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Garda accused of threatening executive, files defamation countersuit

Garda accused of threatening executive, files defamation countersuit

MONTREAL--Garda World Security, one of the largest security and cash-handling firms in the world, is being sued by a former executive who claims Garda chief executive officer Stephan Cretier told company officials, "I will kill you and I will kill your family," if they disclosed details of the company's financial problems. Garda has immediately declared it will file a defamation suit against Richard Irvin, who came to Garda as an executive after he and his family sold California-based ATI Systems (sometimes referred to as AT Systems), a cash logistics business, to Garda last year for $395 million. In a press release, Garda called Irvin's allegations "totally false, outrageous and without merit." "The calumnious allegations are a blatant attempt to destroy Garda's good name and reputation in a pernicious and defamatory attempt to extort additional severance compensation from the company," the release continues. "Garda and the CEO's attorneys are examining all possibilities to obtain compensation for damages resulting from Mr. Irvin's slanderous statements. Furthermore, Garda refuses to take seriously such ridiculous allegations that resemble the plot of a bad Hollywood movie. The company will pursue all legal remedies in responding, including a defamation suit against Mr. Irvin and his wife." According to reporting done by The Globe and Mail's Bertrand Marotte, Irvin has also filed a wrongful termination suite that seeks $5 million in compensation. In that suit, there are allegations of misdealings during the negotiations to buy ATI and insider trading. In its press release, Garda says it "is also actively investigating threats and acts of vandalism against one of its executives involved in the integration of AT Systems, Inc. The company intends to increase protective measures for its executives as the investigation proceeds."

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