and Violence Rises.

Security Guard Threatens to Blow Up the NBA?

A  private security guard has just been charged with making false bomb threats against the NBA.  19 year old Jose Quesda, Jr. provided security for the NBA’s Secaucus office and allegedly made several calls from his cell phone over a 3 day period.

On a voice mail he was stated to have left the following: “ I put a bomb outside. Gonna kill all the NBA. I put a bomb outside in the bush. No way out. Gonna blow up at 9 o’clock in the morning. Good luck.” At which time the building was evacuated and the bomb squad called in.

Yeah, that was Smart.

For the full story, click HERE.

Kidnapper Tries To Hire Bodyguard Firm to Help?

Still trying to get my head around this story, but apparently a man reached out to a well regarded executive protection firm and tried to enlist their aid in kidnapping a female co-worked.  Of course the firm reported it to the police and the man, a former convict was eventually arrested and charged.

Read the strange story HERE.

Stalkers Using Social Networking to Find You

A  group of independent scientist have conducted a study that shows just how easy it is to learn your whereabouts while using the geo-tagging features now popular with social networking sites such as Twitter & YouTube.

The scientist were able to use the geo-tags which gives longitude and latitude information precisely enough to identify the home in which a particular images were shot after being placed on social networking sites.   In addition to video, these tags can also be embedded in smart-phones messages and still photos.

For the full story, click HERE.

Mexico Government Rents Bodyguards to Workers

Israeli Diplomatic Bodyguard In US Guns Stolen

File this one under Suspicious: 

Apparently workers of American Airlines lost the luggage of members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security detail.  The luggage lost at JFK Airport was recovered in Los Angles, however 4 (count them, 4) handguns which were in the bag are now missing.   Airline regulations require that firearms be declared and shipped with checked luggage. 

Hope these get recovered soon.

For HERE for the full story of the Missing Bodyguard Guns.

American Tourist Shot During World Cup

An American man was robbed and shot while in Johannesburg South Africa for the World Cup.  The 35 year old LA resident was on his way to his hotel in the affluent Sandton area when he was assaulted by four men.  He is currently hospitalized in stable condition.

For the full Associated Press story, click HERE.

During my time there on assignment, I found South Africa, and Johannesburg in particular to be a mass of contradictions.  Modern yet historical.  Friendly citizens with national pride, yet this undertone of fear that was apparent almost everywhere.

*In the article, they quote a police spokesperson as saying that the mans life was not in danger.  (Quick note:  Any time your shot and robbed, your life is in danger.)

See related:  World Cup Security Breakdowns

Security & Safety at the World Cup

Surveillance Detection Training Course

ICON & MULTI TIER SOLUTIONS

Surveillance Detection Course

July 28th – August 1st, 2010 (Minneapolis, MN)

Proactive Surveillance Detection for Executive Protection, Security Managers & Counter-Terror Professionals

Icon Services Corporation together with Multi Tier Solutions Ltd. are proud to present a unique 5-day course focusing on detecting stalkers, potential kidnappers and  pre-attack surveillance, thus stopping a hostile act in the planning stages.  This course greatly benefits those in the corporate and law enforcement sectors with special emphasis placed on detecting terrorist activities and crime across all environments.

As global pioneers in the field of defending against terror, Israel based Multi Tier Solutions, CEO Ivor Terret has teamed with security expert Elijah Shaw and Icon Services Corporation to deliver a realistic course tailored to counter threats faced by security and law enforcement organizations worldwide.

This is an advanced course for protection managers, security consultants and field personnel.

For more information or to attend click:  SURVEILLANCE DETECTION COURSE

Security and Safety at The World Cup

South Africa Times Reports:  South African intelligence services have been accused of being slow to react to warnings of terror threats to the 2010 World Cup

The US Congress counter-terror caucus was briefed on threats to the tournament.  Ronald Sandee, director of the NEFA Foundation, warned the US Congress that:

• Pakistani and Somali militants are running terror training camps in northern Mozambique;
• Trainees from these camps may have crossed into South Africa to join or form cells planning World Cup attacks;
• Surveillance and strike teams planning attacks are well established in South Africa. Terror groups involved include al-Qaeda and their Somalian allies, al-Shahaab
• Simultaneous and random attacks are being planned during the World Cup

On Wednesday, the National Joint Operational Centre was activated at an undisclosed military base in Pretoria. It is co-coordinating the deployment of all South African security and intelligence structures to ensure a safe World Cup, including 24-hour protection of teams and officials.

According to two insiders, a watch-list of 40 terror suspects has been drawn up.  Police have neither confirmed nor denied the arrest or watch-list.

For the full story:  Click HERE.

It’s tough finding the balance between safety & security along with access & convenience at a world sporting event such as the World Cup.  Lot’s of moving parts, lots of players.   ~ES