Investigations / Due-Diligence
Today, even a small business can be a multinational. Yet to operate globally without the associated resources can stretch any company too thin. That is why SMI inaugurated the Investigations and Research Division (IRD). Whether you are a large corporation looking for highly specialized business intelligence, or a medium sized business looking to expand your reach, SMI has the expertise to help magnify your impact. At the IRD we maintain an elite staff of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), practitioners and academics to meet any need at a moment’s notice.
At SMI we use a variety of professional information services, sophisticated web-based search engines, and proprietary knowledge mining tools to deliver the highest quality intellectual material. We conduct research in a variety of languages, subjects and a range of professional disciplines with a domestic or international scope. Our undertakings span political, military, commercial, financial, technical and scientific fields. We have investigated multinational relationships, organization movements across sovereign boundaries or geographic regions, activities of individuals or organizations, and developments in particular industries or business sectors.
Here are some of the services we offer:
- Due diligence (know who you are doing business with)
- Fraud investigations (find out if you have been scammed, and by whom)
- Country profiles (what to know when traveling or expanding in a new country)
- Industry profiles (know who the key players are before you invest or expand)
- Public figure profiles (what material is available to the public about an individual)
- Company profiles (what material is available to the public about a company)
- Social media profiles (see how your image is depicted on social sites)
- Competitive intelligence (continuous monitoring and analysis of your competitors)
- Big data analysis (consolidate and utilize the client and market data you already own)
For additional information please contact:
Viviane Vicente Bencie,Vice President, Operations,
Security Management International, LLC by phone at 703.962.1545 by fax at 703.997.8827,
or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Intellectual Property Protection/Counterfeiting Investigations
It is estimated that over $300 billion dollars worth of Intellectual Property (IP) is stolen each year from American businesses. In today’s highly competitive, global business environment, this theft can result in the loss of trade secrets, research and development ideas, patents and formulas, proprietary products, and investment/bidding strategies. So great has the problem of corporate IP theft become, corporate espionage actually ranks second behind terrorism as the FBI’s chief concern to the US homeland.
As SMI, we specialize in intellectual property protection and loss prevention. We specifically focus on the theft of trade secrets and infringements on products, which can directly impact our clients’ reputation, liability, and market share. By focusing on the supply chain of counterfeit merchandise, such as clothing, pirated videos/CDs, pharmaceuticals and electronics, we are able to determine the source of this counterfeiting and disrupt operations. The key to our success is linking the considerable resources and efforts of the private sector with law enforcement partners on local, state, federal, and international levels.
SMI associates have considerable expertise in conducting counterfeiting investigations throughout Latin America, having identified and seized millions of dollars worth of counterfeit goods over the years.
Some of the counterfeit merchandise that we have experience investigating includes:
- Cellphones
- SIM cards
- Luxury goods (handbags, jewelry, watches, pens, etc.)
- Automotive and machine parts
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- DVDs/CDs
- Designer clothing and accessories
- Athletic apparel
- “Dummy” websites and URL addresses
Competitive Intelligence
"Competitive intelligence is a systematic and ethical program for gathering, analyzing and managing information that can affect a company's plans, decisions, and operations."
-Harvard Business School
Unlike corporate espionage, competitive intelligence is the legal and ethical means to keep track of your business competitors. At SMI, our highly-skilled research team is able to utilize public sources to gather data on our clients' competition, as well as monitor their market environment. This data is then transferred, via analysis, into intelligence to assist our clients' into making business decisions.
Running a company requires constant vigilance and dedication to the tasks at hand. SMI is here to keep an eye on the competition for our clients so their focus can safely remain on doing what they love.
Some of the services we offer include:
- Industry Profiles
- Company Profiles
- Country Reports
- Constant Market Monitoring
- Management Consulting
Government Programs
In this capacity, Mr. Bencie has been a consultant to the US Department of State, US Department of Defense, Fortune 500 companies, as well as foreign governments. He specializes in conducting strategic and security management assessments, performing counterintelligence and due-diligence investigations, and also provides specialized intelligence advisory services. He is the author of "Among Enemies: Counter-Espionage for the Business Traveler" and "Global Security Consulting: How to Build a Thriving International Practice."
Mr. Bencie has worked in over 100 countries and has trained thousands of domestic and international students from police, military, and intelligence services on topics such as economic and industrial espionage, border security, intellectual property protection, counterfeiting/piracy, and recognizing/discouraging terrorist travel movement. Prior to establishing SMI, Mr. Bencie was a Senior Security Consultant for Raytheon Company in the Intelligence and Information Systems Division, and assigned to the emerging markets of Brazil, India and Lebanon.
Mr. Bencie previously served on the US Department of State’s Foreign Emergency Support Team. In this capacity, he was responsible for responding to terrorist attacks carried out against US targets overseas. As a result, he performed numerous trips to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other "hot spots" throughout the world.
Mr. Bencie holds graduate degrees in “National Security Studies” from The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and The American Military University, as well as an MBA from the University of Sarasota. He received his BA from Michigan State University and completed further course work from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Training Academy, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
Security Management International’s Government Programs Division provides a wide range of security contracting services and solutions to the U.S. Government, state and local agencies, as well as foreign governments. Whether supporting intelligence, defense or civilian government initiatives, SMI can deliver a host of discrete or overt security capabilities across the globe. To help our clients’ achieve their various objectives, we have the capability to call upon a specialized team of highly qualified individuals who posses the technical skills, cultural understanding, foreign language ability and field experience needed to traverse today’s increasingly dangerous operating environments.
For additional information regarding instruction please contact:
Luke Bencie, Managing Director
Security Management International, LLC by phone at 703.962.1545
by fax at 703.997.8827, or by e-mail
Brazil Security Division (BSD)
Although an emerging economic power, Brazil continues to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world in terms of street crime, gang violence and kidnapping. The famous city of Rio de Janeiro, with 40% of its residents living in favelas (shanty towns), indeed has the highest murder rate in Latin America. Despite the dangers, industrial expansion, foreign investment, and tourism have not been deterred. To the contrary, Rio hosted the 2014 World Cup and will go on to host the 2016 Olympic Games.
Our BSD Services
That is why we at Security Management International specialize in assisting companies entering the Brazilian market with an array of high-quality, professional security services:
- Investigations
- Executive protection
- Secure transport via armored vehicles
- Private jet and helicopter assistance
- Logistical support
- Personal protection training
- Threat assessments
- Security surveys
- Translation and interpretation services
- Event security
- Due-diligence
Quick Facts About Brazil
Did you know...
Population: 196,655,014
Area: 3,288,000 square miles (8,516,000 km²)
- World’s largest producer of sugarcane
- World’s leading exporter of orange juice
- World’s leading exporter of chicken
- Largest ecommerce market in Latin America
- World’s 2nd largest coffee exporter
- World’s 2nd largest producer and exporter of ethanol
- World’s 3rd largest producer of iron ore
- Online population (78 million) is larger than the total population of Spain, France or UK
- 11.6 million Cable/satellite TV subscribers
- In 2011, 3rd largest market for PCs, and 5th largest for cell phones
Our BSD Team
Our Brazil Security Division team consists of security experts, executive protection agents, and country researchers, all of whom are bilingual in Portuguese and English, to provide you with a comprehensive security plan throughout the duration of your travel. The BSD team has extensive professional experience with backgrounds in law enforcement, military, and private security. Our capabilities include arranging protection services are available in virtually every major city in Brazil. In addition, we maintain positive relationships with local Brazilian law enforcement and the U.S. diplomatic community in Brazil.
Odair dos Reis Silva Director of Security for the
Brazil Security Division
Mr. Silva was previously a member of the Brazilian Branch of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), linked to the U.S. Department of State, from 1998 to 2008. He holds degrees in Business Administration and Private Security Management, as well as an extension degree in Defense Resources Management, obtained at the Superior School of War of the Brazilian Army in 2006. Mr. Silva speaks Portuguese and English.
In 2011, SMI opened a full-time office in the city of São Paulo to further assist our clients
Some of our recent work in Brazil includes:
- Conducting event security for hundreds of
international bankers - Performing research for a Fortune 500 company
looking to expand their Latin America operations - Providing executive protection for several high-profile/
high net-worth individuals traveling for tourism - Organizing trade missions for international companies
looking to invest in Brazil - Facilitating meetings between US companies and
Brazilian Government officials - Conducting an investigation into missing funds
Our Recent Work
- Currently providing security to a major 2016 Olympic sponsor
- Supported hundreds of VIPs from a major UK sports network, providing coverage of the World Cup
- Provided security for numerous CNN reporters and production teams through 8 cities in Brazil during the World Cup
- Provided security to one of the wealthiest men in the world during the World Cup
- Provided armored transport and VIP executive protection to dozens of Swiss businessmen during the World Cup
- Event security for hundreds of international bankers
- Conducting research for a Fortune 500 Company
- Executive protection for several high profile/high net-worth individuals traveling for tourism
- Hosting a 40-person international delegation in Brazil
- Providing executive protection at the Rio+20 conference for a high-risk, high-value client
- Conducted a financial investigation to locate missing investment funds
- Provided security for a world famous performer
- Hosted luncheons for a series of international executives
- Provided security training to an international organization
- Conducted Portuguese translation/interpretation services for a foreign delegation
- Performed due-diligence for a large corporation looking to expand operations in to Brazil
- SMI recently performed all security for a world-famous rock band traveling throughout Brazil and other South American countries
- Provided secure transport of high value items throughout Brazil
- Provided security for a high-net worth, high profile, global business leader
Persistent Security Concerns Make Brazil the Leader in Armored Cars
Ask any American what they know about Brazil, and more often than not their answer will include one, if not all the following:
- Beautiful beaches
- Colorful samba shows during Carnival
- Lush tropical rain forests
- An emerging economy
- Great soccer teams
- The place where Victoria's Secret models hail from
By Luke Bencie. Research by Katie Mikalnik and Josh Tallis. Read the whole article in PDF
We will arrange secure transportation services through licensed and insured companies. Armored vehicles, as well as a soft, non-armored collection are available. Bilingual executive protection agents and drivers may also be arranged upon request.
Azera
Corolla
Fusion
Gran-Caravan
Kia-Carnival
Omega
Sprinter
Mexico Security Division (MSD)
Why Mexico?
Mexico is an emerging financial powerhouse, with a constantly changing political landscape. With this new climate comes a plethora of public opportunities within the energy sector, particularly in the areas of oil and natural gas. Security Management International is acutely attuned to the political atmosphere of this continuously shifting climate, and will utilize investigations, due diligence, and traditional security consulting services to enable success in new ventures in Mexico.
Why MSD?
In addition to its proven track record of traditional security consulting services throughout the region, Security Management International possesses the on-the-ground capabilities necessary to conduct thorough diagnostics of potential business ventures. Businesses seeking new outlets of growth are provided with specialized assistance through the Mexico Security Division, based in Mexico City. By utilizing our local partners, we can provide the highest level of service to increase chances of success for future investments by lowering physical and financial risks. These singularly capable resources allow for unique insight and navigation on the natural resources market.
Service Samples:
Strategic Management Consulting
Operating in an emerging market requires navigating a complicated web of laws, cultures, and networks. SMI offers nuanced business advice and established connections to help extend your company’s competitive edge. We also offer the basics you’ll need to hit the ground running: translation and interpretation services, travel facilitation, and logistical and technical support. Finally, Security Management International is able to evaluate and assess operations, supply chain processes, and personnel.
Political Risk Assessments and Country Reports
Doing business in a new country can be exciting, but it often leaves companies with many new unanswered questions. As part of our commitment to making our client’s headaches disappear, SMI is always available to provide in-depth, need-based analyses. From cultural country profiles to political risk reports, SMI has the answers to your most pressing concerns.
Due Diligence and Investigations
Opening an office, or signing a contract, on another continent often means putting trust (and sizeable financial investments) in the hands of new partners. Ensuring that your investments are in good hands is why SMI provides specialized due diligence and investigative services across the region. We can offer insight into local business practices, criminal and legal backgrounds, even analyses of how businesses or individuals are regarded in local social media.
Executive Protection and Event Security
If the safety of business executives, employees, and families is of the upmost priority to you or your firm, SMI’s suite of security services offer cost-competitive and industry-leading solutions. From secure transportation, armored cars, and private jet/helicopter assistance, to guards, guns and gates, SMI can meet any security need.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Just as important as protecting yourself and your people is protecting where they work and live. Using the world-standard in threat and vulnerability assessment methodologies (CARVER), SMI associates can help you understand where your infrastructure is most vulnerable, and how you can address the issues cost-effectively. We can even train you and your team to use the CARVER Methodology, so you can ensure your critical infrastructure remains secure no matter how your needs change.
Emergency Planning and Training
There is no substitute for preparation. To operate in environments that can quickly become hostile means having a plan in place and knowing that it works. SMI’s associates come from backgrounds in disaster planning and mitigation across public health, the Military, and the Intelligence Community. Together, we can help prepare your organization for anything. Visit our pages on Crisis Simulations, Hostile Travel, Emergency Planning, Combatting Terrorist Explosive Attacks, Kidnapping Awareness and more to see how.
Executive Training Courses
The key to a successful business is constantly challenging associates to think and learn in new ways. At SMI, we aim to facilitate your growth by offering an unparalleled range of Executive Training Courses. Among our most requested courses are those on organizational success and innovation, featuring instructors and material hued from across the Military and Intelligence Community. Our most popular course is Counter-Espionage for the Business Traveler, which inspired the book Among Enemies. The seminar prepares executives to ensure the safety of their personal and business intelligence when abroad.
Middle East & North Africa Security Division (MENA-SD)
Why MENA?
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have emerged over the last several decades as reservoirs of immense human and natural resource capital. From the oil and natural gas fields of the Arabian Peninsula, to the technological and cultural innovators across the Levant, the MENA region is experiencing a renaissance of potential.
Why MENA-SD?
Yet, simultaneously, the Arab world continues to undergo dramatic changes, underscored most notably by the Arab Spring. Structures of governance are shifting alongside the expectations of an increasingly youthful population. And amid all the political and economic shifts, the Middle East and North Africa remain the scenes of an ongoing battle against extremism and terrorism. Businesses looking to engage with this promising but dynamic region require equally dynamic advice. To provide specialized assistance, SMI maintains a Middle East and North Africa Security Division (MENA-SD) office in Dubai, ready to offer the range of intelligence, business, travel, and security services.
Service Samples:
Business Facilitation Services
Operating in an emerging market requires navigating a complicated web of laws, cultures, and networks. With experience in every MENA country, SMI offers nuanced business advice and established connections to help extend your company’s competitive edge. We also offer the basics you’ll need to hit the ground running: translation and interpretation services, travel facilitation, and logistical and technical support.
Political Risk Assessments and Country Reports
Doing business in a new country can be exciting, but it often leaves companies with many new unanswered questions. As part of our commitment to making our client’s headaches disappear, SMI is always available to provide in-depth, need-based analyses. From cultural country profiles to political risk reports, SMI has the answers to your most pressing concerns.
Due Diligence and Investigations
Opening an office, or signing a contract, on another continent often means putting trust (and sizeable financial investments) in the hands of new partners. Ensuring that your investments are in good hands is why SMI provides specialized due diligence and investigative services across the region. We can offer insight into local business practices, criminal and legal backgrounds, even analyses of how businesses or individuals are regarded in local social media.
Executive Protection and Event Security
If the safety of business executives, employees, and families is of the upmost priority to you or your firm, SMI’s suite of security services offer cost-competitive and industry-leading solutions. From secure transportation, armored cars, and private jet/helicopter assistance, to guards, guns and gates, SMI can meet any security need.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Just as important as protecting yourself and your people is protecting where they work and live. Using the world-standard in threat and vulnerability assessment methodologies (CARVER), SMI associates can help you understand where your infrastructure is most vulnerable, and how you can address the issues cost-effectively. We can even train you and your team to use the CARVER Methodology, so you can ensure your critical infrastructure remains secure no matter how your needs change.
Emergency Planning and Training
There is no substitute for preparation. To operate in environments that can quickly become hostile means having a plan in place and knowing that it works. SMI’s associates come from backgrounds in disaster planning and mitigation across public health, the Military, and the Intelligence Community. Together, we can help prepare your organization for anything. Visit our pages on Crisis Simulations, Hostile Travel, Emergency Planning, Combatting Terrorist Explosive Attacks, Kidnapping Awareness and more to see how.
Executive Training Courses
The key to a successful business is constantly challenging associates to think and learn in new ways. At SMI, we aim to facilitate your growth by offering an unparalleled range of Executive Training Courses. Among our most requested courses are those on organizational success and innovation, featuring instructors and material hued from across the Military and Intelligence Community. Our most popular course is Counter-Espionage for the Business Traveler, which inspired the book Among Enemies. The seminar prepares executives to ensure the safety of their personal and business intelligence when abroad.
SMI - Security Management International Training Courses
SMI
