Colonel Kanatzhan Alibekov ? known as Ken Alibek since 1992 ? is a former Soviet physician, microbiologist and biological warfare expert. He rose rapidly in the ranks of the Soviet Army to become the First Deputy Director of Biopreparat, where he oversaw a vast program of BW facilities. In 1992 he defected to the United States; he has since become an American citizen and makes his living as a biodefense consultant, speaker, and entrepreneur. He has actively participated in the development of biodefense strategy for the U.S. government, and between 1998 and 2005 he testified several times before the U.S. Congress and other governments on biotechnology issues. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of AFG Biosolutions Inc. and President and Chief Scientific Officer of MaxWell Biocorporation, LLC. 

January 1st, 1950 in (Age 74)