Diamonds Best Friend or Foe? Read online

  “Yes.” The Boss looked up with a rare smile. “Thank goodness someone is prepared to stay at home and watch the chickens while you go out and clean up the world!” He chuckled softly.

  * * * * *

  Alex took the early morning British-European red-eye from Jersey to Gatwick. This allowed him ample time to make his appointment at midday, as ordered. The meeting place was one of several different locations used in random rotation for clandestine meetings with the Boss. This time it was the Bow Wine Vaults at Bow Church Yard, in the City of London.

  The ancient inn was approached over the flagstoned courtyard of the famous Mary-Le-Bow church. At first glance inside the inn, it appears to be quite small; there are, however, as is the case with so many traditional City inns, three floors accessed by a narrow wooden staircase, as well as the basement.

  Alex was early. He chose a table near the door, but out of sight of the street. The Boss was nervous of public places; he knew that they provided good security for such meetings, and he did not trust his own offices. He was quite paranoid about the possibility of them being monitored and bugged. Alex smiled to himself, thinking, “The truth is that the Boss simply doesn’t trust anyone. I wonder if that includes me?” At that moment, the Boss appeared. He wore a plain grey raincoat, had a slightly stooped appearance and would certainly be easily lost in a crowd. It was only at close quarters, when you looked into those penetrating steel-grey eyes, that you realised he was a person with great strength of character and determination. Not an easy man to argue with, yet he would usually listen to, and take heed of, common sense.

  “Good morning, and thank you as usual for making the trip.” He held out his hand; the grip was positive and firm.

  “Couldn’t have stayed away. It feels a bit like Christmas when I receive your Royal Command. I can’t help wondering what the surprise present is going to be!” Alex responded happily.

  The Boss smiled. “I have a mission for you all right, but first – and you should know by now – I can’t talk with a dry throat!”

  “Sorry, Boss”, Alex apologised. He moved to the ancient bar, ordered a large gin & tonic for the Boss and a lager top for himself, then paid for the drinks and strolled back to the table. “Here we are.” Alex placed the glasses on the stained coasters. “One large Gordon’s and Schweppes, okay?”

  “Does it come some other way?” the Boss asked lightly. He raised his glass and savoured the sparkling liquid. “Perfect!” he declared. “Now, down to business. We’ve been receiving reports of unusually large quantities of cut and uncut diamonds reaching the market outside of the normal De Beers-controlled cartel.” He raised one eyebrow and frowned.

  “As you probably know, the diamond industry is going through a time of change.” He settled more comfortably into his chair. “A new buzzword has arrived in the vocabulary: ‘Conflict Diamonds’ – the name for those stones that come from various African countries where the proceeds are used to fund their tribal wars.”

  He looked at his drink, where the ice floated gently with the lemon as he rotated the glass slowly. “There is a risk that diamonds could soon become as non-u as a fur coat. Socially unacceptable, since it’s almost impossible to distinguish between Conflict stones and legitimate ones! The consequences for the economies of Africa and Russia in particular, which depend on the diamonds, could be catastrophic. And that creates a major threat to world economic stability.” He toyed with the stem of his glass. “De Beers are helping to find a way to clean up the industry, mostly by marking legitimate stones with some sort of secret laser mark. As you know, the worst atrocities have taken place – or are still taking place – in Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and De Beers have stopped trading in gems from these sources. This in itself has created a massive black market in smuggled diamonds.” He took a sip from the glass and rolled his lips before looking directly into Alex’s eyes. “The Syndicate are suspected of being one of the major players.” He looked back at his drink. “The diamonds, we think, are being smuggled out of the countries to South Africa, then on the Ukraine and China. Once they have been cut and polished, their origin is almost impossible to identify.” He sipped his drink absently. “The prospector has his own problem: what to do with his hard-won gems? Threatened with financial disaster, they are easy targets for illegal purchasing proposals.”

  The Boss looked Alex squarely in the face. “I’ll warrant that this is where The Syndicate is bound to be playing its role in this tragic affair. Just a couple of days ago, the mutilated body of some poor unfortunate wretch was found in a back street of Luanda. That by itself is not significant; what makes it interesting to us is that he had half a dozen diamonds the size of your fingernail buried in cuts in his forearm and body – and that’s only the ones reported.”

  The Boss paused, toyed with the stem of his glass again, but did not drink. “Some of the diamond fields in Angola, under the control of their Government, are still supplying the markets illicitly.” He continued: “There is one report in particular, however, of a new maverick mining operation, said to have achieved a major yield of diamonds, using a new detection and recovery technique. We believe The Syndicate may have taken control of this very considerable source, and that thousands more carets of diamonds are about to be released onto the black market. We are not yet sure exactly which mine is the culprit. That’s to be part of your job.”

  He picked up the glass again and took a large draught. Nodding with satisfaction, he continued. “Our sources in Antwerp have reported an unusual number of high grade diamonds appearing on the street there.” He looked across at Alex, his brow creased with anxiety. “We have similar reports from New York, Singapore, Hong Kong ... but most recently from Beijing. The Chinese are not saying anything officially – they never do – but the fact is that high-grade diamonds are circulating in great quantities over there. This, my friend, spells only one thing to me: The Syndicate.” The Boss sat upright in his chair. “Alex, you’re going to have to find that mine, and how the diamonds are being spirited away from the country. Then – close it down!” He looked at Alex, raising one eyebrow, “And if you can take out a cell or two of Syndicate operatives at the same time, you’ll be doing us all a great favour.”

  “That’s quite a tall order, Boss. The diamond mines are spread all over Western Africa – not just in Angola. Any chance of some assistance?”

  “Listen, Alex: we sent a man to Angola last year when we were trying to keep tabs on The Syndicate in the area. He spent almost two months ferreting around. He was a new boy, I admit; I think he became a bit obvious. Consequently, there was no result from his enquiries and we had to pull him out before they took him out.” The Boss looked Alex squarely in the face. “Recently we infiltrated a man into what we believed to be The Syndicate’s courier service to Antwerp and Beijing from West Africa. We have not had any report for over a week now. I am very concerned that his cover may have been compromised.” He looked towards the door as if he were expecting something to happen, then he looked back. “I am convinced that we may have a Syndicate mole very close to SONIC. There have been too many leaks lately. I do not want to put you at risk by giving you an assistant known to The Syndicate!” He looked at Alex and smiled. “Working alone, you are the best chance we have.” He placed a paternal hand on Alex’s arm. “Just remember”, – he faced Alex –”Diamonds, some believe, are even more important than Gold as an international trading commodity. They are small, light and easily traded. If the world market were to be flooded with gemstone diamonds, and at the same time some radical human rights organisation tries to plot a diamond boycott, it could without doubt seriously destabilise some of the more fragile economies. It’s down to us to stop that happening.” He swallowed the rest of his drink without really noticing it.

  “We can never really win with these swine, but like a good gardener, if we work hard and keep the weeds and other vermin at bay, the garden flourishes. If we neglect it, even for a little while,
the weeds and pests just reappear out of nowhere and commence their war of attrition on our once carefully cultivated garden.”

  He paused, then continued with a sigh. “The high value of diamonds means that there are massive profits to be made. This means that substantial bribes are routinely paid for loyalty. And so Honesty becomes another casualty of war. Anyway”, – he changed to a lighter tone – “I know that you are only really safe when you operate alone.” He placed his hand once again on Alex’s arm. “Unless you insist, you’re on your own with this one – at least to start with, okay?”

  “Okay, Boss.” Alex smiled. “I don’t have anything much on my plate this week, so let’s take another swipe at the buggers, eh?”

  The Boss shook the offered hand firmly without saying any more. They got up from their table and moved to the door. The Boss looked back at the antique bar and its equally ancient bartender. “Take a last look at this lovely old pub, Alex.” He shook his head sadly. “It’s about to be lost for ever. I’ve learned it’s to be turned into another one of those trendy wine bars.” He turned away. “I suppose it’s inevitable.” He mumbled under his breath: “I’m told it’s called progress.”

  Then they moved out into the busy lane, walking in opposite directions, without looking back.

  * * * * *

  Diamonds are pure crystallised carbon and are the hardest naturally-occurring material known to man. They reflect light like no other substance. An emblem of ritual and ultimate wealth, symbols of love and affection craved by adoring ladies, yet with a vital industrial role to play. An easily circulated trading commodity, they are therefore regarded as one of Earth’s most important, precious and useful minerals.

  Sadly, those very qualities have a darker side. Possessing such versatile properties, diamonds naturally beckon greedy and ambitious suitors, prepared to go to any length to secure their seductive allure, promoting daring theft, extortion, and all too frequently, brutal murder.

  These addictive tokens are to be found in numerous areas around the globe, Africa being one of the main sources of the highest-quality gemstones. The uncut stones in particular are mainly bought and sold by one mighty company. They have controlled the world markets since the great diamond mines were opened up in South Africa at the end of the 19th century.

  Sir Ernest Oppenheimer founded the De Beers corporation at the turn of the century. They are thought to control the marketing of about 75% of the world’s uncut diamonds. It may be a rare example of a cartel that seems to work for everyone’s benefit. Prospectors can therefore concern themselves with finding the precious prize, confident in the knowledge that an eager buyer is waiting for them to succeed.

  The majority of diamonds found are of industrial quality, or of a semi-precious standard. Nonetheless, they represent substantial value for the prospector. New regions are constantly being explored and occasionally commercial deposits are discovered. The ultimate prize is for the stones to be of “Large or Fancy Gemstone” quality.

  There are two types of natural diamonds: one known as alluvial, extracted from the sea or from ancient riverbeds; the other, Kimberlite, is found in the region of extinct volcanoes. They occur not only in the traditional white, but also various shades of pink and blue.

  Angola is recognised as a major source of large, top-grade gemstone diamonds from both sources. Several new diamondiferous Kimberlite deposits have been discovered there recently, following the limited reintroduction of prospecting licences, and the granting of concessions to foreign prospectors.

  One such site is in the remote north-east corner of Angola, close to the border with Zaire. Here, a newly-established team of adventurous prospectors was revisiting some previously tested pipes, the exhaust vents of ancient extinct volcanoes. Considered to be uneconomic by the original owners, these concessions had been obtained very cheaply by the new prospectors, who were gambling on their prototype computerised seismic technology to justify their investment. Their space-age detection system allows the prospectors to aim their probe drill directly at their deep and mysterious targets, in much the same way as drilling for oil.

  Their confidence in the new technology had been quickly rewarded when they detected with their very first probe significant kimberlitic rock deposits, missed by earlier, less accurate methods. In this instance, and to their complete amazement, the new adventurers had struck a productive sample with a quite shallow probe. The bluish rock was carefully brought to the surface and excitedly examined. The 50kg core of granite hard spoil was emptied onto the concrete floor and crudely broken with lump hammers. The crushed material was sieved carefully; part was removed for chemical analysis and part for geological assessment. The rest was washed into the sieve for physical evidence of the elusive gems.

  The sample was found to contain substantially more diamond deposit than the detectors had initially indicated. Amazingly, two large raw stones appeared out of the sludge. They were originally one huge stone, now broken in two at a stress point, probably as a result of the hammering and crushing. Covered with bits of shale and sand, the stones looked nothing like the mind’s vision of a diamond. When the debris had been chipped away, the leader of the group gingerly picked up the two stones. Together they filled the stunned team leader’s hand. They were the largest raw diamonds any of the mesmerised team had ever seen.

  “Like bloody cricket balls!” a dry, excited voice exclaimed.

  There was an electrifying tension around the group of eager prospectors. Was this sample a true example of the rest of the deposits at this concession? Once cut, what quality and how many carats would they prove to be?

  To establish these essential facts, the samples now had to be sent to the De Beers Buying Station in Luanda for appraisal and valuation. Then, if the quality was good enough, they would be purchased from the prospectors by De Beers, who would either sell them on or retain them as their stock, to hold as market demand dictated.

  The team leader, Nick Weston, a big, strong, energetic fellow about 30 years of age, had graduated from Cambridge with a Degree in Geology and Engineering. This had enabled him to channel his energy and training into his lifelong ambition, prospecting for precious minerals. Nick eventually called his ecstatic colleagues together. “Now, everyone just calm down.” He knew they had to let off steam, but now was the time to bring back some discipline to the situation. “We may have located a mighty hoard, and could be looking at riches beyond any of our wildest dreams. However, there are several very difficult stages to overcome before we can start spending.” He smiled and paused for breath. “On the other hand, we may have found, by chance, the only two good diamonds in Africa.” He feigned anguish.

  There were a couple of knowing nods, and a nervous laugh or two, but most remained silent. Like the others, Nick was flushed with the exhilaration of the diamond find; he continued nonetheless, his voice surprisingly calm. “What is paramount for everyone here, is to observe the strictest secrecy.” He looked seriously at each of the gathered men. “We have been through all the theoretical security plans. Now”, he declared triumphantly, “we are actually going to have to implement them.” He continued even more seriously: “I am sure I don’t have to remind you that this country is like a tinder-box, riddled with political and tribal disputes. The MPLA and UNITA may have a fragile truce, but what we have here will easily sidestep the rules of any truce. Any one of the local officials will be only too pleased to betray our situation to the highest bidder.” He paused. “So”, he waved a threatening finger at his now calmed and serious audience, “if we are to have any hope of enjoying this good fortune”, he added emphatically, “mouths crab-arse shut, watertight sealed, okay?”

  Some of them chuckled, but the rest remained silent. They were all too well aware of the very real dangers that could be waiting for them.

  2

  International political subversion and all forms of major crime are the special prerogatives of The Syndicate. Discreetly currying favour with the new Chinese regime, whi
ch is gradually shrugging off the restrictive shackles of the old totalitarian communist state, The Syndicate are able to offer attractive incentives to eager officials who assist with negotiation contracts for the purchase of their illicit stocks of gold and diamonds. The Chinese administration was well aware of the source of the diamonds but patronised the situation because it suited them. The time would come when The Syndicate would no longer be tolerated. Each party knew this; each party played the dangerous game to suit its own agenda.

  Every Syndicate operative was part of a small cell, each of which consisted of five members. Each cell had a Controller. No-one knew who his or her Controller was. All instructions were issued via coded, untraceable telephone calls. The Syndicate’s own security, therefore, was nearly impossible to compromise.

  The Syndicate was well represented in the major diamond prospecting areas, with many eager agents alert for news of significant new sources and the opportunity to relieve prospectors of their finds, and of course, the generous reward for their services. No matter how good a mining group’s security was thought to be, information on a significant diamond find would somehow be magically channelled to one or other Syndicate informer.

  The Syndicate would usually offer a prospector a joint-venture contract; this guaranteed a market outlet for their wares, an especially attractive proposal in view of the current embargo. Faced therefore with the clear alternatives, many prospectors would eagerly accept such a proposal. Those who refused rarely survived for very long, suffering from fatal industrial accidents or other similar fates.

  The Syndicate had a simple philosophy: co-operate and work loyally and you will be well rewarded for success. Those who failed to co-operate or failed to honour commitments were quickly terminated. With such a simplistic and powerful incentive, The Syndicate’s vassals were always eager to prove their worth.