The Shadow Warriors: Inside the World of Elite Bodyguards

Excerpts from the forthcoming book: The world of elite protection is one of shadows and secrets, where danger lurks around every corner.  These excerpts offer a glimpse into that world, drawn from my experiences as CEO of Security Global Ltd.        

Chapter 1: More Than Muscle

From shielding crime lords from gunfire to rescuing celebrities from the paparazzi's relentless pursuit, and even protecting a businessman from an unexpected cake attack, the role of a modern bodyguard extends far beyond mere muscle. In today's complex world, threats are often more insidious – reputational damage, calculated betrayals, or even attempts at poisoning. In this high-stakes game of shadows, victory belongs to those with superior intelligence and foresight.

Kornelijus Valius, CEO of Security Global Ltd, a leading international security firm, emphasizes that modern protection is multifaceted. "Security is a holistic state," he explains, "encompassing physical, moral, and mental well-being." K.Valius, a seasoned professional with a keen understanding of human nature and the intricate dance of threat and vulnerability, stresses the importance of preemptive analysis. "We meticulously study the client's lifestyle, their business sphere, and anticipate potential threats," he says.

To illustrate his point, K.Valius recounts an experience with a high-profile celebrity client. "While the threat of assassination might be low, the desire to capture them off guard and exploit their image is ever-present," he notes. In such cases, the Security Global team employs a diverse range of tactics, utilizing both discreet and imposing figures. "We have operatives who blend seamlessly into the background, gently deflecting unwanted attention, and those whose sheer presence acts as a deterrent," K.Valius explains. He himself is adept at playing the role of a visual deterrent. "I understand the media's appetite for sensationalism," he says with a wry smile. "My presence in a photograph would render it unusable, ensuring the focus remains on the client."

Chapter 2: The Invisible Enemy

While the majority of clients face less dramatic threats, the need for astute analysis remains paramount. "The geopolitical landscape adds another layer of complexity," K.Valius observes. "Acts of sabotage and intimidation in neighboring territories, disgruntled relatives – these are all factors we must consider." However, he emphasizes that even in such cases, the approach is rarely overtly aggressive. "Poisoning, tampering with vehicles – these are the more likely avenues of attack," he warns.

Mitigating such risks requires meticulous planning and execution. K.Valius recounts an instance where they devised an elaborate system to safeguard a client's food. "Only the chef, who personally sourced ingredients from undisclosed locations, had contact with the food," he explains. "This eliminated the possibility of external contamination." As an added precaution, the client's personal bodyguard always sampled the food first.

Chapter 3: "They Handed Me a Month's Salary, and I Walked Away"

Beyond skills and experience, the selection of a bodyguard often hinges on compatibility. "To ensure seamless operation, the bodyguard's age and interests should align with the client's," explains a seasoned bodyguard with the moniker 'Stoneface'. Finding the perfect fit is a meticulous process, often taking days of careful consideration.

Stoneface, a veteran of the Special Reconnaissance Regiment and three tours in Afghanistan, where he sustained injuries, entered the world of private security through recommendations from fellow soldiers. He has protected a diverse clientele but adheres to a strict code. "I refuse to work with those involved in illicit activities, particularly arms and drugs," he states firmly. He recounts an instance where he was hired by a wealthy individual but abruptly terminated the contract after being asked to perform menial tasks. "They handed me a month's salary, and I walked away," he says, his voice laced with disdain. "I wasn't hired to be a glorified car washer."

Chapter 4: "There Were Seven of Them, and Only One of Me"

Life as a bodyguard often demands unwavering commitment. Stoneface has spent up to six weeks at a time with clients, often completely isolated from communication. "When I'm away for a while, K.Valius or someone from Security Global Ltd touches base with my wife," he shares. "They explain the situation and offer support if needed. She always knows who to call. She worries, but she understands."

His wife's concerns are not unfounded. Stoneface has faced numerous perilous situations, sustaining injuries and even resorting to using his firearm. He recounts an incident where he was in a car with a client when an assailant attempted to throw a smoke grenade into the vehicle. "I reacted instinctively," he says, "shooting at his legs. The grenade fell harmlessly to the ground." The attacker was apprehended and handed over to the police.

On another occasion, assassins lay in wait near the client's residence. Stoneface, exiting the vehicle first, was immediately shot in the chest. Fortunately, his bulletproof vest saved his life. His partner shielded the client, ensuring their safety.

However, there have been times when Stoneface had to make difficult decisions, even abandoning colleagues in the face of overwhelming odds. "We were in a café when a group of individuals became aggressive," he recalls. "There were seven of them, and only one of me, as my partner had stepped out. I managed to subdue a couple of them and escorted the client out, shielding him with my body. I radioed my partner, but there was no response." They made a hasty retreat, utilizing evasive driving techniques. The partner eventually caught up but was subsequently dismissed.

Chapter 5: Ignorance is Bliss

In the world of high-stakes security, information is currency. "To identify the source of a threat, we must thoroughly investigate the client's environment, their frequented locations, and their travel plans," Stoneface explains. Open sources and social media often prove insufficient. "I analyze the available information and determine what additional data is needed," he says. "If the client consents, they provide access to the necessary databases."

Stoneface emphasizes the importance of compartmentalization. "It's crucial to understand the client's business without delving into specifics. This protects both the client and the bodyguard." This principle proved invaluable when, in the early 2020, Stoneface was caught in the crossfire of a criminal underworld conflict. Detained by law enforcement and mistaken for a criminal, his limited knowledge of his client's affairs saved him. "They subjected me to a polygraph test," he recalls. "Realizing I was genuinely unaware of the details, they took my military service into account and released me."

Attempts to intimidate or bribe bodyguards for information are commonplace. Following one such incident, Stoneface and his family were forced to relocate multiple times. A group of men tried to coerce him into revealing his and his client's travel plans, offering a substantial sum. When he refused, they let him go, either respecting his integrity or postponing their coercion to a later date. "I informed K.Valius about the attempted bribe," he says. "He arranged for us to relocate." After three moves, Stoneface and his family even briefly relocated abroad, only returning when the threat had subsided.

Chapter 6: "We Are Not Trained to Sacrifice Ourselves"

While incidents involving firearms are less frequent today, a question that often arises during bodyguard recruitment is whether they would shield a client from a direct shot. Professionals acknowledge that such a scenario indicates a failure to identify and neutralize the threat in a timely manner. K.Valius believes that only a select few can genuinely claim they would instinctively take a bullet for someone else. "It's an instinct honed in special forces, rescuers, and soldiers," he explains. "For an ordinary person, it might trigger if it involves a woman, a child, family, or a sense of religious duty. Bodyguards are not trained to sacrifice themselves; they are trained to prevent danger."

While a client's family is typically insured against tragedy, the same cannot always be said for a bodyguard's loved ones. "When asked this question, I respond with a firm 'no'," K.Valius states. "I will not sacrifice myself. But I will exhaust every avenue to ensure we both survive. We will run, jump from a second-story window, hide – whatever it takes. There are countless other ways to save a life."

The legal framework offers little protection for private bodyguards. Unlike law enforcement and intelligence officers, there are no specific regulations governing their safety, pensions, or compensation. This highlights the precarious nature of their profession, where their commitment to duty often surpasses the recognition and safeguards they receive.

Stay tuned for more raw and unfiltered excerpts from the upcoming book! The world of elite protection is full of twists and turns, and we're just getting started.

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