Taiwan - China Expanding Security Services
CCP-Run Frontier Services Hiring; Former Blackwater Group
Almost one year later, I still need: If anyone knows the address or the local sales representative in Taiwan of Frontier, please e-mail me: chinainarms@substack.com; you will be given a life time membership!
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12 November 2023 (updated 21 April 2024)
Taiwan - China Expanding Security Force Protection
CCP-Controlled Frontier Services Hiring
By Wendell Minnick (Whiskey Mike) 顏文德
TAIPEI - Why is there a Chinese state-owned company operating VIP executive protection services in Taiwan?
The Beijing-based, state-owned, Frontier Services Group is now advertising on LinkedIn for an “Executive Protection Agent” for Taipei.
With my unique LinkedIn profile I received an invite to apply. So I applied for the job just to shake the tree and see what fell…and on 9 November there was a thanks, but no thanks:
Wendell,
Thanks for your interest in the Executive Protection Agent position at Frontier Services Group in Taipei City, Taipei City, Taiwan. Unfortunately, we will not be moving forward with your application but we appreciate your time and interest in Frontier Services Group .
Regards,
Frontier Services Group
Frontier is a Chinese state-owned security, aviation, and logistics company founded and led until April 2021 by Erik Prince, the former head of Blackwater Worldwide.
Taiwan is basically inviting a Chinese state-run company with the capabilities of a military special operations strike force.
The below will give Taiwan intelligence/military officials an idea of Frontier’s capabilities:
Advance Site Surveys
Armored Vehicle Convoy
Develop Integrated Security Plans
Information Analysis
Operational Suppor
Operations and Communications Centers
Personal Security Awareness Training
Quick Reaction Forces
Risk Mitigation
Vulnerability and Threat Assessments
Perhaps Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) should be concerned, because Frontier has been sanctioned by the U.S. Government for activities in Kenya, Laos and the United Arab Emirates. Not to mention training the People Liberation Army (PLA).
In June 2023, the U.S. Commerce Department sanctioned Frontier to the Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) Entity List.
Download BIS PDF:
Though I could not find the office or identify anyone from Frontier in Taiwan, I did locate one former employee of Frontier:
Mike Denison, researcher and analyst based in Taipei as an Independent Consultant: March 2020 - Present (3 years 9 months). Worked for Frontier as an analyst from July 2014 - October 2017 (3 years 4 months), Nairobi. Conducted research on politics, markets, and risk in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Impressive education: London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, MSc, International Affairs (2010 - 2011); Peking University, MSc, International Affairs (2009 - 2010); University of Oxford, BA, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (2005 - 2008).
Screenshot:
Ironically, via Frontier’s roots, Blackwater was a friend of Taiwan with a contract to train Taiwan’s presidential security teams under the NSB after the assassination attempt on then President Chen Shui-bian (19 March 2004).
Taiwan’s NSB was so proud of their Blackwater training they wore the ball cap while protecting the President:
Frontier Services Group (FSG) is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (0500HK).
FSG is a leading provider of integrated security, logistics, insurance and infrastructure services for clients operating in frontier markets. Our teams are multinational, multilingual and highly experienced, which allows us to provide world-class service no matter the environment.
FSG focuses on four regions – Southern Africa Region, Middle East & North Africa Region, Northwest Region, Southwest Region. Client Industries include Oil & Gas, Mining, Finance, International Organizations, Energy and Infrastructure.
Though originally based in Hong Kong under Prince, it is now headquartered in Beijing but retains a Hong Kong office. Since Prince left the company in 2021, the Chinese state-run CITIC Group gained control of it.
By virtue of being owned by members of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), it can be assumed to have NO real interest in the executive protection VIP market in Taiwan, but most likely is working to expand Chinese influence and intelligence collection operations on the island, and perhaps even covert special operations.
There is significant date below on three individuals of interest.
One is Michael Banish who comes up repeatedly in documents as the primary trainer/instructor for Frontier. There is no indication that Banish ever worked for Blackwater, though there is a possibility of a mysteries contract in the documents below. Banish is a U.S. citizen and former Green Beret, now working for a company that is now sanctioned by the U.S. government.
The other U.S. citizen of interest is Dorian Barak with powerful Israeli and UAE business connections.
The third is a Chinese citizen and the one that most likely replaced Prince in 2021, Li Xiaopeng with a background in internal security operations.
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Frontier’s sleek website:
Frontier Services Group (FSG) provides world class security solutions to the highest international standards, compliant with all local and international laws and regulations. Identifying and mitigating risks are a part of our holistic approach to security, enabling our clients to operate securely and efficiently in the most challenging and hostile environments.
Though “multi-national” there is only one U.S. citizen on the director listing:
Dorian Barak, Non-Executive Director, was an appointed director in April 2021. Barak is not a military/security expert, but instead an investor and fund manager specializing in emerging markets. He currently serves on the boards of directors of companies active in China, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Below: Screen Shot
Barak began his career as a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group and a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) attorney with the Skadden Arps law firm in New York, before being named Head of Global Strategy and M&A at Hapoalim, Israel’s largest financial group. In 2020, he became president and co-founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council. Educated at Yale (JD), Oxford (MA), and UCLA (BA).
He has no military or security experience. His presence on a Chinese state-run board of directors, a company on a U.S. sanctions list, begs questions.
However, there was only one director with significant security experience and most likely took over the role that Prince resigned in 2021:
Li Xiaopeng, Executive Director and CEO, graduated from Chinese People’s Public Security University and the Party School of the Central Committee of CPC with a bachelor degree in law and a certification of postgraduate respectively. He also attended senior management courses at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Li has more than 20 years of working experience in the law enforcement departments of the central government as well as Beijing municipal government, and was awarded the Police Commissioner, Class II. He served as the head of the Security Coordination Office of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He is also currently a member of the International Cooperation Committee of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and Vice Chairman of the China-Africa Business Council.
Li founded the DeWe Security Group that handled China's overseas security management industry that provided services to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Education’s Center for Language Education (CLEC). The company has served large state-owned enterprises such as China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC), China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), weapons manufactuer Poly Group, China State Construction Engineering Corp. (CSCEC), China Railway Construction Corp. (CRCC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC), and China Development Bank (CDB). The company has played an active role in the implementation of China’s "Going Out" policy and "Belt and Road" initiatives.
Screen Shot:
DeWe covers more than 40 countries, serving more than 200 overseas agencies, Chinese-funded enterprises and engineering projects, protecting a total value of over US $20 billion of overseas assets and more than 80,000 Chinese personnel, dispatching nearly 1,000 security personnel overseas (over 130,000 working days).
Together with the Consular Protection Center (similar to the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, special training has been organized for more than 300 overseas consular protection liaison officers from more than 180 countries; more than 4,000 on-site emergency drills have been conducted; and more than 5,000 overseas on-site trainings have been delivered. Over 2,000 emergency safety incidents have been handled. There has not been a single security issue more than ten years.
Li handles security systems for security, logistics, insurance and medical emergency rescue. He has provided the establishment of a global security network to protect Chinese personnel and properties.
Note to Readers: Emails and Phone Numbers redacted:
DOCUMENTS:
Document 1/3:
Introduction
The Frontier Services Group (Training Division) core instructor staff represents over 70 years of knowledge and practical experience in conducting real world protective service missions, on six continents. These missions have included U.S. Cabinet level members, senior leaders in the Department of Defense, foreign heads of state and dignitaries, Ambassadors and Embassies abroad and Corporate Executives. The FSG Training Division staff has set many industry benchmarks in all aspects of the security industry and training arenas. FSG presents unparalleled experience and subject matter expertise in the field of Risk Management/Crisis Management, Personal Protective Services, Physical Security, Facility Security and other comprehensive security programs. Based on this experience, FSG (Training Division) is defining new training standards, which reflect this same high caliber of expertise, organization, and professionalism.
Eligibility
All FSG courses are open to regular and reserve law enforcement officers, military personnel and qualified civilian security professionals and others who can successfully pass a background check. All FSG training courses are dynamic and are not limited to classroom exercises. Each attendee must be physically capable of jogging short distances and able to perform the strenuous exercises common in tactical and protective operations. All FSG training courses are limited in size and enrollment is on a first-come-first-serve basis depending upon the applicant’s eligibility, availability of slot, and receipt of tuition payment in full.
Registration
To register for a course, print the form, complete the registration form, sign, scan as PDF and return it by e-mail to [redacted]. Please send one registration form per attendee. This is a limited attendance program, so early registration is advisable.
Phone: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mail:
Frontier Services Group
PO Box 336826
Dubai, UAE
Payment
Tuition must be paid in full prior to final acceptance and attendance at any course. Payment may be made by bank transfer, debit card, credit card, and Pay Pal. (NOTE: All credit card transactions will include a service fee on final tuition costs.)
Admission
Upon receipt of the completed registration form, resume, background release forms and payment in full, FSG will conduct a detailed eligibility confirmation and background check on the student (non-refundable $ ___ fee included in tuition). Upon successful acceptance into the program, FSG will send you a confirmation immediately prior to the start of the program in the form of a Welcome/Acceptance Letter. If you are not accepted into the program, you will receive a refund of your tuition payment minus the $___background fee.
Discounts
Candidates registering and making complete payments one calendar month in advance of the designated training dates will receive a 5% discount on the 12-day Executive Protection Agent’s Training course. Those candidates registering and making full payment one month in advance of the designated training dates will receive a 10% discount if enrolling in the 38-day International Security Specialist Program course. Late enrollments are always accepted, but no discounts can be given.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
To receive a full refund, minus the $75 background fee and 3.5% credit card service fee (if used), you must notify FSG (Training Division) in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the start of the training program. A full tuition penalty is charged for unattended courses canceled less than 30 days prior to their start date.
All FSG training programs are subject to cancellation and students will be notified no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the start of the course. FSG is not responsible for any expenses incurred by the applicant, other than tuition, in the event that FSG has to cancel a training program. In such an event, students may either receive a full tuition refund or apply all funds to future course dates. If funds are applied to future course dates, once course dates are chosen, any cancellation on the part of the student will be subject to FSG’s normal cancellation policy.
Dress
Casual, but neat (Tactical pants, Jeans in good condition, Dockers, polo shirts or sweaters/sweatshirts for appropriate seasons) attire is recommended for all classroom and practical hands on instruction. FSG will issue safety clothing appropriate to the course that is being taught as required. Clothing suitable for adverse weather conditions is also advised for all outdoor training. Attendees registered for the Personal Protection Specialist Courses are required to wear business attire (suit & tie for men; dress slacks and suit jacket are recommended for women) during the final practical exercises. A detailed packing list is included in your Welcome / Acceptance letter.
Equipment
All attendees should bring ample writing and note taking materials. Students who are able to bring laptop computers for course work are welcomed to do so. Attendees will be provided with program materials upon arrival. We strongly urge that you bring the equipment that you would wear and carry in an operational situation. This ensures a more realistic training experience. Additionally, full wrap around eye protection, ear protection, gun belt, concealable belt holster, ammunition pouch and hat are mandatory for all weapons courses and are the students’ responsibility. Ammunition is not included in the cost of tuition. Students are responsible for providing their own ammunition for weapons courses. Contact FSG for ammunition requirements. Please notify us in advance if you desire to rent weapons during your training program.
Right to Refuse Training
Due to the serious and sensitive nature of the training that FSG provides, we reserve the right to refuse training to anyone. Every applicant must pass a detailed eligibility and background check. We reserve the right to refuse admission to any person who does not meet our eligibility requirements, has a felony or violent misdemeanor conviction, or a record of mental instability.
Student Conduct
A student will be terminated from training immediately for any of the following reasons: failure to follow instructions, reckless or dangerous behavior, failure to attend training sessions, falsifying any information given to FSG, or objectionable behavior in or out of class settings. Readmission will take place at the sole discretion of the FSG Training Division Administration.
Accommodations, Travel, & Meals
All travel, lodging and meal costs are additional to our tuition fees and are the sole responsibility of the student. FSG has negotiated discounted rates at hotels located near FSG training locations. Recommended lodging is located within a short commute of FSG training locations. Specific lodging information will be provided to attendees upon completion of registration and acceptance into one of our programs.
Training Overview
FSG understands that the key to maintaining high levels of security operational success is to consistently update and improve our service offerings. Through continuous self-review and client feedback, FSG’s Training Division can evaluate, adapt and train in the latest security techniques to ensure our readiness when facing our clients’ ever-changing security needs. In addition, FSG Training Division works closely with our clients to identify specific training needs for all staff members, helping our clients to become a part of the entire risk mitigation strategy.
The Frontier Services Group Training Division is a Highfield Qualifications Training center, offering both endorsed and accredited courses approved by Highfield International. We also offer the flexibility of conducting training courses at client locations, specialist facilities or project sites.
More Information on FSG Training:
Enrollment Process
FSG Course Enrollment Form
FSG Training Division Request Form
In case of further questions, please contact: [redacted]
Document 2/3:
Michael Banish, CPD, OOM, SAS-AP
Frontier Logistics Consultancy DMCC
Director of Training and Operations and Director of Training and Operations
August 2017 - Present
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Director of Training leads the training and development of the FLC Office of Safety and Security training department. The DOT provides oversight, management, and operational leadership for all FLC SAFSEC training operations.
Responsible for conducting training mission analysis, development of training plans, and ensure that all curriculum and programs of instruction are compatible with the FLC SAFSEC business objectives. Ensures that all training standards are established and maintained.
Conducts Threat, Vulnerability and Security Risk Assessments. Participates in business development activities to include Bid-No Bid, SWOT Analysis, proposal writing. Oversees cost, schedule and delivery of training and operational projects. ISO 9001-ISO 18788 certified internal auditor. Certified Security Driver Tier One. Situation Awareness Specialist.
General Head Quarters Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi
Military Advisor/Consultant/Mentor and Instructor
December 2010 - March 2017
Served as a Military Advisor/Consultant/Mentor and Instructor for a major project under the General Head Quarters of the UAE Armed Forces in Abu Dhabi.
Edinburgh International
Regional Field Security Manager
October 2009 - December 2010
Qala-E-Naw, Afghanistan.
Provide security consultancy services, conduct physical security surveys, develop, implement, and execute a comprehensive security program to include base defense, emergency procedures and training program.
Responsible for establishing rapport and maintain a working relationship with Afghan public security forces, US Military, Spanish Military and Non Governmental Organizations to obtain specific security threat/risk information and emergency assistance.
Falcon Security
Project Manager
January 2007 - September 2009
Project Manager, Operations Manager, Security Consultant, Instructor, Convoy Escort Team Member. Mosul, Kirkuk, Port of Umm Qasr, Iraq.
Team Leader, Mosul, Kirkuk
Jan 2007 - September 2009
Provide operational management, supervision and leadership to 132 expatriate personnel, third country nationals and host nation security personnel in the performance of their assigned duties.
Responsible for contract compliance, preparation, and implementation of operational budget, overall security plans, and procedures to include physical security, base defense, emergency evacuation procedures, Protective Security Detail (PSD), guard force management and training, and Canine (K-9) operations.
Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive training program as the lead instructor to over 100 Iraqi Arabs, Kurdish and 49 Nepalese security personnel.
U.S. Department of State, Contracted Private Security Company [though unnamed, could be Blackwater]
Security Consultant, Lead Instructor
March 2005 - January 2007
Employed as a completely bilingual (Spanish) Lead Instructor. Strong areas are, Basic Security Subjects for High Risk environments (Iraq Specific), Surveillance Detection, Small Unit Tactics, Small Arms Training (Glock, M-4, M-16A2, Shotgun), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Advanced Marksmanship techniques.
Provided instruction (in Spanish) to over 450 Colombian Private Security Personnel for deployment to Iraq, in support of The Department of State's Worldwide Personal Protective Services (WPPS) program.
Commended in writing by the Department of State for conducting professional instruction far exceeding the standards as outlined in the scope of work.
Personally briefed the Commander of the Colombian Army reference the United States Department of State's Worldwide Personal Protective Services (WPPS) High Risk Static Security Course in Spanish.
Steele Foundation
Project Manager
March 2004 - February 2005
Security Consultant, Instructor. Kabul, Afghanistan, Al Kasik, Iraq.
Provided Executive Protection security services for the CEO of Afghan Wireless Communications Company, in Kabul Afghanistan.
Provided corporate security consultancy services and training for Afghan Wireless host nation security personnel.
Developed and implemented Counter Assault/Ambush Team Tactics and Techniques for all road movements conducted by security detail in Mosul Iraq.
Supervised and conducted the successful completion of 256 road movements without incident and the safe return of all client personnel and security personnel in one of the most contested areas of Iraq.Steele Foundation. Project Manager, Security Consultant, Instructor. Kabul, Afghanistan, Al Kasik, Iraq. Provided Executive Protection security services for the CEO of Afghan Wireless Communications Company, in Kabul Afghanistan. Provided corporate security consultancy services and training for Afghan Wireless host nation security personnel. Developed and implemented Counter Assault/Ambush Team Tactics and Techniques for all road movements conducted by security detail in Mosul Iraq. Supervised and conducted the successful completion of 256 road movements without incident and the safe return of all client personnel and security personnel in one of the most contested areas of Iraq.
Security Consultant, Lead Instructor, QRF Team Leader
November 2002
Security Consultant, Instructor. Port Au Prince, Haiti. Responsible for the training and mentoring of the Uniformed Section of the Haitian President's Security Force. Provide Quick Reaction Force capabilities to the Haitian Presidential Protective Unit.
Employed in Haiti as assistant team leader for nine (9) personnel Quick Reaction Force and instructor cadre.
Conduct instruction and training of 270, host nation Presidential Security Force in Close Quarters Battle, Counter Assault techniques, rifle/pistol marksmanship, security cordons, Helicopter Fast Rope Operations and self-defense techniques.
Armor Group/Defence Systems, Colombia - Latin America
Security Consultant, Instructor
August 2000 - October 2002
Security Risk Management Consultant, Security Coordinator. Bogotà, Colombia S.A.
Conduct security site surveys, developed emergency procedures and contingency plans for drilling locations in high-risk areas in close coordination with Colombian Public Security Forces.
Developed and implemented the Security Awareness Program (Anti Terrorism Training) for client's expatriate and host nation employees in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.
Developed Crisis Management Plans, and Country Evacuation Plans for corporate management.
Conducted platform instruction in English and Spanish.
Security Risk Management Consultant, Security Coordinator
Armor Group/Defence Systems - Colombia
August 2000 - October 2002
Conduct security site surveys, developed emergency procedures and contingency plans for drilling locations in high-risk areas in close coordination with Colombian Public Security Forces.
Developed and implemented the Security Awareness Program (Anti Terrorism Training) for client's expatriate and host nation employees in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.
Developed Crisis Management Plans, and Country Evacuation Plans for corporate management.
Conducted platform instruction in English and Spanish.
U.S. Army, Special Forces Engineer sergeant
October 1993 - October 1997 Fort Bragg
Coordinated the successful completion of 44 Humanitarian and Civic Action projects to include schools, medical clinics and water wells.
Provide cultural, language and engineer expertise to U.S. Forces conducting Humanitarian and Civic Action projects in the Central and South American Region.
Act as liaison between U.S. Forces and Host Nation Military, Civilian Government and non-governmental agencies, during the conduct of Humanitarian and Civic Action exercises.Special Forces Engineer Sergeant. Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Coordinated the successful completion of 44 Humanitarian and Civic Action projects to include schools, medical clinics and water wells. Provide cultural, language and engineer expertise to U.S. Forces conducting Humanitarian and Civic Action projects in the Central and South American Region. Act as liaison between U.S. Forces and Host Nation Military, Civilian Government and non-governmental agencies, during the conduct of Humanitarian and Civic Action exercises.
Senior Engineer
May 1990 - November 1993
Special Forces Engineer Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha 792. Fort Davis, SOUTHCOM CIF Panama.
Assault Force member and team breacher.
Served as primary instructor for pistol/rifle marksmanship, Close Quarters Battle, basic and advanced demolitions, explosive, mechanical and ballistic breaching in Spanish.
Duties also consisted of writing, planning, executing deployment plans, lesson plans, and training schedules in Spanish.Special Forces Engineer Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha 792. Fort Davis, SOUTHCOM CIF Panama. Assault Force member and team breacher. Served as primary instructor for pistol/rifle marksmanship, Close Quarters Battle, basic and advanced demolitions, explosive, mechanical and ballistic breaching in Spanish. Duties also consisted of writing, planning, executing deployment plans, lesson plans, and training schedules in Spanish.
Junior and Senior Engineer Sergeant
May 1989 - May 1990
Special Forces Engineer Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha 761, Fort Bragg NC.
Extensive cross-training in communications, weapons, and medical skills.
Participated as primary instructor during numerous deployments to Central and South America in support of U.S. sponsored Foreign Internal Defense, Security Augmentation and Intelligence operations.
Expertise in training small unit tactics, Air mobile, Airborne Operations, and Urban Combat operations.
CERTIFICATES/LICENSES:
Document 3/3:
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