Demand for personal bodyguards is growing in Finland

Behind the phenomenon is the kidnapping of a rich heiress and ransom demands

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The hiring of bodyguards to protect private persons has increased to some extent in Finland.
      One of the underlying factors behind this is a kidnapping case that occurrred in Helsinki about three years ago. A member of the Herlin industrial dynasty was kidnapped and held for a ransom of EUR eight million in 2009.
     
”It is true that this has had an impact on the demand for bodyguards, but nevertheless, we are still speaking about sporadic cases - not about any large numbers of customers”, says Jari Kantonen from Suomen Vartioliikkeiden Liitto, a trade association of the private security industry.
      However, he is not willing to give any figures or estimates about the scope of the phenomenon.
      ”Nevertheless, such services are available, since there is a demand for them”, Kantonen notes.
     
The matter became topical once again when the news was released this week of the kidnapping plans relating to the son of bank director Björn Wahlroos and an unnamed Finnish businessman.
      According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the targets of the planned abduction were protected all the time, until the suspects could be arrested in Estonia.
      However, the NBI is not willing to report in which way the targets were protected, as it would disclose tactical methods used by the police.
     
According to Kantonen, Finns hire a bodyguard when they themselves or their family members have good reason to perceive that they are under threat.
      ”As a rule, it is need-oriented. Some kind of threatening or blackmailing is in the air. Unlike in America, we do not hire a bodyguard just in case”, Kantonen explains.
      The bodyguard services include for example the physical protection of a client as well as securing the chosen routes and given situations.
      The user of such services is usually wealthier than average.
     
There are various motives, but according to Kantonen, it is common that the bodyguard’s task is to prevent various threats in advance.
      ”Some people hire a bodyguard to protect under-age children. Wealthy people may also hire a bodyguard for a specific situation, for example to accompany them on a trip or if there is something special underway”, Kantonen reports.
      Even companies may hire bodyguards for their executives. Frequently, it has something to do with the company’s own internal situation.
      ”Executives may be harassed when the company is faced with a delicate situation involving for example major staff reductions, or if co-determination negotiations are in progress”, Kantonen continues.
     
When it comes to middle-class people, they tend to resort to technical security services instead of guards. They have various surveillance technology products installed in their homes, for example alarm systems that are connected to security firms.
      ”A panic button installed in remote controls is quite normal in home security services. They operate largely in the same way as the corresponding systems in the care services for the elderly”, Kantonen adds.
      According to Kantonen, the security services also include a portable panic button, which will alert the guards of a security company if needed.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Two suspected of plotting kidnap of millionaire´s son (2.2.2012)

See also:
  At kidnapping trial, Turunen admits taking hostage (30.9.2009)
  Member of Herlin industrial dynasty held hostage for over two weeks (15.6.2009)

Links:
  Suomen Vartioliikkeiden Liitto, a trade association of the private security industry

Helsingin Sanomat