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 in last month as a result of this successful collaboration.

For instance, two wanted persons were successfully identified and apprehended. Alert people from the community and police officers located in the police cabin in the Schupstraat noticed the suspicious behavior of these individuals. Their identities were checked, and it turned out that they were wanted. They were immediately referred to the public prosecutor.

Further, the AWDC SO was informed about a probable case of extortion and threats against a diamantaire from Antwerp and his family. AWDC SO advised and guided them in reassessing their security. A complaint was filed through the LPA DIA against the suspected perpetrator. As a result of the excellent cooperation between a Secure Antwerp Diamond Area (SADA) building, the LPA DIA and the AWDC SO, the suspect was detected, arrested and questioned. During the interrogation, the diamond that was used to blackmail the diamantaire was discovered and confiscated. The investigation into the perpetrator and the facts is ongoing, and the procedure to return the diamond to the owner is successfully completed.

Late last year, the diamond community also discretely informed the AWDC SO about a case of fraud against another diamantaire. It concerned $70,000. Again, thanks to the fine cooperation between the AWDC SO and LPA DIA, the perpetrator was identified, found and questioned. As a result, the perpetrator will repay the victim in installments of $20,000. The first payment was recently transferred. The further investigation is ongoing.

Finally, the monthly AWDC SO “Cyber crime awareness briefings” has already demonstrated their added value. During the most recent edition, a participating diamantaire reported that a serious incident involving $400,000 was effectively prevented thanks to information they received in an  AWDC SO email about bank transfers and cyber crime. The modus operandi and indications of suspicious activity occurred exactly as described in the email. Consequently, the diamantaire sensed danger and cancelled the transaction in time. The police were notified of the incident.