So let's set the mood with 2009's "Arrgh: 'Pirates Not a Good Long Term Bet'":
Update: The WSJ's Deal Journal has a comparison of Piracy and Private Equity:
...Geographical investment thesis Private equity: Bullish on China.And from yesterday's maritime Executive:
Piracy: Opportunities on the coast of Africa.
Start-up costs
Piracy: Gun, boats, a handful of men, rocket-propelled grenades.
Private equity: Office on Park Avenue.
Jargon
Private equity: “Internal rate of return,” called IRR.
Piracy: Eerily similar: “Aaar.”>>>MUCH MORE
Active Somali Pirate Clans and Militias
With decades of political and economic decline and instability, internal conflict, high unemployment and continued sectarian violence, piracy in the Horn of Africa may be on the verge of returning.
After long and heated discussions, members of Somalia’s Puntland Piracy Network (PPN, the Harardheere-Hobyo Networks (HHN) and factions of the notorious Hobyo Pirate Network (HPN) have agreed to “test the waters” as they consider returning to sea. Active clan and pirate militias include:
Ali Zwahila Group
Members of the Ali Zwahila Group have returned to piracy. Ali Zwahila was one of Puntland’s most successful action groups and is commanded by “reformed” clan and militia leader Isse Yulux.
Since their return, the Ali Zwahila Group has been involved in heavy clashes with the Puntland Maritime Police/Forces. In one incident, clan elders where called upon to broker peace during the negotiation of a recently hijacked vessel....MORE
The action group consists of Ali Saleeban, Osman Mohamoud Clan (Majerteen sub-clan) and Layl-Kose (Daarood sub-clan) members.
Laasqoray Action Group
After months of training and preparation, the “Laasqoray Action Group” is set to begin operations. Consisting of key figures from the Hobyo and Puntland Pirate Networks, this experienced group is well-funded.
The group has strong ties to "Afwenye's" militias....
Previously:
Big Money: Somali Pirates' Rich Returns
Piracy 2012: Now With Form Letters, P.R.
Somali pirates set up "agencies" on three continents
"Somali sea gangs lure investors at pirate lair"
Obama Reaches Out to 'Moderate' Pirate Community (and we plan to make a buck-o, or two)
Izabella Kaminska on Efficient Organization and Pirates as Parasites
"Kidnapped by Pirates at Sea? Here's How Economics Can Save You"
"When you've got pirates in your sights, you don't check with Brussels" (VLO)
Indian navy destroys 'pirate ship'
"Dealing with Pirates (and terrorists) Russian Style"
"Who said a grenade launcher could not be a perfect financial asset?"
A new form on finance on the coast of Somalia.
I particularly enjoyed this part:
Piracy investor Sahra Ibrahim, a 22-year-old divorcee, was lined up with others waiting for her cut of a ransom pay-out after one of the gangs freed a Spanish tuna fishing vessel.And many more.
“I am waiting for my share after I contributed a rocket-propelled grenade for the operation,” she said, adding that she got the weapon from her ex-husband in alimony.
“I am really happy and lucky. I have made $75,000 in only 38 days since I joined the ‘company’.”
But getting serious once again:
UPDATED: Time to Go Pirate Hunting: "Somali pirates kill 4 American boaters"
There are laws and there are outlaws.Kill them where you find them.
Murder committed in the service of piracy is pretty much the definition of hostis humani generis (enemies of humanity)....
