As a high-level executive, you can enjoy a significant degree of significant professional success, but you can also face unique challenges that put you at risk. It is estimated that around £10 billion is illegally laundered through the UK each year and professionals can be subject to white-collar crimes such as intimidation.
Here is how you can understand these threats and take proactive steps to safeguard yourself against them:
Understanding the Threat
Intimidation tactics can be subtle or overt so you may not even realise it’s occurring. In a business context, perpetrators resort to threats, coercion, bullying or even physical violence to influence decisions.
Intimidation is often used to encourage professionals to engage in money launder. These schemes are designed to disguise the illegal origins of money through seemingly legitimate transactions. They are deceptively complex so executives may be unwittingly drawn into them through seemingly legitimate business proposals.
Understanding these threats and becoming familiar with the warning signs is the first step to effective protection. Criminals will typically be offering lucrative business deals, look to exploit gaps in your knowledge and create a sense of urgency.
Building a Personal Security Plan
Developing a personal security plan with a reputable security expert is your first line of defence against criminals. This plan should include detailed steps on:
- Threat Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment tailored to your specific role and industry to identify potential vulnerabilities and potential perpetrators.
- Communication Protocol: Establish clear processes for reporting suspicious activity or intimidation attempts. Highlight who should be informed, depending on varying levels of severity.
- Protective Measures: Once a threat has been identified, you need to increase your physical security, enhance your online defences and, depending on the nature of the event, seek legal advice.Â
Navigating Intimidation Tactics
The National Crime Agency estimates that only 13 percent of white-collar crimes are reported because individuals and institutions are ill-equipped to handle these events. If you experience intimidation attempts, it’s important to keep detailed records of dates, times and the nature of the threats.
Don’t be afraid to confide in a trusted colleague if you need help managing stress and anxiety. Alert your superiors and discuss involving law enforcement depending on the severity.
Legal Advice and Protection
If you’re facing undue pressure related to your work, seek legal advice focusing on employment law or executive protection. A solicitor can help you understand your rights, navigate internal company procedures, and explore potential legal recourse.
It’s crucial to remember you’re not alone during these threats. Your colleagues, family and friends are all there to provide you with emotional and practical support.
