Security firm owned by Rezko pursues contract in Iraq

August 7, 2007 - A security company owned by a now-indicted political fundraiser is trying to secure a lucrative contract in Iraq, even seeking the help of Illinois leaders including Sen. Barack Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich, according to a published report.

Companion Security is owned by Antoin "Tony" Rezko and former Chicago police officer Daniel T. Frawley, according to a story in Tuesday's editions of the Chicago Sun-Times citing two sources. Patrick Goodale, a contractor with the company, said Rezko was one of Frawley's original partners.

Companion Security was awarded a $50 million contract by Iraq's Ministry of Electricity two years ago to train Iraqi power-plant guards, but the deal was left up in the air by a leadership change in Iraq. Now, the company is lobbying officials in Washington and Baghdad trying to revive the contract, according to documents obtained by the Sun-Times.

A message left for Rezko's attorneys before business hours Wednesday was not immediately returned. No listed number could be found for Frawley or Companion Security.

Frawley wants the Iraqi government to honor a contract signed when Aiham Alsammarae, a friend of Rezko's, ran the country's electricity agency. The current electricity minister has said the contract is too expensive, according to a U.S. Embassy official in Baghdad.