The Hidden Risks in the Security Industry: Why Transparency and Accountability Are Non-Negotiable
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Al Thuraya Holdings recently concluded a virtual customer-client meeting to address inquiries across our subsidiary companies, which span various industries.. During the meeting, the escalating situation in Syria became a central topic, leading to numerous questions about how we can assist and support these companies on ground, particularly in the realm of logistics and security services. To provide insights and guidance, we turned to our sister company, Al Thuraya Consultancy, under the leadership of Mr. Jeremiah Davis, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Consulting, and Mr. Moataz Ahmed Shaaban, Regional MENA Operations Manager.
Their expertise highlighted a critical and pressing issue:
In the high-stakes world of security and logistics, particularly in frontier countries, trust is paramount. Yet, with the fall of Syria, it is astonishing how many providers claim to operate in Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq—or even, as we observed just this week, in Mozambique. The reality is starkly different—few can truly deliver on these claims.
Another significant factor is cost. Last-minute, urgent needs in a nation experiencing collapse come with substantially higher expenses compared to standard missions in other frontier countries. These increased costs arise from the necessity of ensuring smooth passage through checkpoints, making payments to navigate fallen government processes, and safeguarding the client’s well-being. Whether it’s evacuating individuals from a collapsing nation, addressing critical medical needs, or managing cross-border operations, the logistical and financial complexities in such volatile environments are profoundly heightened.
The Subcontracting Dilemma
In frontier markets, security operations are inherently complex. Navigating unstable environments, managing risks, and delivering tailored solutions require deep expertise and strong local connections. Many firms claim to have these capabilities but lack the resources or infrastructure to deliver them in-house. Instead, they turn to subcontractors—often without the client’s knowledge.
This practice creates a cascade of risks:
- Quality Control Issues: Unknown subcontractors may lack proper training, equipment, or adherence to standards, undermining the quality of the services.
- Liability Ambiguities: When incidents occur, determining who is responsible can be a legal and logistical nightmare. Clients may find themselves holding the bag when liability is not clearly defined.
Accountability and Liability: The Missing Pieces
This raises an urgent question: when something goes wrong on the ground, who assumes the liability? Is it the primary provider, often operating without the necessary licenses, or the local subcontractor, who might also lack proper authorization? Clients hiring for critical security operations frequently place their trust in promises of expertise, capability, and a proven track record. Unfortunately, the reality of the industry too often tells a different story.
Moreover, costs in such scenarios often escalate unpredictably. Many clients are unprepared for the financial realities of operating in a collapsed or volatile state, such as payments required to facilitate safe passage or ensure compliance with local dynamics. Without clear contractual terms, clients can find themselves shouldering unexpected expenses with little recourse.
The Importance of Local Relationships
A critical component of any security operation is the strength of local relationships. In frontier countries, successful navigation of political, social, and logistical challenges depends on having trusted local partners. Security firms that lack established local networks are at a significant disadvantage, risking operational inefficiencies or even inadvertently exacerbating tensions on the ground.
For example, during the fall of a nation, understanding the nuances of local checkpoints, securing cooperation from authorities, and ensuring that all movements comply with both written and unwritten rules are essential. Without these capabilities, missions can face dangerous delays or outright failure.
How Clients Can Protect Themselves
To ensure they receive real value for their investment, clients must adopt a proactive approach when hiring security services:
- Demand Full Transparency
Insist on knowing exactly who will be delivering the services. Request detailed profiles of subcontractors, their qualifications, and their local connections to ensure alignment with your needs.
- Verify Insurance and Liability Coverage
Ensure that contracts explicitly define liability structures, detailing who is responsible for what in the event of an issue.
- Understand the Costs
Be aware of the financial realities of operating in high-risk, volatile environments. Request clear and upfront cost estimates, accounting for additional fees related to checkpoints, permissions, and operational complexities. Avoid vague pricing to prevent hidden fees.
- Conduct Thorough Due Diligence
Investigate the provider’s track record, focusing on past operations in similar environments. Look for proven success, references, and strong, established local relationships that demonstrate their ability to navigate the specific challenges of your target region.
Partner with Proven Experts
Work with firms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical practices—and critically, ensure they have on-the-ground experience in the regions relevant to your needs. A global contract or agreement alone is not sufficient if the vendor does not actively operate in the specific region you require. Verify their capability to meet the above criteria within your target area, confirm their regional capabilities, before engaging their services for global support.
Conclusion
For companies hiring security services in frontier countries, the stakes are too high to accept vague promises. Transparency, accountability, and proven local expertise must be non-negotiable. With many firms over-promising and under-delivering, it’s essential to ask the hard question: Who is really providing the services? Are they licensed and capable? And most importantly, who assumes the liability if things go wrong?
By demanding greater transparency and choosing partners wisely, clients can navigate these challenges and ensure they receive the protection and value they deserve. In an industry where trust is often misplaced, it’s time for a higher standard of integrity, accountability, and operational excellence.