Originally Posted by rickair7777

I knew some upper-tier middle eastern folks in the military. One of them shared how such things can go down... it's not like the movies where the CEO, billionaire, senator, general, etc has a hitman on speed dial. It's a multi-layer process, the top guys discusses the issue at hand with his lieutenant(s) and it becomes known that he's displeased, they then discuss that with the next layer and so on, eventually a critical step occurs: the issue makes it's way out of the official hierarchy into other channels (organized crime or maybe security service associates in some countries). Ultimately an outcome occurs, and then patronage of one sort or another flows back down the chain. Rare for actual briefcases of cash to be exchanged or direct orders given. Everybody knows what happened, but nobody had to give a direct order except maybe at the lowest level. Benefits of one sort or another are bestowed, likely at a much later date. Plausible deniability for most involved, and the top guy didn't actually even conspire in any way. People are willing to do things to please powerful folks.

This kind of thing is very rare, but it does happen at least is some places. Even makes the news occasionally.

This was in the context of quite different countries than ours, but you can speculate whether the same process might work here. Top guys are very, very insulated from the proceedings.

Now it had also occured to me that this incident might even have been a false-flg operation of sorts... dude to decided to check out anyway, and chose timing and circumstances to cast a shadow on his adversaries. A parting shot so to speak.