Extortion and internal threats: is your crisis management up to the task when faced with criminal acts?
#extortion #internalthreat #crisismanagement
The recent extortion case at baby food manufacturer HiPP shows that intentional contamination is a risk. However, criminal acts are not among the top priorities for food companies. It has since emerged that the alleged suspect has been arrested. A dismissed manager is alleged to have contaminated certain jars of baby food with rat poison.
This case highlights that the ‘internal threat’ remains a major vulnerability. In this context, employees, contractors or individuals with internal access play a role, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in criminal acts.
Crime is a timeless phenomenon. Agri-food companies are no exception. Yet, it is regularly observed that crisis management within the sector is limited to product-related crises and disasters. However, in the past, several Belgian and European agri-food companies have been victims of criminal acts: extortion, food fraud, intentional product contamination, ransomware, etc. We must not underestimate the proportion of such acts caused by internal staff. They have the opportunity and the means to act for a long time without being noticed.
As part of our activities, we monitor these criminal phenomena, focusing on prevention, detection and close collaboration with various partners. Maintaining our network of experts across different fields enables us to provide rapid and accurate advice, even in the event of criminal acts.
We’re sharing a few tips to raise awareness of criminal activity!
Our tips:
Tip #1: Crisis management applies to all crises
In the food and drink industry, crisis management is still too often confined to the quality department. The risk of a crisis affecting a food product is, of course, particularly high. However, underestimating other risks is a dangerous approach.
As awareness of other types of crisis is limited, the impact of such a crisis continues to grow:
- the first signs are detected only very late
- the initial (re)action is slow to materialise
- finding experts and partners takes time
- the consequences are more severe and weigh much heavier
Develop a crisis management plan covering different types of crises. Preparation, from planning to simulation exercises, helps to instil the right reflexes and the appropriate mindset to deal with any crisis.
Tip #2: Invest in raising awareness of internal threats
Restrict access to sensitive processes and information according to the ‘need-to-know’ principle. Pay particular attention to employment screening (before, during and after recruitment), awareness-raising and a culture of reporting issues. It can be crucial to detect any suspicious behaviour or unusual actions within the company in a timely manner.
The principles of Food Defence can be applied both within and outside the production environment.
Test in the spotlight: Simulation Exercise
Is your crisis team well prepared to deal with all kinds of crisis situations?
Our simulation exercises go far beyond simple product-related issues. They can cover a wide range of topics, such as criminal acts, disasters or serious workplace accidents. By preparing your crisis team for all scenarios, you strengthen your company’s resilience!
Service in the spotlight: Quick Security Scan
Is your company premises sufficiently secure?
During a Quick Security Scan, we assess the physical security and risks associated with your infrastructure using a questionnaire and a site visit. This can serve as good preparation for an intrusion test or a Food Defence workshop.
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