Nico’s career began with the Dutch National Police, where he spent more than 20 years as an intelligence analyst and detective investigating homicide, organized crime, and online extremist networks. These cases revealed the importance of open-source information long before OSINT became mainstream and sparked his lifelong commitment to using data for good. Later, as Senior Project Manager at Bellingcat, he applied those lessons to international investigations that combined public data, verification, and digital forensics. Today, as Senior Vice President of Engineering and Chief Innovator at ShadowDragon, he leads research and innovation that help global organizations and governments identify and counter emerging threats.
Nico holds the GIAC Open-Source Intelligence (GOSI) certification and serves as a faculty member of the SANS Technology Institute, an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and multi-year winner of the National Cyber League competition. He also serves on the Advisory Committee for FORESIGHT Reports, supporting research into intelligence, technology, and ethics. As Co-Founder and Vice President of The OSINT Curious Project, he helped build one of the most influential educational platforms in the OSINT community.
In the classroom, Nico emphasizes process over tools, encouraging learners to question, verify, and interpret information with precision and responsibility. His clarity, humor, and practical approach make complex concepts accessible and relevant to professionals at every level. Outside of work, he explores emerging technology, collects sneakers, and enjoys time with family, reminders that curiosity and balance are essential to building not just skilled analysts, but resilient ones.
Qualifications Summary
