LATENT HAZARD: On the Edge

by Piers Venmore-Rowland

  ‘Well, at a first glance, the Hartlepool property is bang next to the nuclear power station. If you follow the energy theme,’ continued Emma, ‘The North Walsham property is only a stone’s throw away from the huge gas terminal at Bacton. Peterhead is one of the major Scottish fishing ports and it’s close to another gas facility at St Fergus… Which is vast. The fourth property is next to Prestwick airport and is not that far from Hunterston nuclear power station.’

  A shocked silence fell over the room. It was broken by Jeremy who spoke to John. ‘Remember when we chatted to Mario about the PhD dissertations?’

  ‘Bloody hell! Yes. Energy targets would fit.’

  ‘How’s about we get a large map, plus several sheets of acetate which can be laid over it with the locations of the properties? We can add the other items as we come across them. For example, Emma will soon have the ports that the trawlers are operating out of and the list of key energy installations.’

  ‘We can do better than that,’ added Kate. ‘Let’s borrow the touch screen monitor and the computer with mapping software from downstairs.’

  ‘Great idea,’ said Emma, ‘I’ll sort it.’

  Rafi felt shattered. It was well after midnight. Sleep deprivation was closing in on him. Slumped over his desk, something nagged at him. On the one hand, his brain told him it needed to turn off; on the other hand, a thought was niggling at him - he felt sure there was something obvious he’d missed. He would reread the property company’s accounts and then get some sleep.

  He opened up the accounts for the current and previous years; some sections had scanned badly. He found the note on properties in both sets of accounts. They were not very clear. Rafi took out a blank sheet of paper and started to decipher what was written there. He picked out the word external and a word beginning with valu…. It was as if someone had let off a firecracker behind him. He sat bolt upright. His tiredness evaporated. Of course, how bloody stupid of him! The accounting standards required property companies to have annual revaluations of their assets.

  He called across to Kate. ‘There’s an external valuer out there with the full details of all the properties in the portfolio. Sorry I’ve been a right idiot not to have thought of this earlier.’ He was annoyed by his elementary slip-up. The nagging feeling had stopped and abject tiredness took over.

  ‘I’m off to get some shut-eye, before I keel over. Kate could you arrange for me to be woken first thing, please?’

  ‘Will do. Sleep well.’

  Rafi slept soundly. By 6.40 a.m. he was back at his desk with a steaming cup of strong coffee, wondering what Thursday might bring. First, he rechecked the web to see if he had missed anything on PREH, the terrorists’ property investment company. There was little there to help him. His next task was to find the elusive property valuers and quickly. He was pleased that PREH used an external and not an independent valuer. The latter would be difficult to track down quickly as it could have no dealings with the company other than undertaking its valuations. In contrast, an external valuer could undertake other work for the company, and their property lettings, buying or selling work would, with any luck, be recorded on one of the specialist property databases. Rafi realised this was where he had to look. The cynic in him surmised that PREH’s external valuers would be rewarded with excellent fees for their non-valuation work.

  He shouted across to Kate and Emma. ‘As a matter of urgency, we need a contact at a commercial property agent who will do a search of their property databases for us. Do you know anyone? Unfortunately, I now can’t trust any of my contacts.’

  Kate shook her head.

  ‘Would the commissioner be able to help?’ asked Rafi.

  ‘More than likely,’ said Kate. ‘I’ll give him a call.’

  A couple of minutes later she had the name and mobile number of a Mr Perryman: a director at a major international property agent. Kate smiled. ‘The commissioner hopes that this individual will be more cooperative than the vice chancellor!’ she said as she dialled the number and was put through to voicemail. She left a message asking whoever picked it up to return the call as quickly as possible.

  Kate hung up, then rang back and spoke to the receptionist. It transpired that there was no one in from Mr Perryman’s team. The receptionist promised to get the first one who came in to ring her.

  Ten minutes later Kate received a call from Mr Perryman’s personal assistant: Pam Blake. Kate introduced herself.

  ‘Could I speak to Mr Perryman?’

  ‘I’m afraid not; he’s on his way to a property inspection.’

  ‘I have a problem and was wondering whether you might be able to help. What I am about to tell you is in strictest confidence.’

  ‘I understand.’

  ‘We’re investigating a serious crime; my commissioner advises me that your boss is the man to help us access your databases. We could do with his help, now, please!’

  ‘Leave it to me; I’ll contact Mr Perryman and ask for his permission to help you.’

  Only a few minutes later, Pam was back on the phone to Kate.

  ‘I have confirmation that I may help you – within reasonable bounds, of course.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Kate. ‘May I email you a list of the addresses? What I need,’ she looked down at Rafi’s scribbled note, ‘Are the printouts from your in-house database, Focus and EGi giving details of which agents have done deals at these addresses in the past four years. Could you do this as a matter of urgency?’

  ‘Of course! I’ll get Mr Perryman’s colleague, Justin Smith, to run the searches. As luck would have it he’s just walked in the door.’

  ‘Will you please advise Mr Smith that this information isn’t to be discussed with any of his colleagues. When he’s printed it out, I’d be most grateful if you’d ring me so that I can arrange for it to be picked up. If there’s going to be a delay, could you please let me know?’

  ‘Will do.’

  ‘Thank you, Pam.’

  ‘My pleasure.’

  Kate turned to Rafi. ‘This has all happened so fast. Remind me what precisely you are looking for? And what are Focus and EGi?’

  ‘If we can find the external valuer, we can get hold of the property portfolio valuation report. I’ve a feeling it’ll show properties which are not on the mortgage register and which could be part of the terrorist plans. Focus and EGi are the two huge online databases that property agents use to find information on deals done, amongst other things.’

  ‘Thanks… If it helps us find more properties, it seems like a good call,’ said Kate.

  Kate took a call from Colonel Matlik. ‘Good morning colonel. Your timing is perfect; David has just walked into the room. Let me put you on the speakerphone.’

  ‘Hello David,’ said the distinctive voice of Colonel Matlik.

  ‘Good to hear you again,’ replied David.

  ‘I was so sorry to hear of the deaths of your colleagues; rest assured we are leaving no stone unturned at this end,’ said the colonel. ‘And we are treating your request on a strictly need-to-know basis, as asked.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Regarding the security business; initially we were unable to find any link to them, but the name you gave us is very interesting. Mr Koit was well-connected and very wealthy. He had a shadowy past. The FSB – Russian Federal Security Service – had been keeping an eye on him. They tell me that he was killed in a private plane crash several months ago and that he had some very unsavoury connections with people from Chechnya. Through Mr Koit we have traced a local company specialising in executive training in guns and personal security. They are based deep in the countryside, twenty kilometres from Tallinn. I have sent two of my officers undercover to see what is there.’

  ‘Excellent,’ said David.

  ‘I have also been looking into their fishing activities. Your terrorists operate two trawlers, and it seems that they have quite a set-up in Tallinn. I have spoken to a tax inspector and asked him to look at their boo
ks. He knows nothing of our suspicions. In one hour’s time he will be paying their warehouse in the docks a visit. Two of my operatives are tagging along to have a proper look around.’ A deep chuckle echoed down the phone line.

  The colonel hesitated. ‘What worries me is that they aren’t showing the telltale signs of an Al Qaeda cell, but those of a very professional organisation which uses experts rather than recently trained recruits.’

  There was a pause. ‘My team monitors the activities of Russian investors and mafia. This creates tension from time to time with the Russian FSB, but as there is a Chechen connection they’re being most cooperative. Oh, by the way, our laws prohibit us from using phone taps unless we have a court order from a judge. A colleague will petition the judge as soon as the court opens this morning. I’ll let you know if they produce anything useful.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said David. ‘By the way, how’s Kristina – is she enjoying university?’

  ‘Yes, thank you. When all this is over you must come and visit us. We will talk again soon.’

  The speakerphone went silent.

  David turned to Kate. ‘Kristina is his only daughter; his wife was killed by a car bomb meant for the colonel several years ago. It seems that he upset some people in the Russian mafia who were trying to set up business in Tallinn. He’s a driven man, determined to right the wrong of his wife’s death. Heaven help any terrorist who crosses his path. We couldn’t ask for a better ally.’

  It was 7.45 a.m. when Giles arrived for his morning briefing. He indicated to Kate that she should make a start.

  ‘Commissioner, we’ve uncovered a large amount of background material which indicates that the terrorists are thinking big. As the financial markets are involved we believe that the attacks will be sooner than later; probably a matter of days, certainly not weeks.’

  ‘Kate, it does no harm to work to a short timescale, but be very, very careful not to overlook critical pieces of information in your quest for speed.’ The commissioner glanced up and looked at the others. ‘Is that noted?’

  ‘Yes, sir,’ they chorused.

  ‘What investigations are ongoing?’ enquired Giles.

  ‘We have a number of balls up in the air, sir,’ replied Kate. ‘The Estonian Security Service is investigating the terrorists’ activities on a firing range outside Tallinn, an Estonian import/export business and their fishing business there. Emma is researching the whereabouts of the terrorists’ trawler fleet, as we believe that they may use it as part of their exit strategy.

  ‘Rafi,’ continued Kate, ‘is working on the property angle to see how many of the properties the terrorists own are close to likely targets. John and his team are working with MI5 to unravel the terrorists’ sizeable public sector businesses. This is proving to be an unexpectedly large project. They’re working on the list of its public sector contracts and the senior people on their payroll. The list is long and the names include a couple of Members of Parliament and many very well-connected people. This causes MI5 and us major concerns. Our investigations could be set back if one of these people learned of what we are doing and tipped off the terrorist leaders.’

  David and Giles nodded. Kate continued, ‘Also, Jeremy has received confirmation that Callum’s last meeting was with one of the suspected ring leaders: Maryam Vynckt. She’s a director at Gulf Trade Bank and is ideally placed to move money around unseen, offshore.’

  Giles turned to David. ‘We’ve got a meeting with the London anti-terrorist committee at 12 o’clock. They’re still convinced that the next attacks will target public places: airports, underground trains, stations, and the like. We’ll have to break cover soon or else we’ll be in deep s h one t, if events conspire against us.’

  ‘Kate, how much longer before we have a clearer picture of what they’re targeting?’ asked the commissioner.

  ‘Sir, one of our lines of thinking is that they could use their property portfolio as the base for attacks on energy installations. Rafi believes their aim is also to crash the financial markets and in the process make a fortune in the derivatives markets. They’re thinking big, as they seem willing to throw away Prima Terra which is worth around £1.5 billion, and we reckon that they’ve invested a couple of years in planning these attacks.’ Kate paused. ‘We also think that they’ll pull the rug from under their public sector company and all in all give the Government a particularly bloody nose.’

  ‘Surely you’re exaggerating the position, aren’t you?’ asked David.

  ‘Well, no, I’m afraid not; in fact, as things stand I’d be willing to bet a year’s salary on this hunch,’ said Rafi.

  ‘Do, please, keep me informed. See where you’ve got to at 2.00 p.m. David and I will make a decision on who to inform at that point.’

  ‘Could I make a request?’ ventured Rafi.

  ‘What is it?’ enquired David.

  ‘I think we need an expert to see what Jameel and his colleagues have been up to in the derivatives markets.’

  David looked across at Rafi. ‘Do you know a suitably qualified person?’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  Jeremy, who had been sitting quietly, spoke up. ‘Seems straightforward enough – you name him, I get him, problem solved.’

  ‘Agreed,’ said the commissioner. ‘Please see to it as soon as we finish this meeting.’

  The two senior officers stood up to leave. ‘We’ll be close at hand should you require any, and I repeat, any assistance,’ said Giles. ‘All this station’s resources are at your disposal -just ask.’

  ‘As are all those of my colleagues,’ added Jeremy.

  The meeting was over.

  Chapter 3

  ‘Jeremy, using your diplomatic skills, could you pick up Aidan Gilchrist from Maine Leadbetter’s dealing room? Rafi will give you the address,’ said Kate. ‘Do it quietly and get him here as soon as possible. Tell him some cock and bull story that you’re looking into a money laundering scam for MI5 and if he’s not convinced reassure him that you’ve been given his name as a head honcho and a quiet chat would be much appreciated.’

  ‘Oh, you mean, the could-he-give-James-Bond-a-helping-hand story?’ said Jeremy with a grin.

  Kate looked across at him and returned the smile. ‘You read too many comic books!’

  ‘But it isn’t half fun! And what if he’s too busy and won’t come?’ asked Jeremy.

  ‘I suggest you take him somewhere quiet and advise him of the powers of MI5, should they wish to flex their muscles,’ suggested Kate. ‘I think it would be best if you went alone. It’ll raise less suspicion. We don’t want Gilchrist’s colleagues to know what’s going on. I’ll arrange for a car to take you.’

  Jeremy picked up his jacket from the back of his chair and was gone.

  ‘Kate, we’re going to need a couple more computers and access to some databases,’ said Emma glancing around the room. ‘Shall I chat to Greg or do you need to clear it with the boss?’

  ‘No problem. I have his delegated authority on this one. Leave it with me,’ replied Kate.

  John looked at Rafi thoughtfully. ‘Could you explain in layman’s terms why the derivatives market is potentially so dangerous… And so lucrative?’

  Rafi smiled. ‘Put simply, derivatives are a way of betting whether a financial asset will go up or down relative to peoples’ expectations. In our case, let’s say that the terrorists do something which causes the markets to plunge unexpectedly. If they have bought put contracts, the more the market goes down the bigger the profit they’ll make. If you speculate correctly you can make big profits of say ten, maybe twenty times your initial outlay. However, derivative markets are a zero-sum-game, thus for every winner there’s a loser. They’re the rocket science end of things, which is why I could do with Aidan’s help.’

  ‘Thanks,’ said John. ‘So if the sheikh and his associates were to speculate say £1 billion in these markets and they rig things to go their way, they stand to make £10 to £20 billion? Sort of puts all their planning
into perspective, doesn’t it?’

  ‘I fear so,’ replied Rafi.

  A look of concern spread across John’s face. ‘For a payout of £20 billion, heaven only knows what they have planned! Oh, by the way, I’ve been mulling over something you said about their exit plans. If they are intending to get that rich they won’t want to hang around. So I would put looking for a fast motor cruiser at the top of my “to do list”. Just a thought. Must dash now - I’ve got a meeting with my team. Let’s talk soon.’

  Jeremy was standing at reception accompanied by a very unhappy individual. ‘Give DI Adams a bell and tell her I have Mr Gilchrist with me and that I am heading for the fourth floor interview room.’

  Kate, Emma and Rafi arrived at the interview room moments before Jeremy and a very disgruntled Aidan Gilchrist, who looked as if a thunder cloud was hovering directly over his head.

  ‘What do you want from me?’ He was annoyed. ‘I thought you were taking me somewhere civilised to talk, not to a bloody police station.’ He turned and, on seeing Rafi did a double take.

  ‘What the hell are you doing here?’

  Suddenly, it dawned on Rafi that his mugshot – as the man behind the Bishopsgate bombing – must have been all over the papers.

  Aidan looked uncertainly at Rafi then, like the first class financial dealer that he was, he quickly regained his composure. And acted as if he had known what was going to happen all along.

  Kate decided to take charge of the situation and spoke up. ‘Let me introduce you to my team: I’m Detective Inspector Kate Adams and this is my assistant, Detective Constable Emma Jessop. We specialise in financial fraud. You already know our infamous friend, Rafi. We’ll shortly be joined by the head of our IT section, Greg Thompson, and you’ve met Jeremy, from MI5. Please bear in mind that you’re here as our guest. I’m sorry that our hospitality doesn’t match the standards set by your bank.’ Kate smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. ‘Rafi has been helping us with our enquiries. He’s best placed to explain why we need your help,’ she concluded, indicating to Rafi that he could begin.