In the fifth edition of our breakthrough series, EP Wired is taking a closer look at executive protection in Argentina. We have interviewed three industry professionals and asked them to share their experiences working in the country. Here’s what they had to say.
What are the particular challenges of executive protection in your country?
The EP sector in Argentina is going through a period of evolution and transformation. It used to be dominated by retired police or military officers, but this has changed.Â
Today, there are very strong business security teams led by competent EP professionals, even if they do not have experience in the forces. A modern protection team bases its work on analysis and focuses on anticipating a threat, not reacting to it. – Gustavo Merani, CPO
What are the unexpected benefits of executive protection in your country?
Some of the unexpected benefits of executive protection in Argentina are related to time and comfort. Due to the number of vehicles and traffic constraints in the city of Buenos Aires, to be able to arrive at a location directly at the door and not have to worry about finding a parking space (let alone one with the expected security level) represents a significant time-saving feat.Â
This applies to the route selection to avoid road congestion. Also, due to preeminent petty crime issues (not targeted), both in traffic and on pedestrian or public spaces, having a person attentive to the principal, as well as a security-trained driver, avoids undesired interactions. – Lic. Alejandro Liberman, CPP
What kind of training or certification do you need to work in your country?
Private Security Law establishes the requirements and parameters governing private security companies and, consequently, the conditions under which armed escort and executive protection services may be provided.
First and foremost, it is not possible to operate independently as an armed escort. Individuals must be affiliated with a private security company, and that company must be legally authorized to offer armed executive protection services. Specifically, personnel must be Argentine citizens, of legal age, have completed secondary education, have no criminal record, and possess a valid psychophysical aptitude certificate.
Authorization from the relevant enforcement authority is essential. This may include bodies such as CAESBA (the Chamber of Security Companies of Buenos Aires) or the Ministries of Security. In addition, specialized training in firearms handling, first aid, and security is required, as well as successful completion of the private escort course in accordance with Ministry of Security regulations. Naturally, any additional training, whether acquired through the Armed Forces, the Police, or private institutions in Argentina or abroad, is beneficial in practice. However, without meeting the basic legal requirements, individuals are not permitted to operate.
Regarding the carrying of firearms while working as a private escort, this activity is strictly regulated by law and controlled by the State. Regulations define the type of weapons and permitted calibers. Furthermore, the individual must obtain the official credential authorizing the carrying of a firearm, which is issued by a state agency through the security company for which the person is employed. These constitute the general and mandatory parameters required to operate as an armed escort and to perform executive protection duties. – Julio E. Benitez Acuña, MS.PS
What are the unique tools and tech you carry to help you work in your country?
My everyday carry on my person includes 2 cell phones from different networks, a multitool, an ultracompact backup torch on my keychain, a Res-Q-Me tool for belt cutting and window breaking, an Anker power bank for long shifts, prescription sunglasses, credit charged SUBE (which is the local card that allows you to use any bus or metro in the city of Buenos Aires) in case of emergency.Â
Also, cash money in the pocket, and Bluetooth earphones. I carry a go bag for the administrative part of the day, the usual laptop and stationery elements, plus: a Tide To Go pen, a door wedge, lens wipes, Kleenex, mints, and floss. – Lic. Alejandro Liberman, CPP
What are the most common types of threats or security concerns faced by clients in your country?
Today, Argentina is one of the safest countries in Latin America, with a homicide rate of 3.8, even though it is part of one of the most violent and unequal regions in the world.
Buenos Aires has a vibrant nightlife and many major shows every week. Our local and international clients who come for concerts or football matches hire our bilingual bodyguard services and armored vehicles to ensure a safe stay. Depending on the area, after we do a risk and security analysis, we advise them to establish an efficient protocol. – Gustavo Merani, CPO
How is working in your country different from working anywhere else?
In order to explain what it is like to work in Argentina compared to other countries, I think it is necessary to make a brief reference to how executive protection has evolved to the present day. Until the end of the 1990s, executive protection was provided by former police officers, military personnel, or even individuals who were still actively serving in the State, as private activity was not well-regulated. During that same period, the country began to experience high levels of general insecurity, which led to the proliferation and accelerated growth of security companies. As a result, personal protection emerged as a distinct service.Â
Private training was scarce; there was only official training within the Armed Forces or the Police. Therefore, there was significant reliance on training abroad, mainly in the United States, Israel, or Spain. Gradually, executive protection was established as an activity, requiring a specific professional profile and specialized training. This process was not fast; it was gradual.
A key aspect was the development of a working model aligned with local challenges and the operational and administrative parameters of the region. At times, training abroad led to the mistake of importing models and work systems that were not compatible with local scenarios. This, too, became part of the process of creating a realistic and coherent working model tailored to local needs.
Over the years, indeed, over decades, regulations and laws were enacted to regulate private security, including executive protection services. The backbone of this regulatory framework was the Private Security Law of the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), Law 5688/16, and that of the Province of Buenos Aires, Law 12,297, Decree 1897/2002. The City of Buenos Aires is governed by Law 5688, while the rest of the country is regulated by provincial laws, each enacted independently but largely modeled on Law 5688.
From an operational perspective, Argentina has experienced different periods in which economic and socio-political conditions have influenced levels of insecurity. Therefore, it can be said that the country has gone through cycles of higher and lower insecurity. When compared with countries in the region that have faced guerrilla activity, the militarization of crime, or wars between drug gangs, the contexts are clearly different. For those of us who have had the opportunity to work in various Latin American countries, this has allowed us to gain diverse experiences, which required adaptation and, on many occasions, the modification of procedures.Â
Above all, it has been essential to understand that although we share the same continent and similar cultures and, except for Brazil, the same language, we must remain constantly up to date on the challenges posed by evolving criminal dynamics, which may sometimes involve similar modes of operation and, in other cases, country-specific ones.– Julio E. Benitez Acuña, MS.PS
How do cultural or political factors influence the security landscape in your region?
I would say they affect the security landscape COMPLETELY. On the cultural side, you must consider that in Argentina fútbol (soccer) is a true passion, that is why, on certain areas of the city of Buenos Aires for example, if there is a soccer match, it can extremely disrupt traffic and pedestrian movement for several blocks, as well as represent a true risk of localized civil disturbance if there are controversies during the match.
On the Political side, it is also very relevant for principals and their companies, because it is common that political differences or conflicts affect private actors; friendly or partner companies of a certain government can suffer demonstrations, union conflicts, and or media backlash.
On the other hand, adversarial companies could suffer governmental harassment through bureaucratic structures affecting the business (IRS, FDA, among others). – Lic. Alejandro Liberman, CPP
What are some emerging trends or challenges in the field of private security and personal protection in your country?
I believe that today it is essential to consider the broader context when attempting to classify or determine the current security scenario and how it may evolve or be impacted. Beyond what is happening at the national level, it is crucial to understand the regional, continental, and global contexts. Crime can be described as globalized; by this, I mean the existence of international connections and interests among criminal organizations. Today, it is clear that incidents occurring in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, or the Americas can be interconnected. Therefore, any evaluation or analysis must be conducted within this broader framework.
I believe there are three interrelated elements that help define the current situation and the challenges faced in the field of private security. First, the country has experienced a certain degree of leniency in the application of laws against crime. This has limited the ability of State security forces to act effectively, as individuals with extensive criminal records often remain at liberty. The resulting rise in persistent insecurity represents a major challenge for private escort operations. Unlike State security forces, private escorts do not possess the same tactical capabilities or institutional support and must prevent and manage risks with fewer resources and, at times, under clear operational disadvantages.
Second, organized crime is present, albeit to a lesser extent than in some other Latin American countries. The presence of firearms among criminals is constant and, in many cases, has become the norm rather than the exception. Consequently, the likelihood of being involved in a security incident is significant. In addition, past flexibility in immigration policies has contributed to the involvement of foreign nationals in criminal activity. Combined with domestic crime, this has further deteriorated the overall security environment.
Third, Argentina has suffered two major terrorist attacks: the bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 and the AMIA attack in 1994, also in Buenos Aires. As a result, terrorism cannot be entirely ruled out as a potential risk. Although this threat may currently be lower when compared to prevailing criminal dynamics, it remains a factor to be considered in risk assessments, particularly for executive protection teams working with individuals or communities that may be more exposed. As stated earlier, it is neither realistic nor coherent to ignore the fact that events in other parts of the world can have local repercussions.
In conclusion, I offer a personal reflection. Those of us who have been involved since the 1990s at what could be described as the genesis of personal protection in Argentina were required to contribute to the development of the profession while simultaneously performing operational duties. We did so with limited resources and a more restricted body of knowledge.Â
Today, however, new generations have far greater opportunities for professional development, access to information, and specialized training, supported by decades of accumulated experience. Distances have effectively diminished, and it is now possible to discuss executive, personal, or close protection anywhere in the world using a common professional language. It is evident that the field is moving toward the standardization of processes and protocols that transcend national and regional boundaries. – Julio E. Benitez Acuña, MS.PS
Can you share a memorable experience or case where your skills as a bodyguard were put to the test in your country?
A few years ago, we worked with a well-known international figure associated with right-wing ideas against communism and progressivism. He was hired by a publishing house to come and present a book at a public university where many student groups belonged to left-wing organizations.
We checked the social media accounts of these groups and saw that they planned to protest the event. As the university is public, access could not be denied, but a registration list could have been created for those who wanted to attend. We had access to the list of students who were part of those organizations. After checking the capacity of the hall and having control of the accreditation of the people who wanted to enter, we limited access to left-wing students. The VIP’s arrival and departure from the university were escorted by local police, and we used secondary entrances. In this way, we had complete control of the operation, and it was efficient. The VIP felt safe, comfortable, and protected. – Gustavo Merani, CPO
For their participation in the series, EP Wired would like to thank Gustavo Merani, CPO, Lic. Alejandro Liberman, CPP, and Julio E. Benitez Acuña, MS.PS.
Find the previous series entries here:
