Risk Mitigation in High Risk Environments. January 14, 2024.

By Walter M. Farrer.

Risk Mitigation in the current times has become an art form. This is because it is impossible to design a “one size fits all” solution. Threats are ever evolving and have become far more complex and sophisticated. Many organized crime groups have grown to the point they have become Transcontinental Criminal Organizations or TCO’s with the capacity to overturn complete governments. Corruption and extreme acts of violence have allowed these organizations to become powerful beyond the understanding of many. Currently, the two largest and most powerful TCOs headquartered in Mexico are the Cartel de Sinaloa (Sinaloa Cartel) or CDS, and the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) or CJNG.

In their structure of operation, the CDS has more of a franchise type of structure that allows them to add-on and develop smaller cells of teams and/or local cartels that share technology, information, intelligence and best practices with the support and knowledge of the headquarters. It operates in many ways like guerrilla warfare. This makes it very difficult to attack the entity as a whole. On the other hand, the CJNG operates more as a more traditional pyramid multinational corporation with a very defined and strong structure with wholly owned structures and assets. In both cases, they have very strong financial structures and backing, very strong militia structures to both defend and attack as needed, intelligence structures and technologies, high-end attorneys, distribution chains with the capacity to bypass most government controls within countries and their borders, and so on.

Now, many of you may now ask yourselves: Why is this relevant for me? I do not participate in those drug related criminal activities, launder money or consume illegal drugs. The answer is not that simple; but what you must understand is that TCO’s are now affecting our day to day life. They have money, they have political power, they have the capacity to bully anyone they please, expel the population of entire communities, force people to work for them, interfere in election processes to select public servants, and many other related matters.

The criminal activities of these groups have grown to include extortion of all types of established businesses, ranging from local bakeries and tortilla shops, to restaurants and bars, convenience stores, churches, agricultural growers (livestock, avocado, lime, flowers, etc.) and many others. They also operate telephone and internet fraud schemes and extortions, kidnappings of individuals that include kidnappings for ransom, kidnappings to strong arm public servants at all levels of government (city, state and federation), the stealing and/or illegal distribution of fuel such as gasoline, diesel and even propane gas, to the distribution of internet and telephone connectivity, among many others.

Because of this, people should stop being naive about their safety and security matters. People should be better prepared to mitigate the impact of the losses when these groups knock at your door. It is not a matter of preparation for “If this happens to me”, but rather preparation for “when this happens to me.” The trend is clear, there are very high chances we all become targets at one point or another, and we must all try to be better prepared for when it happens.

Most people, companies and communities in Mexico and many parts of Latin America are struggling to get by in many ways. Therefore it is very difficult for most to incorporate into their personal, family, community or corporate security plan the use of armored vehicles, professional guards or bodyguards. Solutions like this can become very costly in time. They allow you to mitigate some risks, but not all. Therefore, safety and security must become one of the highest priorities for everyone. It should become the cornerstone of a new life and business culture. The stability and continuity of life and business operations may depend on this.

Protective solutions for families, businesses and communities must be seen as a whole. They should consider physical security measures, electronic security systems, information protection, security processes and practices, and most importantly the investment in knowledge in order to be better prepared for extreme risk situations. Effective security measures should be carefully planned and executed. Isolated solutions such as simply installing camera systems in your home or business do very little to protect them. Having strong combined and integrated solutions will do much more to that regard.

Invest in your education on security matters. Invest in knowledge to make better decisions to protect yourself and your business operations. Don’t know where to start? Contact Walter M. Farrer at +1-214-233-6399 via WhatsApp or wfarrer@gmail.com for a professional consultation.

Be smart, stay safe!