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.
Old and new suspected fraudster identified
AWDC SO and the Local Police of Antwerp - Diamond Department are always on the lookout for suspected fraudsters trying to socially engineer or manipulate diamond companies and traders and switch or steal diamonds or money. Due to the increasing cooperation with the S-ADA buildings and diamond companies we have been able to detect the resurfacing of ‘old’ suspected fraudsters as well as new ones. Preventative warnings have been released into the S-ADA. Working together pays off by detecting, identifying and stopping these fraudsters!
Local Police officers and security guards spot suspicious activities in and around the S-ADA
Over the month of April, Local Police officers from the diamond department and security guards working in the S-ADA buildings have demonstrated their high level of security awareness, reporting and response skills when observing suspicious activities (taking pictures, filming, trying to access buildings, etc.) in and around the S-ADA. These activities were investigated, each time luckily with negative results. Situational awareness, security awareness and the willingness to report are effective and very helpful in preventing incidents!
AWDC SO cyber awareness prevented a Microsoft Scam
AWDC SO cyber security awareness helped to foil a so called "Microsoft scam" in which cyber criminals try to manipulate people over the phone to gain access to their computer and plant malicious software in order to extort money or steal personal information such as banking details.
Squatter evicted after 5 weeks instead of 6 months
At the end of April 2015, a known British squatter moved into the private residence of an Indian diamantaire and his family in Wilrijk. As a result of the efficient and professional cooperation between the owners, their lawyer, the Antwerp Indian Association, the Local Police of Antwerp - DIA and the AWDC SO, the case of the squatter was rapidly brought before a justice of the peace and he was evicted after 5 weeks, instead of the normal period of 6 months! The Federal Ministry of Interior is currently working on a law that criminalizes squatting.
AWDC SO awareness prevented diamantaires falling victim to the Microsoft scam
Due to the AWDC SO cyber security awareness campaigns, two diamantaires were prevented from becoming victims of the so-called Microsoft scam. In this scam, people call to inform you that your computer is causing problems on the network. They request remote access so they can correct the fictitious problem. Rather than helping you, they install malware (ransom ware, key loggers) on the computer, ask you to transfer money for their help, which grants them access to your e-banking system so they can wire larger sums.
AWDC SO and LPA DIA helped City of Antwerp to solve a complaint between an Australian buyer and an Antwerp diamond trader/jeweler
The City of Antwerp received a criminal complaint from an Australian buyer on an Antwerp diamond trader/jeweler. The City asked AWDC SO and LPA DIA to look into the matter. Thorough analysis and mediation led to a successful solution in which the buyer was fully compensated.
