7 languages, PhD in physics: Woman linked to exploding pagers
Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, a multilingual physicist and CEO of Hungary-based BAC Consulting, has been implicated in a deadly incident involving exploding pagers. The devices, linked to her company, resulted in 12 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries in Lebanon. Despite BAC Consulting's licensing agreement with Gold Apollo—the original Taiwanese manufacturer of the pagers—Barsony-Arcidiacono denies any involvement in their production. She told NBC News that she was "just the intermediate."
Barsony-Arcidiacono's career
Following the incident, Barsony-Arcidiacono has avoided public appearances and remained unresponsive to media inquiries. Her Budapest residence, previously accessible, is now closed off. Conversations with those familiar with her reveal a pattern of short-term employment and an embellished curriculum vitae (CV), reports said. One anonymous acquaintance described her as someone who "could easily be used," suggesting vulnerability due to her eagerness for new opportunities.
Past employment
Kilian Kleinschmidt, a former United Nations humanitarian administrator who hired Barsony-Arcidiacono in 2019, recalled her as a "bullying" manager. He expressed regret over hiring her for a Dutch-funded program in Tunisia, stating it was "one of the biggest mistakes of my life." Despite her impressive academic credentials—including a PhD in physics from University College London—Barsony-Arcidiacono appears to have abandoned a scientific career after graduation.
Unverified claims of her work experience
Her CV, used to secure the position with Kleinschmidt, lists additional post-graduate degrees from prestigious institutions such as the London School of Economics and the School of Oriental and African Studies. However, these claims remain unverified. Barsony-Arcidiacono's diverse work experience spans across various non-governmental organization (NGO) projects in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, reports added.
