"RENT-A-SPIES"-Blackwater's Owner Has Spies for Hire

[kpete]

Blackwater's Owner Has Spies for Hire
Ex-U.S. Operatives Dot Firm's Roster

By Dana Hedgpeth
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2007; Page A01


Two analysts, whose names Total Intelligence Solutions would not release for security reasons, work at company headquarters in Ballston. A critic says the firm employs "rent-a-spies," while its chairman says, "We break no laws."

The operation, Total Intelligence Solutions, has assembled a roster of former spooks -- high-ranking figures from agencies such as the CIA and defense intelligence -- that mirrors the slate of former military officials who run Blackwater. Its chairman is Cofer Black, the former head of counterterrorism at CIA known for his leading role in many of the agency's more controversial programs, including the rendition and interrogation of al-Qaeda suspects and the detention of some of them in secret prisons overseas.

Its chief executive is Robert Richer, a former CIA associate deputy director of operations who was heavily involved in running the agency's role in the Iraq war.

Total Intelligence Solutions is one of a growing number of companies that offer intelligence services such as risk analysis to companies and governments. Because of its roster and its ties to owner Erik Prince, the multimillionaire former Navy SEAL, the company's thrust into this world highlights the blurring of lines between government, industry and activities formerly reserved for agents operating in the shadows.

more at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/02/AR2007110202165.html?hpid=topnews

[EFerrari]

1. Is this legal?!

[tularetom]

2. Let's hire 'em to find out if bush has approved waterboarding

and then turn the evidence over to the ICC in the Hague.

[soothsayer]

3. clever! let's get them to uncover cheney's energy meeting attendees, and

jeff gannon's WH entrance and exit logs too! I would totally give money to support this project!

[flashl]

4. Yes, let's hire them. Where is the paypal buttom? n/t

[Elspeth]

5. kpete, have you been reading about how Blackwater is taking advantage of the Potrero fire?

They are setting up "help" (food, water, shelter) to insinuate their way into the Potrero population's good graces.