I am a political scientist and analyst, whose research focus is on international state and non-state intelligence structures.
I hold a diploma in administrative law as well as a diploma in political science. My doctoral dissertation examined counterintelligence and espionage activities of non-state actors, such as terrorist groups, religious cults and organised crime.
My other areas of expertise are North Korean and Chinese espionage activities, their intelligence agencies, these countries international clandestine networks, and their use of front companies, especially related to proliferation and the circumvention of sanctions.
I also look into the activities of non-state actors in the Dark Web, especially focused on the trade of conventional and non-conventional weapons and material, mercenaries, contract killing („hitmen“) and espionage. From time to time I analyse the activities of extremist organisations.
I worked for some time at the Centre for Science & Security Studies (CSSS) at King's College London in the field of proliferation and illicit procurement networks. Since November 2022, I have been an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.
Among other journals and newspapers, I write for Jane’s Intelligence Review, Intelligence Online and sometimes for NK News .