List of the Most Shielded Individuals Globally in 2025
In the year 2025, a select group of world leaders and influential figures find themselves at the centre of intense security measures due to their political status and global influence. Here's a look at the security arrangements of some of the most protected individuals globally.
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, is one of the most protected individuals, with the Federal Protective Service (FSO) employing a wide variety of strategies. These include heavily armored motorcades, specialized aircraft, and sophisticated surveillance technology to ensure his safety.
Joe Biden, the 47th President of the United States, is protected by the United States Secret Service, one of the most highly trained and well-equipped security details in the world. The Secret Service has increased the use of drones for surveillance and improved technology that can counter drones for Biden's security.
Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, is encircled by an impenetrable security detail known as the Guard Command. This team consists of a large number of guards forming a human shield and taking extreme measures to address even the slightest perceived threat, both within North Korea and during his infrequent trips outside of the country.
Xi Jinping, the President of the People's Republic of China, has an absolute and opaque security detail provided by the Central Security Bureau, part of the People's Liberation Army. The specifics of his security are rarely made public, but it's known that there's a heavy emphasis on preventing any form of protest or threat.
King Charles III, the monarch of the United Kingdom, benefits from a combination of royal guards and intelligence operations to protect against threats during public appearances and travel, though specific details about his security are not publicly available.
Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, is protected by the Vatican's Gendarmerie Corps and the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The Gendarmerie Corps provides a more comprehensive security system for Vatican City, particularly during the Pope's frequent public appearances and international travels. The Soldiers of the Swiss Guard, known for their colorful uniforms, are responsible for ensuring the Pope's personal safety.
The Dalai Lama, a prominent spiritual leader, is protected by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in India, with "Z-category" protection due to the potential threats from China.
Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán, a notorious drug lord currently being held at the United States Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX Florence), is arguably the most protected prisoner in the world. Details about his security are not publicly available, but it's known that he is under constant surveillance to prevent any escape.
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, maintains a massive private security operation to protect him and his family. This includes a team of bodyguards, secure compounds, and cutting-edge technology.
These measures reflect the extreme risk these leaders face due to their political status and global influence, combining physical security, intelligence, and technological defenses to ensure their safety. While detailed technical or procedural descriptions for each individual may not be fully enumerated in available open sources, their security generally includes personal bodyguards trained in close protection, armored and discrete convoy transportation, surveillance by drones, CCTV, and electronic monitoring, coordination with national and international intelligence agencies, rapid evacuation protocols, and medical teams on site.
In light of their political status and global influence, the security details of various high-profile individuals employ diverse strategies to safeguard their safety. For instance, Vladimir Putin's Federal Protective Service (FSO) employs advanced technology, armored motorcades, and specialized aircraft, while Joe Biden's protection detail utilizes drones for surveillance and counter-drone technology.
