Who was the initiator of the company, how does "Haidamaky" differ from other security structures, what successes and victories have been achieved in the market of security services, - the head of security of "Haidamaky" Sergii Balychev in an interview with Agravery.com.

How did the idea of ​​creating a security company emerge?

At the regular meeting of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) on October 30, 2017, farmers shared their bitter experience of their fight against raiding. Losses were assessed differently. Some lost several hectares of land, grain or machinery, others - a whole farm with administrative buildings and literally "woke up poor." In order not to fight arbitrariness on their own, farmers initiated the creation of a security structure that will protect farmers from raiders. This day - October 30 - is the official founding date of our company, the birthday of "Haidamaky".

Were there any difficulties at the beginning of the work?

- Of course. It was difficult. It was necessary to create and establish organizational and work processes. We understood the huge responsibility to agricultural producers who needed “Haidamaky”. Moreover, we had no right to make a mistake. High-quality and professional security services, well-coordinated structure, and the selection of employees were just some of the priorities that we had completed successfully. All in order to protect farmers and create all the conditions for a peaceful business.

To your mind, is the structure of “Haidamaky” perfect or does something need to be changed?

We do not need to change anything. At the time of creation, all emphasis was placed on security guards. And this is logical. Who is responsible for security and is the face of the company? Security guards. It depends on their coordinated actions whether the property of the agrarian will be preserved. However, during the first month of work during economic conflicts, corporate disputes, attempts to seize farms, we faced problems in the legal field. For example, when raiders come to a farmer with forged property documents and claim that they are the new owners. It is no secret that a violent invasion to a farm is only after legal calculations and machinations of the "invaders". You can't understand everything without lawyers here.

It would also be good to show the arbitrariness of raiders on Internet resources and in the local media. When the capture of territory, crops or warehouses take place; when dozens of armed people appear, video recording is simply necessary at such moments. So the team was replenished with professional journalists. Today, SC “Haidamaky” is a powerfull, legal and journalistic bloc. Their interaction provides full protection for our customers.

Were there those who assessed the “Haidamaky” skeptically and did not put faith in them?

Yes. And not only one. When you start a new business, there will always be "ideologists" and "experts". The former clearly understood why such an organization was created, others - did not believe in its effectiveness. I remember our first challenge. In the Kyiv region, we opposed an organized criminal group - the legendary criminals, who seized up many companies and had the reputation of "invincible authorities" in criminal circles. As a result of coordinated work, the property and business of the agrarian were preserved. After such an odious case, no one doubted the effectiveness of "Haidamaky"

When is the peak of raiding observed?

In spring, during the sowing campaign, and in autumn, during the harvest. The least attempts to "raid" in winter. In winter, farmers can be as victims to raiders only because of forgery of documents, or corporate conflict between the founders and the director. In the spring, a “new owners” whant to get a ladnd which is already owned. For many times we had the situation when the raiders sowed the agrarian field and set up their guards along the perimeter. In autumn, there is always a struggle for the harvest, the profit of which reaches millions of UAH. Agree, this is a tasty morsel for fraudsters.

Can anyone become a client of “Haidamaky”?

No. We protect only farmers. This distinguishes us from other security companies, which are more than enough on the market. Narrow specialization allows you to achieve maximum efficiency. Before joining “Haidamaky”, the lawyers of our security company come to the farmer and conduct a comprehensive legal audit. We identify the "weaknesses" of the client, problems that already exist or may arise in future. Then we make a decision. We do not take companies with a dubious reputation and those who have been involved in raids in the past. It also happens that the life of the farmer is in dangere. Then professional bodyguards work with him. These experienced workers have been trained and are oriented in critical situations instantly.

Is there a guarantee that you will not side with your opponents during a raider confrontation?

It is impossible. After all, "Haidamaky" were created by farmers and for farmers. Even if we are offered money during the raid, and in exchange for this - the transition to the side of the "invaders", we will not betray. All the people who work at “Haidamaky” saw service in the hottest flash points in the eastern Ukraine. They have a keen sense of patriotism and responsibility.

Who did the “Haidamaky” start with? Who became your first clients?

First of all, 5 professional security guards were recruited to the staff - former members of the anti-terrorist operation who lived with the idea of protecting their native land and the people who work on it. That was the first rapid response team. In 2017, 12 farms from 9 regions of Ukraine entrusted security to us.

What has changed in the three years of “Haidamaky’s” work?

We grew up. Created your own website. They began to provide services of bodyguards and cargo escorting. Increased the number of employees and car fleet. Today, being one of the “Haidamaky” is prestigious. More and more farmers trust us with their safety. Despite the pandemic and the rather "shaky" economy, the number of those in need the protection from raiding has increased. Our security company includes 84 farms from 16 regions of Ukraine. I sincerely hope that in the near future people will know about us in all corners of the country, and "Haidamaky" will be the first association with the words "fight against raiders".