Omega Research Foundation Illustrative case study: Restricted access to company information Colombian company Eagle Commercial supplies various government agencies including the Colombian National Police and the National Police Directorate of Intelligence – Dirección de Inteligencia de la Policía Nacional (DIPOL), with a range of law enforcement equipment.194 Much of Eagle Commercial’s website is restricted, preventing access to information on the exact types of equipment available. In response to an email sent by Omega, the company refused to send any further information electronically, stating that any information could only be delivered in person with the authorisation of their clients.195 When faced with such restrictions, it is difficult for human rights organisations to monitor the trade of law enforcement equipment, including investigating whether the company offers inherently abusive equipment. According to its updated acquisition plan,196 the National Police bought projectile electric shock stun guns and cartridges from Eagle Commercial in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for a total of COP 2,099,364,288 (approx. USD 681,152). Although limited information is available, the company’s website does market batons, grenades, handcuffs and gas launchers, among other products, in its ‘riot control and anti-explosive’ section and it appears to represent US manufacturer Taser International Inc.197 Colombia: The Colombian riot control agency ESMAD imports a range of equipment from neighbouring countries but also from further afield. Combined Systems Inc., a US manufacturer, supplies chemical irritant grenades to ESMAD. These include the 6210 grenade which discharges smoke and CN gas; the 7290 Flash Bang, a stun grenade which emits a bright light and loud bang; the 9594 Irritant Sting-Ball Grenade which discharges both kinetic impact rubber balls and OC chemical irritant, as well as emitting a loud bang; the 9230 Outdoor Jet-Lite Rubber Ball CS (’Ballerina’ Grenade) which discharges CS irritant gas; and the 5231 Outdoor Triple Phaser CS Grenade.198 Notably, although the product description on the company website explicitly specifies that the 5231 should not be used indoors due to its ‘fire producing capability’,199 an ESMAD official describing this piece of equipment on video states it is used to ‘remove people or troublemakers who are on roads, in buildings, etc.’200 This suggests that officials using this equipment may not be adequately trained in correct usage procedures as misuse could lead to serious injuries or even death. The Colombian National Police paid Combined Systems Inc. a total of almost US $2.5m for equipment provided between October 2013 and January 2014.201 194 Eagle Commercial, ‘Clientes’ <http://www.eaglecommercial.com.co/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=308> [accessed 1 June 2016]. 195 Email sent by Eagle Commercial to Omega, dated 21 August 2015. 196 Policía Nacional, note 175. 197 Eagle Commercial, ‘Municiones’ <http://www.eaglecommercial.com.co/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=171> [accessed 1 June 2016]. 198 For information on this equipment, please refer to: ‘Combined Systems, Inc.’ <https://www.combinedsystems.com/index.php> [accessed 1 June 2016]. 199 Combined Systems, Inc. 'Outdoor 52 Series Triple Phaser Grenades', <https://www.combinedsystems.com/products/?cid=66> [accessed 1 June 2016]. 200 See minute 13:00, Óscar Sánchez Oviedo, note 177. 201 Dirección General de la Policía Nacional, Proceso Número PN DIRAF CD 144 2013, <https://www.contratos.gov.co/consultas/detalleProceso.do?numConstancia=13-12-1984581> [accessed 1 June 2016]. 44