WASHINGTON, March 21 (UPI) -- Contrary to popular wisdom, "private military contractor" is not a euphemism for mercenary. But the connections between today's security industry and the infamous freebooters of yesteryear like "Mad" Mike Hoare and Col. Bob Denard -- whose antics inspired and were immortalized by the 1978 movie, "The Wild Geese" -- are clear, especially when one considers the recent case of a real mercenary.

JOHANNESBERG, South Africa, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Sir Mark Thatcher pleaded guilty Thursday to unwittingly financing an attempted coup against the government of Equatorial Guinea.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Equatorial Guinea is seeking the extradition of Mark Thatcher after his name was found on a list of people invited to fund a botched coup.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- South African police have arrested Sir Mark Thatcher for his alleged involvement in planning a coup in Equatorial Guinea, local media reported.