$ 150 million paid to pirates in past 12 months , Kenyan foreign minister says . ` It 's become a very lucrative revenue stream for them , and I think they 'll be very reluctant to see it disappear , '' said Chris Austen , chief executive of Maritime and Underwater Security Consultants , which consults with companies around the world on security issues . East African pirate activity causing growing international concern . Pirates seized Saudi supertanker last weekend ; are holding 17 vessels . Comment:
$ 150 million paid to pirates in past 12 months , Kenyan foreign minister says . East African pirate activity causing growing international concern . Pirates seized Saudi supertanker last weekend ; are holding 17 vessels . Comment: