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How do piracy, human trafficking and other serious international maritime crimes relate to commercial fisheries and the choices we are left with as a consumer?

How does one go about solving cold cases?

What is it like to defuse a hostage crisis and provide support to victims in the aftermath?

Karsten von Hoesslin will delve into all this and more during his presentation “Slavery, Murder, and Piracy on the High Seas: Is there a direct line between human trafficking and the seafood that ends up on your plate?” on Monday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Okanagan College Vernon campus.

His talk is the latest in the Vernon campus’ Signature Speaker Series.

“If you want to commit the perfect crime, just do it at sea,” muses von Hoesslin, noting that despite technological advances, maritime crime-solving remains as challenging and complex as ever.

von Hoesslin has held a variety of harrowing roles from intelligence to hostage negotiation and crisis intervention to criminal investigations, SWAT and tactical medicine. He is also known for hosting National Geographic’s Lawless Oceans and has been featured in National Geographic’s Underworld, Inc. series.

von Hoesslin specialises in HUMINT (Human Intelligence) infiltration and investigative methodologies, which are derived from his PhD studies. He also holds a Masters in Strategic Studies and a BA in Political Science and History.

He is also a Response Consultant and commanded the marine component for the hostage rescue of the highest ransom case in Somali pirate history to date – the Smyrni case, which involved the safe release of 26 crewmembers of the MT Smyrni, a Liberian-flagged Suezmax tanker vessel.

As a Detective, von Hoesslin investigates and has solved a number of high-profile cold cases (unsolved mysteries) ranging from homicide to environmental crimes. He is trained in SWAT and tactical medicine and is a Paramedic candidate with an EMT-level certification. von Hoesslin has also been part of special medical teams in Nigeria providing assistance to Boko Haram victims and has also provided support in post-disaster environments including Typhoon Yolanda.

Presented by Okanagan College, the series is sponsored by the Prestige Vernon Lodge and Uprooted Kitchen and Catering Co. Admission is $10, or free for Okanagan College students.

Participants can register in advance online at www.okanagan.bc.ca/SignatureSpeakers or pay at the door.