We have an internal email list here at the Fool called "Remarkable" that highlights unique, bizarre, and extraordinary stories from around the globe. Instead of keeping all of the remarkable goodness and lively discussion for ourselves, we've opened it up to you.
With that in mind, here is the fascinating Reuters story "Somali sea gangs lure investors at pirate lair," which details how Somali pirates have set up a functional stock market, with each gang as a company.
"Four months ago, during the monsoon rains, we decided to set up this stock exchange. We started with 15 'maritime companies' and now we are hosting 72. Ten of them have so far been successful at hijacking," Mohammed [a wealthy former pirate who took a Reuters reporter to the facility] said.
"The shares are open to all and everybody can take part, whether personally at sea or on land by providing cash, weapons or useful materials ... we've made piracy a community activity."
Piracy investor Sahra Ibrahim, a 22-year-old divorcee, was lined up with others waiting for her cut of a ransom pay-out after one of the gangs freed a Spanish tuna fishing vessel.
"I am waiting for my share after I contributed a rocket-propelled grenade for the operation," she said, adding that she got the weapon from her ex-husband in alimony.
"I am really happy and lucky. I have made $75,000 in only 38 days since I joined the 'company'."
This story comes on the heels of news that pirates have captured a Greek oil tanker carrying $20 million in crude oil. Shipping companies like DryShips
Besides wondering what Larry Kudlow would have to say about this application of free market principles, we want your take on what seems like an orderly market paired with ill-gotten gains, or even your ideas how best to deal with the Somali pirates in general.
