Executive Team

  • Deniz M. Dirisu

    Chairman and General Director

    Deniz specializes in international criminal law, OSINT, and atrocity crimes investigations.

  • Emma Urbanova

    General Secretary and Editor in Chief

    Emma holds an MA in English literature and comparative literature (University of Glasgow) and in literary studies (University of Groningen). She is a writer, editor, and an avid advocate for democracy.

  • Alexander Rietveldt

    Treasurer

    Alexander has a background in financial audit, ensuring the financial wellbeing of the organization.

  • Vasile Popa

    Chief Technical Officer

    Vasile, a software engineer and a cybersecurity specialist, has experience as an investigative data engineer and a software developer in cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity companies.

  • Margot V. H.

    Co - Director - International Crimes Investigation Group

    Margot, a seasoned legal analyst, has a background in public international law, with a particular focus on international criminal law and conflict-related sexual violence.

  • Natalia Jasztal

    Co - Director - International Crimes Investigation Group

    Natalia, a seasoned lawyer, has a background in international criminal law, transnational criminal law, and complex legal advisory.

  • Janthe van Schaik

    Co-Director Center for Influence and Disinformation Research

    Janthe, security studies graduate from Leiden University, specializes in OSINT, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism intelligence analysis.

  • Christian Mamo

    Co-Director - Center for Influence and Disinformation Research

    Christian is an investigative journalist who specializes in Eastern Europe and Russia. His background is supplemented by experience in international human rights law and humanitarian monitoring missions.

  • Diana Nicola

    Chief Communications Officer

    Diana is a media specialist who has in-depth knowledge of research methods, theoretical concepts, and practical applications of media and communication.

Project Coordinators and Specialists

  • Manon C. Balbinot

    Taskforce Leader (ICIG)

    Manon, legal analyst and senior OSINT investigator, has a background in Criminal Justice and Counter-Terrorism. Her background is supplemented by expertise in transnational organized crime, access to justice, and European Criminal Law.

  • Edward S.

    Taskforce Leader (ICIG)

    In addition to a background in defense and strategic studies, Edward has expertise in Russian military affairs and experience in multiple international crimes investigations, such as the Belarusian involvement in the illegal transfer and reeducation of Ukrainian children.

  • Vyacheslav Kolomeets

    Senior Investigator (ICIG)

    Vyacheslav is an OSINT specialist with specialization in IMINT, GEOINT, military identification and leading software development initiatives aimed at data collection.

  • J. H.

    Senior Investigator (CIDER)

    J. is an investigative journalist with experience in verification and geolocation. She has a background in Eastern European studies with a specialisation in political and economic sociology and focuses on right-wing movements and politics around Europe.

  • Ivan Kostiuk

    External Advisor

    Ivan is an advisor to OFU focusing on military identification, investigation of military units and training OSINT analysts and investigators.