Several people have, over the years, alerted me to the fact that a company known as Northbridge Services Group (NSG) are either claiming or posing to be a “reborn” Executive Outcomes. Not only is this a blatant lie, it is a seriously fraudulent manner of trying to attract clients by deception.
I am well aware of the fact that NSG enabled enquiries to a website www.executiveoutcomes.com (this was not EO’s true web address) to redirect to their site, trying to give credence to their deception. For the life of me, I fail to understand how a company can act in such a deceptive manner yet expect clients to trust them.
A certain Mr Pasquale DiPofi was one of the scoundrels involved in NSG. DiPofi also ran his own “Executive Outcomes” based out of Michigan, USA. This is what another site had to say about this person:
"When the classic Executive Outcomes left the civil war in Sierra Leone, they never received payment for $23 million worth of services. In the pursuit of the debt, an English company, Audax Trading, approached the same named company from Michigan in February 2002 about collecting the debt. Knowing full well they were not the intended Executive Outcomes, DiPofi and his partner, Eastpointe police officer Christopher Belan, produced fraudulent documents and claims to the government of Sierra Leone via Audax for the $23 million".
For his failed efforts to boost the coffers of “Executive Outcomes” and NSG’s, DiPofi pleaded guilty to charges of fraud in 2006. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison at the end of March 2007.
Having had a look at NSGs website (http://northbridgeservices.org) I am rather surprised that they can claim to offer “... a highly discrete, totally reliable yet cost effective service...” (I somehow suspect they meant “discreet” as opposed to “discrete”).
I am not sure if Northbridge Services Group still exists, but if they do, lies and deceit seem to be part and parcel of their modus operandi – as if the industry doesn’t have enough bulldust artists posing out there.
Although Northbridge Services Group was NEVER part of, associated with or linked to Executive Outcomes in any manner or form, this still begs the question: Who exactly are these buffoons?
Whereas I do not doubt the numerous qualifications of the NSG president (He has served in numerous leadership and command positions in the light infantry, mechanized infantry, cavalry and tank units. He has commanded six platoons, three companies and two battalions. He has been a tactics instructor and doctrine writer in both the US Army Armor and Engineer schools. He is an Airborne Ranger and is Jungle Expert qualified and has earned the Combat Infantryman's badge), I certainly doubt their integrity.
Perhaps their president, Lt Col (R) Robert W. Kovacic can answer this for me as I am quite anxious to know.
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This is the guy that I keyed in on. If this guy is in charge of marketing, it would not surprise me that he could have been behind the brand theft.(using EO's name)
Here is his bio and film company website.
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Mark Edward Kouri is an artist, a designer, an innovator and a technician. His work spans publishing to commercial advertising to hard journalism. His work has taken him from L.A. to Baghdad. Mark is a media expert, producing for print, outdoor, broadcast, apparel and the web. His work is international and is seen around the world. He has produced and directed commercials, music videos, shorts, features, live multi-camera events and documentaries. His versatility gives clients more bang for the buck. Mark holds an AA in art and foreign language, a BS in mass communication and an MBA. He speaks Arabic and Spanish.
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"Our business is snowballing and everyone who comes in mentions the commercial. It has every thing in it and I would'nt change a thing."
Greg Carr, President, Solo Clearance Center, Houston
"Your work is just beautiful. It really puts us on the map."
Michael Daub, Academic Dean, ATS, Jacksonville, Florida
"I know of no one else more talented, innovative and creative than you. The work you do is always excellent."
Teresa Francisco, PR Director, Metro Tech, Oklahoma City
"Fantastic!...just release your creative juices. You are good at that."
Rob Knight, President, Compass Properties, Tangier, Morocco
Clients include: Universal Studios, Ralphs, Praetorian International, Yamaha, Motocross Fox, Hallman Racing, JT, Mongoose, Benoto Bicycles, Myata Bicycles, Tony Hawk, Mike Stewart Bodyboards, Mountain Dew, ITT, IBM, Mary Kay, McGraw Hill, Hyundai, KWTV, Ackerman-McQueen, Leap Frog, Six Flags, The Children's Miracle Network, United Way, Urban League, Global One Network, Radial Angel, Hustlaz Enterprises, Iraqi National Intelligence Service, U.S. Department of Defense, Playa Vista Resort, Mirador Golf Resort, Marina Bahia Resort, Compass Properties Morocco, Colombian Cardamom, CBS Television, A&E, CNN, Chevron, L'OREAL, HBO, Azurix, Ferrarri, Nissan, Bell South, Applebee's, Super Bowl, Chevrolet, Metro West, J.W. Messner, Life Time Cable, Stirling/Sotheby's, Stone Mountain Park, President Jimmy Carter, Atlanta Apparel Mart, Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Options Talent, Poly Portables, Warren Buffet, Seven Eleven, Greenelefe, ComAir, Joshua Expeditions, UpJohn, Lafarge, C-SPAN, Marriot, Blue Circle, Cone, The Sandi Group, a la mode
Clients include: PTL, TBN, Charisma, Visible Light, COPE, Bill Glass Ministries, CBN, House of Hope, The Jesus Film Project, AE Span, Gospel Crusades, Movie Guide, New Tribes Missions, Mike Atkins, George Kouri Ministries, Bridges of America, Al-Yanbua, Ushaaq Allah, Christian Prison Ministries, Campus Crusade For Christ, Horse Whisperer Grant, Golliher, Christian Sportsmen Fellowship, Full Gospel Businessmen's Association, Jack Murphy, Sonshine Ministries, Christian Film & Television.Com, Peninsular Florida District, A.O.G., International Prison Ministry, Israel Affairs International, Gerald Derstine Ministries, International Seminary, Apostolic Ministries International, Apostles Theological Seminary, Tony Salerno
http://www.kouri.tv/tf/clients.htm
I am French and I look for the book of eeben barlow against all odds or then I bought him? I know that you have messages more important but thank you for answering
Many thanks, Matt. It seems as though he is successful in his own right which makes his link to Northbridge even more strange.
Rgds,
Eeben
All messages are important Sir47, so thank you for writing.
I am not sure if the book is available in France but you can buy it off Amazon or directly from the publisher at www.galago.co.za Let me know if you are able to get it.
Rgds,
Eeben
Good Morning Eeben,
This will be fascinating as the commentators dig up info on Northbridge. Rather odd someone of other seeming success heisting the "pariah" name of EO. Itellius.com is a great place to dig up data on people.
Seems the old meme about your company is wearing pretty thin and more interlopers want to join in - using your name falsely.
As to your book - I purchased mine from the Borders Marketplace. It is rather pricey over on Amazon - supply and demand is a pretty iron rule on costs - the worth of the purchase far exceeded the cost and I just negotiated the best deal I could find.
I do look forward to your next work - this blog would make a good third project.
Regards,
John
I have been doing some digging of my own, John, and realise that they (NSG) have been doing this for some time. However, I am not sure if they are still “open for business” or if they have followed another avenue of deceit. I also look forward to what else our commentators dig up on these people.
Thank you for buying my book. I only hope it was worth the effort in negotiating a better price for it. I know that it is not available in bookstores in the US or Europe. Hopefully Sir47 will be able to find the book this way.
I would like to know what category of meme they belong to – I haven’t yet come across “deceitful meme”...but perhaps it should be added to Lynch’s patterns.
Talking about projects: There is a lot of discussion going on regarding the current book. There may be a DVD included of a lecture on strategy and tactics or possibly a special line to me where purchasers can put questions and discuss aspects of strategy, grand tactics and tactics in African warfare. Only time will tell how this all pans out. The second project is probably going to be a book about covert operations in Africa – the third is still being discussed. But, I have to finish the current work first.
Rgds,
Eeben
Good Morning Eeben,
Your next projects sound fascinating. I look forward to their release. As I mentioned the worth of "Against All Odds" far exceeded the cost - a very good trade. Now if more PMC leaders/owners/power centers can get the fortitude to write their true stories we as the taxpaying public can get the real info - not the SCO fed to us by the media. And we can make the decision about charlatans such as Northbridge when they (and others like them) pop up as experts in the news.
I also read the slate article mentioned earlier - truly scary, I used to think John Galt was rising, now that is being matched by Winston Smith - tied very closely to your previous article on the importance of an effective SCO. Couple this to Matt's research as well and the whole deception system, be it private business deceipt or the rise of authoritarian rule in the "west," may be coming out of the shadows of deception.
Hotair.com also had an interesting post similar to the slate article as well. It all seems to go together.
http://hotair.com/archives/2010/06/02/ftc-to-reinvent-journalism/
Hope the Norhtbridge mystery can get solved. It will be interesting in the end.
Regards,
John
On another note, I stumbled upon this Norwegian story on you Eeben. I didn't know if you authorized this or not, because it kind of looked like they just took pieces out of your blog for the story. Either way, here is the link. I used Google Translator to read it..
http://www.dagbladet.no/2010/05/27/nyheter/leiesoldater/sor-afrika/utenriks/11877591/
Dear Eeben:
We history majors love to play detective. So here goes...did you have any disgruntled employees that might have gotten in on the ground floor when this company was founded. Perhaps, it's the guy you fired for diamond smuggling in Angola in your book. Also, you might want to ask Nico Palm if he had any troubles with folks that were never mended after you left. I know there was much infighting on the board.
As for NSG, the last I heard about them, they were contracted by the Indian government to fight the terrorists at the battle of Mumbai sometime ago. I couldn't help but wonder if some of your former employees had joined up with them for the sake of employment needs. I know you wouldn't want that, but the thought crossed my mind. I think you should try to use your spycraft abilities to get a hold of a roster of as many NSG employees as possible. It might yield the names of old adversaries like Cleary and Evans (the usual suspects). That thought also crossed my mind. Try not to do anything illegal, if possible.
By the way, if you ever choose to restart EO or create another company and need a data analyst, machine gunner or anything at all, let me know. I would love to work for you. I am loyal and affordable and willing to learn.
Good luck, GCU
I did nor read all all of the clients listed in matt's post earlier. I went back and did some digging. There is a creepy right wing American Christianity theme going on in the second clients list. For example, Florida Peninsular District, A.O.G. is a district in the Assemblies of God church denomination. I know this abbreviation b/c I grew up in this group. I just did not notice it before. Charisma is a pentecostal/charismatic propaganda magazine. They had these at my church when I was a kid. Sonshine ministries promotes Southern Gospel music...very right wing in its messages. I could go on and on. Strange that these guys would get involved w/ him or vice versa. Sorry my reading was not better the first time. Erik Prince is the only other PMC owner associated w/ right wing politics so heavily. Perhaps he is somehow a link. That's a long shot though.
GCU
Hi Eeben ....This is all I need to know about this jerk
Clients include: PTL, TBN, Charisma, Visible Light, COPE, Bill Glass Ministries, CBN, House of Hope, The Jesus Film Project, AE Span, Gospel Crusades, Movie Guide, New Tribes Missions, Mike Atkins, George Kouri Ministries, Bridges of America, Al-Yanbua, Ushaaq Allah, Christian Prison Ministries, Campus Crusade For Christ, Horse Whisperer Grant, Golliher, Christian Sportsmen Fellowship, Full Gospel Businessmen's Association, Jack Murphy, Sonshine Ministries, Christian Film & Television.Com, Peninsular Florida District, A.O.G., International Prison Ministry, Israel Affairs International, Gerald Derstine Ministries, International Seminary, Apostolic Ministries International, Apostles Theological Seminary, Tony Salerno
....just another member of what I call "the Zionist cult of America" they have no morals truly are the scum of the planet lowest of all low life's.
Ps Leaving the US for home on September 24th....happy to be leaving this place
Sounding good is one thing, John but making it succeed is another and I hope I can do that.
I am sure that more and more men will write their stories and expose not only the oft-told lies about them but also those who masquerade as cannabis. It will also, as you say, make the taxpayer realise the role many of these very good men are playing.
I had a lot of feedback on Northbridge and I understand that some of their “top” people are engaged by a very large US defence contractor. That actually makes me laugh but i can also understand why this particular company often finds itself in a bad situation.
Rgds,
Eeben
Thanks for that, Matt. Most journos don’t ask if I will okay what they have written – and for very obvious reasons. Nevertheless interesting...from their perspective.
Rgds,
Eeben
History can lead to detective work, GCU but in this instance, I think the contrary is true. This wasn’t a disgruntled employee or any such thing. Also, the infighting was mostly after my time but I doubt any ex-EO men were involved in this, especially as these clowns are from mainly the US – and we didn’t have anyone from the US working for us.
Also, I know of no-one from the old days who joined Northbridge but I shall ask about.
As for EO restarting, only time will tell...
Rgds,
Eeben
No problem, Private.
I think the SWC will be a success despite all the doomsayers out there. That does not mean that nothing will go wrong as it is a massive event. But, I don’t see any unforeseen carnage.
Rgds,
Eeben
Thanks for your input GCU. Very interesting info you sent.
I doubt Erik Prince would consider linking with clowns like Northbridge.
Rgds,
Eeben
You weren’t rude at all, Private. I am also quite shocked at some of the things I see and hear. Like you, I too am not much of a football fan – I much prefer rugby.
Rgds,
Eeben
A jerk he certainly is Robby. Thanks for adding to the database on these clowns.
Let me know when you arrive. It will be good to have a coffee with you.
Rgds,
Eeben
I have been out travelling Private and only got back yesterday. As I am now back, fire away...
Yes, I read somewhere that he died. A tall fellow indeed. Soccer fever with me is very unlikely.
My absence does not foretell much, but I will be writing my next posting on it.
Rgds,
Eeben
I got no idea man.I am way out of that loop at this point.Of course I have heard of the aforementioned gent but as of course you and I know some will do all for wealth and it is all for sale.Sometimes disheartening but true nevertheless.Glad you are back and a hello to all primarily Robby and GCU whose youthful and earnest natures remind me of mine own, long past of course.If I had to guess I suppose that in the wake of Blackwater's(XE's) success (villification)they want to duplicate and if that fails survive the current economic landscape.From those that I have known and that I still speak with wages have peaked and dropped from the high of Iraq.And of course you can thank that cursed film for your commoditization.That is all,Tyler
I agree with you. Private. The world we live in is a violent place and this is exploited by the stronger governments to achieve their purposes as they can bring more violence to bear on a situation. You are correct – war will reign, but it will be a different type of war than what we saw in WW2.
I don’t think you have lost the plot. But for a company to actually have the gall to claim they are someone else simply to get contracts is sickening beyond belief. What is even more sickening is that they are tied to a government – and Africa is aware of this. I am sure the wheels will fall off their cart one day soon.
Rgds,
Eeben
I am sure Robby, GCU and all the others appreciate your comment, Tyler. As I just mentioned to Private, it is sickening indeed that a company can masquerade as another company in order to win business. To lie at that level also tells me that they will be dishonest in their dealings and work not for the client but for their own agendas.
Rgds,
Eeben
Hi Eeben
Long time no hear......
Lord of War - Nicolas Cage - Great movie.
Look after yourself.
Greetings
Billy
PS Almost a year ago now.
A bit too long Billy. I trust you are well?
I never saw the film – don’t always have time to watch but I shall make a point of looking at it. Thanks for the pointer.
Rgds,
Eeben
I know this is a bit late but this is a news pub i foun regarding NSG in action.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/may/03/oil.business
is it the same guys?
One and the same Wareight Machine.
Not only did they claim to be the “original Executive Outcomes”, they even believed their own lies and then tried to con the government of Sierra Leone in paying them the money owed to EO. Talk of conmen!
Thanks for the link.
Rgds,
Eeben
Oh so basically they were somewhat capable of putting teams together, but basically tried to steal your credit in SL, and get paid for action they never saw? That's pretty jacked up, I can see why you would be pissed, not so much about others operating, but because literally trying to get paid on your name. Also o you have an email I can reach you at brother?
I have no problem with PMCs as long as they operate with integrity and honesty, Wareight Machine. I do however have a problem with con artists that masquerade as PMCs and try to get paid for incompetence.
Rgds,
Eeben
Northbridge Services Group was created by a former US Marine's Lt. Col. Bob Kovacic who operated in Kuwait through the offices of the American Law Corporation that represented dozens of American and Kuwaiti companies before and during the Iraq Reconstruction period. Later Northbridge Services joined Iraq based American security/Intelligence Company by the name of Delta Force One in Baghdad, Iraq. Northbridge and Delta Force secured several US government/CIA/KBR/Bechtel and other contracts specifically in the area of human intelligence (HumInt) to coordinate convoy and other movements within Iraq of the American and Coalition Forces through coordination with the head of the tribes in areas where US and the Coalition Forces operated. Col. Kovacic is also well known to have negotiated the arrest and the capture of Liberian President Charles Taylor. Northbridge and Delta Force parted company and Col. Kovacic returned to USA while Delta Force continued its HumInt work for years and believe to be operational today in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt and Iraq.
Thanks DesertSultans. It still gives them no reason whatsoever to pose as the 'original Executive Outcomes'. Also, capturing Taylor was not a very complicated, complex or dangerous operation to succeed in.
Rgds,
Eeben
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