The London connection to the Somali pirates
James Forsyth 7:50pm
The Daily Beast has an absolutely fascinating interview with Andrew Mwangura who fixes the release of ships and sailors captured by the pirates off the coast of Somalia. (He's currently on trial in Kenya) Do read the whole thing but this section sbout the role of London in the whole business particularly jumped out at me:
“But most of that money does not stay in Somalia. These young men carrying guns are just foot soldiers. Their leaders are in Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Canada. It is not easy for a common man in Africa to afford a motorboat with an 80-horsepower engine. It takes people out of Somalia to finance these activities.How does the money find its way from the shipping companies to the warlords?
The payment of ransoms is often done in Nairobi, Mombasa and European capitals, London in particular. I’ve heard cases involving both bank transfers and old-style suitcases filled with cash carried by air or by sea.”
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Conlige suspectos semper habitos
February 6th, 2009 8:51pm Report this commentDare one ask whether some of these 'fixers' in London might perchance be in possession of 'leave to remain' here, courtesy of Her Majesty's UK Border Agency?
Oooh look! String.
February 6th, 2009 10:29pm Report this commentOne does wonder whether the nation makers and breakers are making copious notes on the viability of a modern day feudal system...
Verity
February 7th, 2009 3:16am Report this commentOooh look! Don't understand. Are you saying you think the illegal incomers would be serfs?
Or overlords?
Archie
February 7th, 2009 3:48am Report this commentI and my family sleep soundly knowing full well that Her Majesty's sundry agencies are entirely aware of these people and their activities which are perpetrated under our noses!
Alf Tupper
February 7th, 2009 9:01am Report this commentAll a part of the rich diversity, the 'plurality of modes of life', which is multicultural Britain.
Liz Brown
February 7th, 2009 12:24pm Report this commentI, personally, would shoot the bastards before they get onto the tankers - would send out a "strong message" so beloved of gormless
jsburnett
February 7th, 2009 12:33pm Report this commentMwangura is correct. Actually, one of the pirates' motherships is a former Russian Trawler and its operations are financed by ______ from _______ who lives in London. His identity is known but gathering evidence for prosecution has been nearly impossible.
Verity
February 7th, 2009 2:51pm Report this commentThey probably belong to the "asylum seeker" thread of the rich multicultural tapestry of today's very diminished Britain.
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