Several spy scandals have made the headlines in Belgium. The partly state-owned telecom company Belgacom (now Proximus), the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office have all been hacked. This shouldn’t be a big surprise, as Brussels - since the Cold War - is one of the world’s hot spots for espionage. The intelligence archives of Berlin, Budapest, Bucharest, Prague, Sofia and Warsaw have revealed the 007 dimension of Europe’s capital city.
The world of espionage is the world in which the International Study Group's (ISG) speaker on 12 February, Alexandro Legein, worked. He will start his talk with a general overview of the 'why' of security in international institutions, its importance and the risk management principles that govern it.
The second part of his talk will cover the danger of espionage and its interference against common interests (this is especially acute in view of recent international and internal national developments) and the risks posed by social media in this area.
Alexandro (pictured above) started his career as a journalist in the mid-1970s, developing the investigative instincts and eye for detail that are now the tools of his trade. Swapping his pen and note pad for a gun and warrant card, he joined the Belgian Maritime Police in 1978 specializing in narcotics and fraud investigation.
In 1985, he moved to the Directorate of Public Security where, as an Inspector in the Bureau of State Security, he was introduced to the demi-monde of counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, and diplomatic protection.
Next came three years at Federal Express and two at DHL, where he led operations in Europe and Africa. He then joined Swift as Security Chief, followed by TNT where he was Group Security Director Worldwide, and finally in 2008 he was appointed as the Director of the Security Office of the Council of the European Union.
A Belgian national, born in Spain, Alexandro grew up in Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. His studies included economics and journalism and he has professional qualifications in strategic management (Insead), financial, police and criminal justice management.
The venue for ISG talks is the Chateau Malou, Allée Pierre Levie 2, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and the doors will be open for the talk on Monday 12 February at 10h00 for a coffee with the programme commencing from 10h30.
There is free parking close to the Château Malou and the closest public transport is Tram 8 (Stop Voot); Bus 28 (Stop Deportés or Parc Malou). The talk is free for ISG members and guests are welcome and may attend for a fee of €10 payable at the entrance.
For more information visit the ISG website or Facebook page.
