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UK Cell Feeds Intel to Somali Pirates

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted May 11, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Somali pirates are being aided by an information-gathering “consultant” team in London, the Guardian reports. According to a European intelligence report, the pirates use satellite phones to stay in touch with the London cell, which has access to specific information about routes and ship layouts provided to European governments. In some cases, the “well placed informers” have been in contact with pirates aboard hijacked ships.

“The information that merchant ships sailing through the area volunteer to various international organizations is ending up in the pirates’ hands,” the report says. Hijackers have left British-flagged vessels alone recently, perhaps to protect their source of information. The report says the London informers steer pirates toward certain ships, and provide detailed plans of the ship’s design.

Somali pirates arrested by marine commandos of the French navy.
Somali pirates arrested by marine commandos of the French navy.   (AP Photo)
A satellite phone.
A satellite phone.   (AP Photo)
Pirates and their hostages are seen aboard the French yacht Tanit, off the coast of Somalia .
Pirates and their hostages are seen aboard the French yacht Tanit, off the coast of Somalia .   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
justme
May 12, 2009 12:18 PM CDT
Does anyone still believe that the pirates are a group of poor uneducated fishermen?
Timinator2K
May 11, 2009 10:12 AM CDT
All the pirates have to do is screw with the Chinese and/or Russians and its Arrrrrr Buh Bye. Those two can't wait to show off to the US how they too can slice and dice using their shiny n' deadly naval forces.
Rob
May 11, 2009 7:26 AM CDT
There is a "liberal" position on piracy?

 
Somalia • London • England • piracy • pirates • satellite phones • intelligence gathering • handler • informer • Jay-ZTV

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