Capital Eye protects Nigerian crackdown into fraud and money laundering scams

(20/11/2006)

Capital Eye has recently completed a major project in Nigeria to protect a high-profile crackdown into fraud and money laundering scams, with the support of UK Trade & Investment Team South East.

419 frauds, which are so called after a Nigerian Act of Parliament, target firms or individuals with an unsolicited fax, email, or letter emanating from Nigeria or another African nation. Usually they contain either a money laundering scam or some other illegal commodity deals.

At some point, the victim may be asked for an up-front advance fee of some sort and if they do pay, they are told "complications" require still further payments until the victim either quits, runs out of money, or both.

Capital Eye completed a comprehensive security assessment for a European Union team investigating notorious '419' scams emanating from West Africa - which has victims across the world. Capital Eye's security assessment team scrutinised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters in Abuja and premises in Lagos and Port Harcourt - providing a comprehensive analysis of all the risks to people, property, information and specifying a list of protective measures, ranging from tightening IT security to CCTV, intruder alarms, access control systems as well as procedures to improve personnel safety.

The EFCC team is part of a drive to stamp out corruption and financial crimes by the Nigerian government aided by agencies such as the EU and the United Nations and collaborating closely with Interpol and London's Metropolitan Police. Their work is hazardous because of the threat from the criminal gangs running the scams, which have up till now had little to fear from the authorities.

Capital Eye's Marketing and Operations head, Simon Cooper, said: "These scams are worth huge amounts of money, so Nigeria is a dangerous country for anti-fraud officials to operate in. It is vital that security is tight - from protecting the investigation teams and also their families, to making sure the headquarters is secure and the IT networks are not vulnerable to cyber or physical attack. We have ensured the EFCC team is fully aware of the security threats and what should be done to enhance the integrity of its personnel and data systems."

He added: "We also work with UK Government, companies and on international development projects. Our large team of highly respected and experienced consultants all have senior police, military, security and specialist industry backgrounds. We provide expertise in counter-terrorism, crime reduction, police performance and intelligent security and risk assessments at key installations. Security consultancy is all about building close relationships and successful reputations with clients. UK Trade & Investment has played an important role in supporting Capital Eye's success overseas. It has helped us to visit new markets and given us a clearer international business strategy."

Since joining UK Trade & Investment's Passport to Export initiative last year, Capital Eye has won contracts in the Caribbean, Iraq, Afghanistan and with Surrey Police.

UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Adviser for Security, Phil Hodgins, commented: "The security consultancy business is very competitive but Capital Eye demonstrated its outstanding expertise and contacts to win this European Union deal. It is now well placed to win further work from the European Union and within government agencies on the continent. UK Trade & Investment Team South East offers a comprehensive range of services, tailored for individual firms, with our network of international trade advisers working one-to-one with companies to develop business overseas. The Passport to Export initiative is an ideal way for companies to access our extensive range of services - our training courses, market research missions and contacts within government and overseas embassies. UK Trade & Investment gives firms the skills and confidence to compete in the international marketplace."

Related topics:  Access Control   Alarm systems   CCTV System   Fire, Health & Safety   IT Network and Computer Security   Manned Security and Security Guard   Perimeter Protection   Physical Security   Remote Monitoring and Surveillance   Security industry   Security market sectors   Security Services 

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