Feral Jundi

Monday, September 19, 2011

Maritime Security: GreySide Group Disputes Reports About Personnel Traveling Through Mozambique

This popped up on my radar and I wanted to get this out there. I hate it when companies get falsely accused or criticized about incidents. In this case, I don’t know if the media was the one that solely produced this dumb story or if the media was being fed information by a competitor of GreySide‘s?

Either way, here is GreySide’s response to this article. I think it is also interesting that this story came out right after it came out that GreySide had set up shop in the UK? Hmmmm…. –Matt

 

GreySide Group Disputes Information Surrounding Personnel Traveling Through Mozambique
Sep. 19, 2011
The GreySide Group refutes information contained in recent reports surrounding five of its personnel traveling through Mozambique. The GreySide Group employees were briefly questioned at the Nampula airport; however, there were no weapons present, and after the Mozambique authorities investigated and found no wrongdoing, the personnel were quickly released and granted visas.
“As a security firm operating globally we take every step to ensure all proper licenses are obtained prior to conducting international missions on behalf of our clients. Our highly trained team of professionals were in full compliance with our rigorous procedures, and with applicable international and domestic laws,” said Alex Popovic, CEO, GreySide Group.
The GreySide Group team was carrying ammunition legally and in accordance with Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
“We have conducted dozens of transits without a single incident, and currently have numerous teams in the Gulf of Aden protecting commercial ships transiting high risk waters,” said Popovic.
One of the first companies to provide armed guards for US flagged vessels starting in 2009, the GreySide Group is regularly contracted to train foreign allies of the United States throughout the Middle East to combat terrorism. The GreySide Group trained US Special Forces groups prior to deployment to SE Asia, and also trained US Coast Guard personnel for its Anti-Piracy task force deployed to the Gulf of Aden to specifically combat piracy within Task Force Atalanta.
About The GreySide Group
Founded in 2003, the GreySide Group is an international risk management firm specializing in training, maritime security, intelligence operations and information security. With a specialty in providing armed security in high-risk environments, GreySide Group is the exclusive provider of maritime security services for several of the largest, and most prominent shipping companies in Europe and is endorsed by select Lloyd’s underwriters. GreySide Group’s executive and management teams consist of experienced former US military special operations personnel, intelligence community personnel and experienced security professionals.
Press release here.

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GreySide Group Adds Anti-Piracy Expert & Opens UK Office to Support Growth
Sept. 13, 2011
UK Office and Anti-Piracy Expert Support GreySide’s Global Clients
GreySide Group, an industry leader in Maritime Security, Anti-Piracy, and International Risk Management & Security is proud to announce the opening of a European office in the United Kingdom, and the addition of Michael Ferguson to the executive team.


GreySide Group recently opened a European office in the heart of London, England. This office is supported by a dedicated European manager and will enable GreySide Group to more effectively support European clients.
In addition to opening the UK office, GreySide has also added Mike Ferguson as the VP of Global Operations.
Mike Ferguson brings over 25 years of military, law enforcement, and maritime training to GreySide Group. A 21 year veteran of US Naval Special Warfare (SEALS), Mike served with both SEAL Team One and SEAL Team Eight and conducted operational deployments throughout the world. After retiring from the SEALs, Mike was active in law enforcement where he worked as counter-narcotic and SWAT officer. Mr. Ferguson was also the senior small-arms and Close Quarters Combat instructor for the US’s premier counter-narcotics and anti-piracy organization — the US Coast Guard’s Tactical Law Enforcement Team SOUTH.
“Pirates are becoming increasingly violent and are quickly adapting to the increased security in the industry. GreySide Group is committed to staying ahead of the pirates and ensuring that we can provide the best possible services for our clients. Mike brings unparalleled maritime security expertise and experience to GreySide Group. His addition to our team will enable GreySide to continue to provide industry leading maritime security services and provide our clients with confidence that their vessels and crews are protected.”
About GreySide Group Founded in 2003, The GreySide Group as an international risk management firm specializing in training, maritime security, intelligence operations, and information security. With a specialty in providing armed security in high-risk environments, GreySide Group is the exclusive provider of maritime security services for several of the largest, and most prominent shipping companies in Europe and is endorsed by select Lloyds underwriters. GreySide Group’s executive and management teams consist of experienced former US military special operations personal, intelligence community personnel, and experienced security professionals. “Our business is protecting yours.”
Story here.

2 Comments

  1. Matt,

    I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Alex Popovic. I appreciate the objectivity of your analysis. It clearly brings up very valid points, that we can't get into the nuts and bolts of, but any individual familiar with these type of operations clearly could read between the lines.

    If you're amenable I'd like to put you in our blog roll.

    Email us at info@greyside group.com

    Respectfully

    Alex Popovic

    Comment by info — Tuesday, September 20, 2011 @ 6:23 PM

  2. Alex, thanks for coming up and sharing your thoughts about the incident. Feel free to put FJ in your blog roll and I will do the same for your company. Take care.

    Comment by Feral Jundi — Tuesday, September 20, 2011 @ 10:17 PM

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