The IC814-hijackers were unaware that one of the most powerful businessmen in the world was on board their plane. The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC814 in 1999 remains one of the most harrowing incidents in Indian aviation history, but it also had a hidden story that few people know.
Among the 176 passengers on the hijacked plane was Roberto Giori, a man who controlled the world’s largest currency printing company, De La Rue. His presence added an additional layer of complexity to the already tense situation, and it brought international pressure on India.
Today, we’ll delve into the fascinating story of how a man with the power to print the world’s money was caught in one of the most infamous hijackings ever.
The IC814 Hijacking: A Dark Day in Aviation History
The IC814-hijackers began hijacking on December 24, 1999, when five armed men seized control of an Indian Airlines Airbus A300 shortly after it took off from Kathmandu, Nepal. Their destination was New Delhi, but the hijackers forced the plane to change course and land in various locations, including Amritsar, Lahore, and finally, Kandahar, Afghanistan.
The hijackers demanded the release of three high-profile militants in exchange for the hostages, and the situation quickly escalated into a full-blown international crisis.
What the IC814-hijackers didn’t know, however, was that one of the passengers aboard the plane was Roberto Giori, a man whose company, De La Rue, was responsible for printing 90% of the world’s banknotes at the time. This added a new dimension to the hijacking, as the presence of such a high-profile figure meant that the stakes were even higher.
Who Was Roberto Giori?
Roberto Giori was not just any ordinary passenger. He was the owner of De La Rue, the British currency printing company that had a near-monopoly on printing the world’s money.
At that time, the company was responsible for producing banknotes for over 70 countries, including major global economies. De La Rue also printed passports, stamps, and securities, making it an indispensable player in the world’s financial system.
Giori, a Swiss-Italian businessman, was returning from a vacation in Kathmandu with his partner Christina Calabrese when the IC814 hijacking occurred. His presence on that flight would later become one of the lesser-known but crucial elements of the entire ordeal.
The IC814-hijackers had no idea that one of their hostages was a man of such immense global influence. The power to print the world’s money is no small matter, and Roberto Giori’s position as the head of De La Rue meant that many European countries and international organizations had a vested interest in ensuring his safety.
International Pressure Mounts on India
Once it became known that Roberto Giori was on board the hijacked plane, international pressure on India increased significantly. Countries across Europe, including Switzerland, were particularly concerned about Giori’s well-being.
Calls were made to the Indian government, urging them to secure Giori’s release along with the other hostages. Several European heads of state were involved in behind-the-scenes discussions, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense negotiations.
At that time, Giori’s company, De La Rue, printed banknotes for India as well. The Indian government had a contract with the company to print its currency, although this relationship would end in 2016. Nonetheless, the Indian government found itself in an even more precarious position, given Giori’s importance in the global financial world.
The IC814-hijackers were primarily focused on their demands for the release of militants, but the presence of someone like Giori, who could potentially offer a massive ransom, was an opportunity they never capitalized on.
According to some media reports, there was a moment when it was speculated that Giori could have written a check for the hijackers’ ransom demand of $200 million. However, this was never confirmed, and Giori himself has remained silent on the matter.
Switzerland’s Secret Mission in Kandahar
Unbeknownst to the Indian authorities, Switzerland had secretly sent an intelligence team to Kandahar to secure Roberto Giori’s release. The Swiss government was extremely concerned about the safety of one of its most important businessmen, and they were willing to take extraordinary measures to bring him home.
The Swiss intelligence team’s mission was to negotiate directly with the IC814-hijackers, but they faced significant challenges. The hijackers were primarily focused on their political demands, and the presence of a wealthy businessman like Giori did not seem to alter their strategy. Despite Switzerland’s efforts, the team was unable to secure Giori’s release independently.
Ultimately, it was the Indian government that took the lead in negotiating with the IC814-hijackers. After days of tense discussions, the Indian government agreed to release three militants in exchange for the hostages. Giori, along with the other passengers, was freed after eight days of captivity, but the incident left a lasting mark on all those involved.
The Role of Roberto Giori in the Hijacking
The fact that the IC814-hijackers were unaware of Roberto Giori’s presence on the plane may have been a blessing in disguise. Had they known that the owner of the world’s largest currency printing company was among their hostages, they might have escalated their demands even further. Giori’s wealth and influence could have made him a prime target for a massive ransom, potentially complicating the negotiations even more.
However, Giori’s presence did have an impact on the international response to the hijacking. The Swiss government’s decision to send an intelligence team to Kandahar speaks volumes about the importance of Giori’s safety. His global stature also brought additional pressure on India to resolve the situation quickly and safely.
The Aftermath of the IC814-Hijackers
The IC814-hijackers ended with the release of the hostages, but the incident had far-reaching consequences. The release of the three militants, including Maulana Masood Azhar, would go on to have significant repercussions in the years that followed. Azhar would later found the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, which has been linked to several major terrorist attacks in India.
As for Roberto Giori, he returned to Switzerland and continued to oversee De La Rue’s operations. His involvement in the IC814 hijacking has remained relatively underreported, but it serves as a reminder of how global events can intersect in unexpected ways.
In 2016, the Indian government ended its contract with De La Rue, opting to print its banknotes domestically. The decision was part of a broader move towards self-reliance in currency production. However, the legacy of De La Rue’s involvement in India’s currency printing and Giori’s near-brush with disaster during the IC814-hijackers continues to be a fascinating chapter in the history of both India and the global financial system.
The IC814-hijackers were unaware of the high-profile passenger they had on board during one of the most infamous hijackings in history. Roberto Giori, the man who controlled 90% of the world’s currency printing, was unknowingly caught in a life-threatening situation that could have had even more severe consequences.
His presence not only heightened the stakes for the Indian government but also attracted international attention and pressure. The Swiss government’s secret efforts to secure his release highlight just how critical his safety was to the global financial system.
The IC814-hijackers, while primarily remembered for its political ramifications, also serves as a reminder of how interconnected our world can be, with unexpected figures like Giori finding themselves at the center of geopolitical crises.
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