Arrrgh!

Unlike the majority of global businesses, Somali pirates managed to turn in another banner year in 2009. Captain Hook would be envious of the Somali pirates who managed to grow their "client" base by over 30 percent, expand revenue by 100 percent, and increase their geographic footprint in a terribly difficult economic environment. These organizations have done so well in fact that the wage for a low level pirate often tops $20,000. This amount is not only good by Somali standards; it stacks up favorably against the many nations that are attempting to thwart the piracy. A low level seaman in the United States earns around $19,000, while in Russia and China they earn a mere $6,000 and $700 respectively. Read more about the business of ship highjacking