Exposing a Coordinated Theft Inside an Automotive Service Center – Hurghada
Client: Drinking Water and Sanitation Company
Location: Hurghada Service Center – Red Sea Governorate
Sector: Public Utilities
Incident Type: Internal theft – Spare parts and equipment
Date: May 2025
Incident Background
A report was filed regarding missing components from vehicle no. (3925) during maintenance at the company’s service center. Defentra’s security team was assigned to investigate and uncover the circumstances behind the loss.
Investigation Process
- Immediate field deployment to the incident site.
- Individual interviews with third-party workers and administrative personnel.
- Surveillance behavior analysis and movement pattern assessment within the site.
Key Findings
Suspects Identified:
- Security guard: A.M.S.
- Cleaning worker: A.A.K.
Their behavior and regulatory violations raised suspicion.
Indicators:
- Unjustified movement of the cleaning worker inside and outside the facility.
- The security guard violated covert monitoring protocols and left his post to alert the suspect.
- Discovery of a neglected area likely used to burn stolen copper wires.
Confessions and Losses
The cleaning worker admitted to additional unreported thefts:
- (2) Compressor batteries
- High-pressure copper cable
- (3) Brass valves of various sizes
Estimated losses to date
≈ EGP 53,000
A technical audit of other missing assets is ongoing.
Security Analysis
The investigation revealed:
- Direct collusion between the internal security and the suspect.
- Misuse of unmonitored zones within the premises.
- Weak oversight over temporary and non-permanent workers.
Defentra's Recommendations
- Strengthen background screening procedures for newly hired staff.
- Introduce smart surveillance to cover underutilized or neglected site areas.
- Retrain security personnel on covert monitoring protocols and intervention restraint.
- Establish regular maintenance and inventory audit protocols.
