“There’s only one thing to do with a pirate - if you don’t throw him overboard to the sharks, HANG THE B@ST@RD.”
Same applies to traitors in Congress, Hollywood, et cetera.
Was this a set-up or what? The best way to catch the mouse is to trap it. Equip non-descript cargo vessels with a well armed reception committee and send them to the pirates. Let the pirates raid, attack, board and then spring the trap.. The Captain’s summary justice for the offense of piracy can be the plank with a weighted chain.
Set the trap.. They will come!