The business plan was risky, even potentially deadly, but forecast a mammoth profit. Almost $40 million from $135 million of revenue in the first year alone. It would be a big payday for a company fronted by a handsome and charismatic former Royal Australian Air Force elite pilot with a penchant for extreme sports such as hang-gliding.

The catch was the work could involve selling tactical security services in “high-risk areas” for “unstable government clients”.