Controversial figure, who was in jail three times for fraud. Despite this, he became a Belgian MP and has remained involved in Belgian public life for most of his life. Wrote a best-selling book whilst in jail and was involved in public relations work and slot cars. van Rossem then had business projects and planned to enter politics again as well as doing a lot of painting and writing. An economist who developed into a firebrand political activist, his heroin addiction and forgery overshadowed his life. In 2018, he was convicted of fraud and money laundering and jailed for the fourth time. However his health was very poor as he had pulmonary problems and whilst he planned to serve his sentence, he bowed out of public life even if he survived. In the end, he never made it and died in December 2018.

Biography last updated 14 Dec 2018