About Me

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I saw active service in conventional, clandestine and covert units of the South African Defence Force. I was the founder of the Private Military Company (PMC) Executive Outcomes in 1989 and its chairman until I left in 1997. Until its closure in 1998, EO operated primarily in Africa helping African governments that had been abandoned by the West and were facing threats from insurgencies, terrorism and organised crime. EO also operated in South America and the Far East. I believe that only Africans (Black and White) can truly solve Africa’s problems. I was appointed Chairman of STTEP International in 2009 and also lecture at military colleges and universities in Africa on defence, intelligence and security issues. Prior to the STTEP International appointment, I served as an independent politico-military advisor to several African governments. Until recently, I was a contributing editor to The Counter Terrorist magazine. All comments in line with the topics on this blog are welcome. As I consider this to be a serious look at military and security matters, foul language and political or religious debates will not be entertained on this blog.

Monday, January 4, 2010

A FRAUD ON FACEBOOK

Normally, I tend to ignore imposters as I have personally met several people over the years impersonating me or claiming to have started Executive Outcomes or even to have commanded it, managed it or planned its actions.

However, I was recently alerted to my apparent Facebook page. The person impersonating me on Facebook is using both my name and the company logo of Executive Outcomes.

I have tried to contact Facebook to report this issue of “identity theft” but have not been successful. Additionally, many people who visit this blog have written and asked me why I don’t respond to them on Facebook. The answer is quite simply: I have never had a Facebook profile.

To those of you who have tried to contact me on Facebook, I am sorry that someone has been using my name and EO’s logo to bait you. This lurker and identity thief must have a very devious and nefarious reason for doing this.

But, given my inability to have Facebook take action against this waster, I have decided to do so myself and expose this dishrag as both a fraud and an imposter. Added to that is his apparent attempt to use the name of a once-great company to either gather intelligence or generate business for himself. One can sink no lower than that, especially as I doubt if he would have had the moral fibre to have been part of EO.

Due to my own self-imposed blog policy (to refuse the use of foul language), I am forced to only tell this fraud to stop using my name and the logo and name of Executive Outcomes and to get a life.

37 comments:

matt said...

Hey Eeben, I will put the word out on through Feral Jundi's facebook page that it is a fraud. I will also repost this on Feral Jundi to get the word out. It is probably some little snot nose kid or wannabe, much like Jax Desmond, who is pulling this crap.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many thanks, Matt. I really appreciate your assistance. This type of thing really makes me mad.

Rgds,

Eeben

Tango said...

Facebook, Twitter dangerous
2009-12-30 21:29


Related Links
MSoft patches 34 security holes
US, Russia in cyberwar dispute
Twitter blocked by hackers
Facebook creates safety board


Washington - Social networks will face increasingly sophisticated hacker attacks in 2010 but law enforcement is expected to make strides in fighting cybercrime, according to Web security firm McAfee Labs.

"The explosion of applications on Facebook and other services will be an ideal vector for cybercriminals, who will take advantage of friends trusting friends to click links they might otherwise treat cautiously," McAfee said.

In its 2010 Threat Predictions report, McAfee also said it expected to see increased threats to banking security and a rise in the use of "botnets," armies of infected computers used to spread malicious software or malware.

"However, in 2010 we expect to see an increase in the effectiveness of law enforcement to fight back against cybercrime," the Santa Clara, California, computer security firm said in the report released on Tuesday.

McAfee said Adobe products were likely to come under increasing threat next year and the release by Google of its Chrome computer operating system would "create another opportunity for malware writers to prey on users."

"Cybercriminals have long picked on Microsoft products due to their popularity," the report said. "In 2010, we anticipate Adobe software, especially Acrobat Reader and Flash, will take the top spot."

"Based on the current trends, we expect that in 2010 Adobe product exploitation is likely to surpass that of Microsoft Office applications in the number of desktop PCs being attacked," it said.

McAfee said hackers were expected to try to take advantage of the proliferation of URL shortening services such as bit.ly and tinyurl.com.

"These services now appear in all sorts of communications - making it easier than ever to mask the URLs that users are asked to click," it said.

Perfect trick


"This trick will play a more predominant role in 2010; it's the perfect avenue to direct users to websites that they would normally be wary about visiting.

"As users' expectations of their Web 2.0 services evolve, we expect to see many rogue services set up with the hidden purpose of capturing credentials and data," McAfee said.

McAfee also said email remained vulnerable.

"Email is increasing in popularity as the preferred method for targeting attacks against individual users, corporations, and government institutions," it said.

"Although such attacks were rare some years ago, we now see many reports of successful assaults, both by criminals and for espionage, in which an email with an attachment or a link to a website is the attack vector," it said.

"During the last six years, botnets have become the biggest thorn in the side of cybersecurity professionals," McAfee added.

"Botnets have become the essential infrastructure used by cybercriminals and nation states for launching nearly every type of cyberattack," it said.

Law enforcement has made some progress in battling botnets.

"As a result of aggressive efforts to take offline these service providers that cater predominantly to the cybercriminal element, as well as of direct targeting of specific botnet control channels, numerous botnet operations have been severely disrupted in recent years," McAfee said.


- AFP

Regards
Tango

Jake said...

Eeben,
I also have a Facebook profile and will see what I can do to pursue this.

Jake

graycladunits said...

Dear Eeben:

I have been enjoying a long holiday before I do student teaching in the Spring. I saw this profile awhile back and noticed that the imposter has only one friend, named Tim Edwards. Perhaps, trying to contact him will yield the identity of the perpetrator. This was the only clue that his friends list gave me.

Considering what you said about this imposter gathering business and intelligence...could Simon Mann or Tim Spicer or Erik Prince be behind this? I also thought of Sean Cleary and Rustie Evans, but those are even more of long shots than Prince.

I think my best suggestion is to join facebook. At least the real Eeben Barlow will be there then. I can assure you that within a couple of days, you will have roughly 150 friends. There is also a function that allows you to hide your friends list from others that has only recently come into use on the website. If you like, I will even start up a fan club for you or for your company or both.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many thanks for the link, Tango. Most intersting indeed.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many thanks, Jake. It is much appreciated.

I hope all is going well with your project?

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Welcome back after your break, GCU. I also note that he has one friend but given the way Facebook works, there is a possibility that Tim Edwards has no clue who this fellow is.

I doubt if any of the names you mentioned have anything to do with it. This is possibly someone who intends using this to boost his own business.

I shall refrain from doing the Facebook thing as it is not something that really interests me but thank you very much for your kind offer.

Rgds,

Eeben

Unknown said...

Hi Eeben,
I shall suggest that you don't be too bothered with this:
cause anyone serious who wants to follow someone on Twitter or join him on Facebook will first check his website/blog and search for the "Join me" or "Follow me" link…

And you can also write "I'm NOT on Facebook nor Twitter" in your introduction text, in your home page. That could help.
Have a good day,

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you for your advice, clarisse. I used to think that these types of people were of no consequence but as I had some questions from some senior political/military people in Africa asking me why I don’t respond to their Facebook requests directed at me, I decided to expose this person. Either that, or some might think I just have no manners...

Apart from that, who knows what business this person has tried to generate in the name of a company he/she had nothing to do with or in someone else’s name. That is where the danger of this lies.

Thanks to a mail from Gatvol, I had a brief look on the internet and here is another one: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20337074505


Rgds,

Eeben

Joe1172 said...

Hi Eeben,
There is another EO Group on Facebook, don't know if you are aware of it:
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php#/group.php?gid=55732600132

Greets from the sandpit!
Joe

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks, Joe. I want to systematically start exposing these people and the help from all of you who assist me is invaluable.

Stay safe over there and keep your head down.

Rgds,

Eeben

Robby said...

I have a account at FB just reported it as well ....that should get someones attention ...

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Much appreciated, Robby - thank you!

Rgds,

Eeben

Unknown said...

Until recently there was a service called seppukoo that's able to remove Facebook profiles, or at least remove all the info therein. http://mashable.com/2009/12/10/seppukoo-facebook-suicide/
I still regret creating a Facebook profile.
It's nothing more than an advanced information gathering tool.
Also Facebook doesn't allow you to just remove your profile. Once you enter your details into FB your information belongs to them and can be used in any way they deem fit

Michael Carl said...

I am a journalist specialising in terrorism, military affairs, foreign policy and human rights. I tried to contact you through what I now know is a fraudulent Facebook page. How may I contact you with a pertinent question?

Michael Carl said...

The question was intel related and would very much like to get your perspective on a story I'm working on for World Net Daily.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I think Facebook can be used by some people for all the wrong reasons Shaheen. A little bit frightening to say the least. Thanks for passing that link on to us. Maybe if one goes back to the “time machine” we would be able to access that site?

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

You can send your question directly to the blog, MichaelCarl. Also, add your email address so that if I am able to answer the question, I can respond directly to your email address.

Sorry about the Facebook fraud.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

World Net Daily?? Now that changes things a bit, MichaelCarl. Isn’t that Anthony Lobaido’s brainchild – he who refuses to allow facts get in the way of a good lie? Lobaido was very keen to spout forth his own self-conceived lies on EO and myself. What guarantees do I have that this isn’t just another “journalistic” con-job?

Rgds,

Eeben

matt said...

Yeah, I would be interested to hear what Michael has to say as well? Because on his linked in page, it says nothing about specializing in military affairs. It says he specialized in the religious industry. I also checked Worldnet, and there is only one Michael Carl.

Pastor Carl, Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness. hee hee
----------------------
From Michael Carl's public linked in page.


Current

* Pastor at Christ the King (Anglican) Church
* President at Christ the King Ministries, International

Past

* Writer at World Net Daily
* Editor-in-Chief at CentrePoint News

Education

* Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Connections
18 connections
Industry
Religious Institutions

Rev. Michael Carl’s Experience

*
Pastor
Christ the King (Anglican) Church

(Religious Institutions industry)

August 2009 — Present (6 months)

This is a newly planted church in the Three Streams ministry model. Our purpose is to reach the lost, grow disciples and glorify the Lord.
*
President
Christ the King Ministries, International

(Religious Institutions industry)

June 2009 — Present (8 months)

We are a church planting ministry and called to establish a Bible college that will teach the Three Streams ministry model--a complete model that is in reality a comprehensive theology and world view of the church.
*
Writer
World Net Daily

(Religious Institutions industry)

2009 — 2009 (less than a year)
*
Editor-in-Chief
CentrePoint News

(Religious Institutions industry)

2008 — 2009 (1 year )

Rev. Michael Carl’s Education

*
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

2001 — 2004

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks Matt. I must confess that World Net Daily does, from my personal experience, strike me as an outfit that has no interest in truth. Whereas I cannot comment on Michael Carl, I certainly can comment on Anthony Lobaido. Hence my question re guarantees.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

To prevent the numerous comments re MichaelCarl’s comment/request leading to a bun fight on the blog, I have decided not to publish them. Whereas I appreciate everyone’s comments, I cannot allow the blog to become a field for attack and counter-attack. My apologies to you all for taking this step but as we are going way off topic, I am sure that you will understand my action on this matter.

MichaelCarl, just the mention of WND make my skin crawl hence my initial response to you. However, I am afraid that I cannot answer your question as I do not know. That country falls way outside of my area of interest.

Rgds,

Eeben

Robby said...

That's your problem...you to much of a gentelman :-)

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks Robby. However, I think some may disagree with you.

Rgds,

Eeben

Unknown said...

Hallo there Eeben. Hope you're well. With reference to the fraudulent Eeben Barlow (EO) FB profile, I can confirm that I have been invited to add you as a friend by some of my (our)ex-colleagues from the 70's/80's. I have however been able to identify this profile as fraudulent, having only one friend listed, and declined the invitation. I have subsequently also reported this as a fraudulent fb profile.

Regards - JJ
BTW: like your hat...

Pieter said...

Eben I'm expat in SEA, I am familiar with the old RR institutions. Are you familiar with the DRS? I need to contact you regarding a breakthrough we made and I can think of nobody better to advise us how to roll this out than yourself. Please provide me with a personal contact detail for you. I will apreciate and be honoured to just have your opinion.
Kind regards
Pieter

Sonny Cox said...

Hi again Eeben
This reached me after the first one......
Barry Roper sent a message to the members of Friends of 32 Battalion.

--------------------
Subject: Work

Regarding the previous message from Leon, this is what one of our members has to say:

"I'm in country and have just asked around the lads in other security companies, Olive .. CRG...Aegis etc. All based in the same location as myself. They don't know of this company.

Most companies use a mob called Minimal Risk, a UK based company, for recruitment.

The companies, mentioned above, are ramping up for the influx of OIL companies after the March elections. Salaries have been dropped to about $XXX/day for a "shooter", $XXX/day for a medic and $XXX/day for a Team Leader. Some vary but not by much. There's a glut (lot for the Boere) of guys on the market.

Not saying it's not legit.

My advice, check it out before you submit a CV."

Regards
Barry Roper
--------------------

To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1341444093631&mid=1b8151fG1f95486bG3b6aeaaG0

___
This message was intended for billycox@worldonline.co.za. Want to control which emails you receive from Facebook or have these delivered to your phone via SMS? Go to:
http://www.facebook.com/editaccount.php?notifications=1&md=bXNnO2Zyb209NjMxMTg3MTI0O3Q9MTM0MTQ0NDA5MzYzMTt0bz01Mjk4NzcwOTk=
Facebook's offices are located at 1601 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304.

Regards
Billy

Sonny Cox said...

Hi again Eeben
This reached me after the first one......
Barry Roper sent a message to the members of Friends of 32 Battalion.

--------------------
Subject: Work

Regarding the previous message from Leon, this is what one of our members has to say:

"I'm in country and have just asked around the lads in other security companies, Olive .. CRG...Aegis etc. All based in the same location as myself. They don't know of this company.

Most companies use a mob called Minimal Risk, a UK based company, for recruitment.

The companies, mentioned above, are ramping up for the influx of OIL companies after the March elections. Salaries have been dropped to about $XXX/day for a "shooter", $XXX/day for a medic and $XXX/day for a Team Leader. Some vary but not by much. There's a glut (lot for the Boere) of guys on the market.

Not saying it's not legit.

My advice, check it out before you submit a CV."

Regards
Barry Roper
--------------------

To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1341444093631&mid=1b8151fG1f95486bG3b6aeaaG0

___
This message was intended for billycox@worldonline.co.za. Want to control which emails you receive from Facebook or have these delivered to your phone via SMS? Go to:
http://www.facebook.com/editaccount.php?notifications=1&md=bXNnO2Zyb209NjMxMTg3MTI0O3Q9MTM0MTQ0NDA5MzYzMTt0bz01Mjk4NzcwOTk=
Facebook's offices are located at 1601 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304.

Regards
Billy

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many thanks, JJ. For the life of me I cannot understand why someone wants to post a fraudulent profile.

Ah, my hat...I still have it. Somewhat of a souvenir from the past.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I have no idea who/what DRS is, Pieter.

Please contact me via the blog – head your comment as “Private” and I shan’t post it. I will respond to you.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for Barry’s very sound advice, Sonny. I know that Matt also always cautions folks before responding to some companies.

Rgds,

Eeben

MikeyB said...

Hi Eeben Is there a way to contact you direct or via a proxy - re my family history - and whether we have a familial link?

Mike

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Please send me your email address, Mike. I would love to get in touch.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Contact me on this means and supply me with an email address Pieter. I will not publish your email address but will respond back to you.

Rgds,

Eeben

Unknown said...

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/an-interview-with-simon-mann

Thoughts?

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you Aileen, for allowing me to read another episode of EO which is totally untrue.
Simon knows he is lying about his so-called co-founding of EO. I have on several occasions said he can easily prove his involvement in founding/co-founding the company – all he has to do is show us the company registration papers. Both he and I know he cannot show this as he was never part of the founding of EO or indeed part of EO itself. Yet he persists with these lies. But then again, the more one tells a lie, the more people seem to view it as fact. It is sad as one would expect a bit more from someone who claims to have been SAS. Worse still, that is the first paragraph of his interview!
As for EO having 2000 men – again a lie. All he has to do is show us the EO namelist of the 2000 men. Again, he knows he cannot do that. Ditto for the payments the company received.
So, if these lies appear early on in his interview, I can imagine the poetic licence he gave himself during the rest of the interview.
Rgds,
Eeben