AWDC SO and LPA resolve important matters
The AWDC Security Office (AWDC SO) and the Antwerp Local Police (LPA) work closely together to ensure the safety and security of the Antwerp diamond industry and community. Some matters of crucial importance were resolved as a result of this successful collaboration.
Fraudster identified and full loot returned to victim
A S-ADA (Secure Antwerp Diamond Area) building manager was informed by one of his occupants that he had been defrauded of €8,000. The building manager referred the occupant to the AWDC SO and LPA DIA/ISRA. In a combined effort we were able, together with the occupants' bank, to identify, locate, contact and ‘motivate’ the fraudster to transfer the full amount back to the occupant. The sooner AWDC SO and LPA DIA/ISRA are informed of suspicious activities or crimes, the greater the chance of a positive outcome!
Two criminals detected and arrested in the Diamant parking lot
The Securitas Mobile security guard active in the broader Rijfstraat area noticed during his rounds the presence of a suspicious vehicle and suspicious behavior by two men inside the Diamant parking lot. The Guard notified LPA DIA/ISRA, who dispatched a police team to intercept and check the vehicle and occupants. The police were already familiar with both individuals and arrested them for further investigation. The Securitas Mobile security guard, under the supervision of the AWDC SO, looks out for your safety and security, also in the broader S-ADA!
Social engineering, cyber crime and credit card fraud foiled
After a successful and complex mixed attack involving social engineering, cyber crime and credit card fraud, the AWDC SO, in close cooperation with LPA DIA/ISRA, sent out awareness mails to the S-ADA warning for the specific modus operandi. Several similar attempts failed because of the increased vigilance and awareness. Sharing information, even when the perpetrators are successful, helps prevent more people from becoming victims!
Five domain name scams foiled
Several weeks ago the LPA DIA/ISRA advised AWDC SO on a new scam called the ‘domain name scam’, in which fake invoices for relatively small amounts were sent to S-ADA companies, among other reasons to take possession of the website and extort the companies for the return of the website rights. Increased awareness clearly helps, as 5 companies were targeted, but recognized the modus operandi and reported the failed attempts to the AWDC SO.
Suspected surveillance of diamantaire in Vestingstraat detected
The Securitas Mobile security guard observed a team of 4 people of Eastern-European origin professionally surveilling a diamantaire. AWDC SO informed LPA DIA/ISR and, together with the building manager, we were able to identify the diamantaire, debrief him and provide tips and tricks to increase his awareness and security profile. No more suspicious activities have been reported since then. It is not only important to be vigilant inside the S-ADA, but also during the commute to and from the diamond district!
