Colonel Kanatjan Alibekov (born 1950, known as Ken Alibek since 1992) is a former Soviet physician, microbiologist, and biological warfare (BW) expert. He rose rapidly in the ranks of the Red 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, has 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 has repeatedly advised the U.S. Congress and other governments on biotechnology issues. He is CEO of AFG Biosolutions Inc. (USA) and President and CEO of MaxWell Biocorporation, LLC (USA).