Probing the global scam network that’s robbed $1.2bn from investors - BBC Newsnight

[@jamesportoraro8248]

Great work on the report - great journalism!

[@shadabfariduddin6784]

Can you explain why scammers, fraudsters and looters end up in London amd live there with impunity?

[@geothon]

For the same reason it became a heaven for the russian elite. Central asian and middle eastern too.

[@davidioanhedges]

Shell companies, owned by a series of shell companies all registered in tax havens ultimately owned by anonymous individuals, can own property in London ...

[@ceefar10]

Money is a lie that they print out of thin air and London is a place where you can get a lot of money printed for you if you have “assets”

[@jamesrobert4106]

Because the entire Parliament of my country is corrupt beyond any reasonable comprehension.

[@_Mandolorian]

because they are protected by the UK government

[@starvingbymidnight]

This is the first time I’ve hear about panama papers being used to track down scammers

[@b.visconti1765]

When money is retrieved from scammers the little people should be paid first..

[@slavloli8755]

goddamn I love investigative journalism I wish I could work with you guys :(

[@majorwarren]

Keep trying

[@igormarcos687]

Any investment with leverage should be considered a scam. Leverage and derivatives make poor people basically take loans and pay fees on something that can easily liquidate and ruin them financially. Stay away from anything similar to that.

[@randomcon123]

Umm that’s the entire banking world is found upon 😂 Most derivatives products are leveraged products. Futures trading is leveraged (“margin trading”). Are they scams too? Leverage isn’t the issue. Unrestricted leverage to those who don’t understand the risks is…

[@messigoals13]

Not in this style of trading. You only lose the money you deposit, nothing else. Unless you qualify as a professional trader.

[@Laroi-zy8ei]

You're a boomer. Offshore trading is great, especially with leverage. But forex is full of scams, unfortunately

[@Laroi-zy8ei]

Better to work your whole life at McDonald's, right?

[@Kyle_P2022]

@@randomcon123 “all derivatives are leveraged..” No, they’re not. Only if you want them to be.

[@jamesrobert4106]

A corrupt network of thieves, investigating a corrupt network of thieves. The irony of it is not lost.

[@declanparker941]

My wife was a victim and it really brought me to my knees, which is amazing, and he's an incredible human being. He uses his time, travels, basically his life to help the less fortunate. The mode of cashing out to make money is actually for my own heart. Thanks to *Crypto Trace Back*

[@DC9848]

Great work from the whole team!

[@CHMichael]

Bit coin was thought to be that perfect anonymous payment. Turns out it's the one you can track with the least amount of problems.

[@Striker885]

Now this is journalism

[@TMinusRecords]

This animation is really impressive. Actually technically competent (except the xxd window lol)

[@geroffmilan3328]

I regularly use software which can draw diagrams like this. The key is in a) writing the transforms which search data and b) having access to useful data. It's called Maltego.

[@containedhurricane]

I thought the best scammers are in India, but the ones from Georgia are one step ahead of them

[@jeffrenman4146]

be aware that scammers work off of your own greed to get something for nothing… If you're an honest person and expect to get things the matter what it could be through the proper means you will never be scanned. Only the weak minded that are influenced by their own greed will fall victims. Keep that in mind

[@gamer-nh9ub]

That’s not true the majority of scams rely on peoples trustworthiness and good nature rather than greed.

[@PropaneWP]

Whenever I hear about Bitcoin, it's because of some kind of crime.

[@ionnanskilliorus6877]

If they hadn't used Bitcoin they'd never have found them. Cold hard untraceable cash has always been the criminals best friend.

[@PropaneWP]

@@ionnanskilliorus6877 Wrong. Criminals prefer crypto currency whenever possible. It's the reason why extortionists and hackers always ask for Bitcoin. It's the reason why all transactions on the dark web are done with crypto. Cash is very cumbersome, especially in large amounts. It's harder to launder, it's harder to move and it's harder to hide.

[@ionnanskilliorus6877]

@@PropaneWP Nope criminals always prefer cash because it's untraceable. The ones online have to use crypto because they have no other choice and with Bitcoin, it's more often the wrong choice because they keep getting caught.

[@lv3609]

@@ionnanskilliorus6877 But you can’t get people to handover hard cash in amounts these scams operate. Bitcoin and digital currencies provide a level of anonymity. Note they traced blockchain moves through network bitcoin wallets but couldn’t link the final (and intermed) wallet to names.

[@ionnanskilliorus6877]

@@lv3609 There are analytics companies who's sole purpose is to monitor crypto transactions, that are employed by Governments. They know exactly where everything goes. What you're forgetting about is the on and off ramps. When you get Bitcoin you need to convert it to cash to spend and those choke points are pretty easy to spot, as most major jurisdictions require KYC (know your customer) to use them.

[@anderslvolljohansen1556]

I've seen plenty of YT ads for suspicious "trading" schemes, for example one that promises you a thousand dollars a day from running a software that supposedly does automatic trades for you. I've reported such ads many times, but they keep reappearing. I often click on those ads, believing that wastes some of the scammers' ad expenses.

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting.

[@mistervo8185]

There's a reason the term get-rich-quick scheme exist. If you dabble in crypto, you basically inviting scammers to scam you

[@taboosplash4614]

Great work🎉

[@mph8759]

Got to be proud of the UK, safe harbour for criminals and money launderers. Well done BBC for the investigation

[@panosp94]

The fact that this guy (David whatever) had to voluntarily defend the company investigated saying “it proved nothing” says a lot about his involvement. Reminds me of the time when Watergate broke out, early days, and the White House commented saying it has no involvement in the bugging operation. Nobody had even accused them (yet) but they found it necessary to defend themselves! 😂

[@djayjp]

Imagine all the people with mental illness, the elderly, or other vulnerable people they prey on.... Ugh

[@AaaaandAction]

I seriously doubt whether many jurisdictions would be able to distinguish between this company and many other supposedly 'honest' firms in the City of London.

[@Ava-hf6yk]

I can't believe how honest the team is, *Cryptotraceback* an angel in human form. If you get scammed, if you can't let go, because I'm not a quitter, it's really good to get help, started watching your page on the internet when I was in downtown Seattle, and it happens to be accurate and brilliant. You fought evil very bravely. Thank you for saving and improving lives every day, being a crime fighter can be tough but you have stepped up with courage and strength.

[@RighteousMonk-m1m]

Any trading under any brand names are pure SCAM !

[@gdewyg]

Love of money is evil if you make it in evil way like this

[@joriankell1983]

No, it's evil to love money.

[@alexm566]

What's that even supposed to mean if they won't suffer any real consequences?

[@ssuwandi3240]

Leverage trading isn't evil unless the Power to be disrupted thru rapid 400 bps in a year. Let's say the product isn't designed for all weather season from winter to summer.. basic wreck havoc there should be an insurance against sudden Central Bank disruption.. like an act of God earthquake

[@ohno-zx4if]

how do people get so smart to steal billions from a computer. God bless them

[@davidmontgomery8938]

Points at one of the largest problems associated with online fraud - pursuing across borders. It's easy to send you money around the world, but if you lose, say $5,000, you will need to obtain legal assistance in both your home country and possibly several others, and both you and local prosecutors are not likely to have the resources to track a relatively small amount of money down and pull it back.

[@jjsc4396]

And how much you want to bet KZbin ran their ads?

[@JohnofthefamilySmith]

Central banking digital currency (CBDC) is illegal. Digital ID is also illegal and a crime against humanity.

[@olexandrs6639]

this scammers had office in Kyiv in 2017 and 2018/19. they wanted me to work on them. twice 😂😂 I explained to 2nd hr girl, who called me 1-2 years after 1st offer, the type of firm she was working for. I guess I also gave and lead to FCA about this scam firm with address.

[@farceadentus]

They all originate from Israel.

[@googooboyy]

Superb investigative journalism. Coffeezilla would be extremely proud. Also, all the more reason to authorise Bitcoin network as global finance network, so no more shady shady businesses.

[@KaleighMacKay]

Just like how FTX sponsored a stadium. Shocker. 🙄

[@gedalyahreback2133]

OMG SIMONA!!!😮

[@ackeemsmith4637]

Do a documentary on the Jamaican lottery scammers. I love the work the BBC is doing keep it up.

[@floydstash]

The reason these scammers thrive because the system we have doesnt allow the victims to get their money back. If the system is clear enough that these scams can be rolled back for the victims then the scammers will end up paying the full price. Change the system.

[@zaniiboii9193]

🤣...That note book is cap... I don't think a scammer is using the word scam.

[@kiwiwifi]

The regulator was snoozing

[@aafiaturkey6748]

This was broken by Al Jazeera Bbc jumping on their bandwagon.

[@abcdefghi9]

If you cant touch and see it, dont invest in it.The best investments are property/real estate and gold/silver.Crypto is fools gold.

[@sweetchuggagun]

It seems they've left the investigation halfway, with a lot of loose ends😕

[@sid35gb]

Probably ran out of funding to continue. I hope they handover what they uncovered to the police.

[@TitusAzzurro]

These 8min flew right by with so much to digest. We all know now the UK is a safe heaven for all sorts of rotten people, makes me happy to know there is something separating them to the EU ! ;)

[@huuchinduu]

good job bbc

[@12s]

Just ask the Inand revenue to visit him and ask him to prove his wealth.

[@robertfish4052]

Was Mrs Sturgeon in on it?

[@thelordakira]

censorship is evil

[@casperzarembski2885]

i got scamed in this exact way and lost everything i had

[@revolutionarydefeatism]

Later, Ukrainian political "heroes" will be known to be such oligarchs and their networks. Don't glorify barbarism!

[@granulesackes4354]

so btc is good why is hsbc not allowing to buy crypto so you can track me buying something

[@ionnanskilliorus6877]

HSBC are some of the biggest money launderers around, they hate Bitcoin because it's so transparent. Change your bank.

[@bartholomewlyons]

What exactly were they doing illegally though?

[@Greenpoloboy3]

Are scammers in the comment section again?

[@jasonc2029AD]

Same as OctaFX Most of them are in Asia now...some in Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Malaysia...owning villas & lands worth hundred of millions from their ill gotten gains!! Best to hire a pro-merc to hunt these syndicate down. Seek & Destroy

[@dunkTheFunk]

He probably will get an OBE...London London London

[@Mastering-zb1ug]

And they want join to European union !

[@hobby-ies85]

Can you guys upload the Elon Musk session uncensored??? I am curious

[@hobby-ies85]

@@wocky7940 noted

[@notjustforhackers4252]

You can watch the unedited version here on youtube but it IS totally shameful and biased that the BBC hasn't uploaded the full interview.

[@sg-or6wb]

He’s charged in Georgia but Britain is protecting him

[@66newsnetwork]

Hey can anyone else see the elephant in the thumbnail?

[@evicencio31863]

That's sponsor is using like a 'dog' (a scammed!)!

[@radwulfeboraci7504]

Oligarchs ... whaddaya gonna do?

[@auro1986]

from football world cup adidas made less money than bbc

[@geroffmilan3328]

Source?

[@rossfisher5543]

Simona wine glass??? Shoukd have talked to Rodrigo beer stein

[@Sam5LC]

Sounds are a bit off putting … the social network diagrams are fantastic and the visceral communication is important … but this isn’t the best … imho

[@olgaycelik2631]

Bitcoin is the future of scam 😂 you guys haven't ever heard of a cold wallet?

[@DavidEFarner]

It’s funny (?) that the global control Network diagram looks like a GOP elephant.

[@jett3332]

Right up Biden’s alley.

[@marknancy6373]

After I got the first call from the case coordinator, the staff at *Cryptotraceback* were very nice and informative throughout the process, and I felt like they were keeping an eye on the situation. When I got the offer from the bank, my agent thought it was fair and he advised me to take it, even though it was my decision. I accepted it and I got 22,000 euros, more than half of what I lost!

[@Roland_Tr909_Swing]

Why isn't the bbc reporting what trump said about nuclear war?

[@prabhattripathi7827]

Hat's off to the journalists

[@GoAwayNow-iz3du]

No, it's a network of liars & thieves "investigating" another network of liars & thieves. When that happens, it's most often a distraction from a tyrannical agenda being semi-secretly pushed by a corrupt government that's full of even more liars & thieves. Bbc is just the corrupt mouthpiece of a corrupt government - the "Ministry of Truth".

[@iQ_ui]

Kukoin..her gk

[@Roland_Tr909_Swing]

Tv license is a scam also

[@MAGAted]

is this a story about the bbc licence fee ?

[@USMC-Goforth]

The far left extremists at BBC blocked me for calling out their misinformation and disinformation about Elon Musk and Andrew Tate 😂

[@gedalyahreback2133]

STOP INVESTING IN CRYPTO 😂

[@reallifeofanimals1]

I love animals and I love money 💴 too. 😅😅😅

[@Mr_Hassell]

Sevillanos yonkis y gitanos

[@walterdryja5201]

😂

[@vano7048]

Lets just make sure we don't conflate the benefits of blockchain with the nature of this scam, a common misconception that people desperately need to understand

[@SafffOneee]

this sort of thinking is exactly why crypto scams are so rife. "but crypto is on the blockchain and trackable so i can safely invest!"

[@cynthiajones4332]

Outstanding news fans. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Ephesians 2:8 Jesus died on the cross for you, repent and believe.

[@andria12]

Jesus Christ called people everywhere to repent, so if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with all your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved and inherit the kingdom of heaven and eternal life. To this, people would accept Jesus Christ in life in their hearts and told other people how Good he is, how he saves, heals and frees and gives eternal life for freе 912

[@amandaella6322]

Such a trust fair person with a respectable heart. With people like CryptoTraceBack people this world will manage as a spot, your magnanimity toward someone's mindset shows the way that people like you can contribute great to this area

[@slackdee]

Thought it was going to be about Pfizer. 😀

[@avikillzkids5986]

Is it run from your Houses of Parliament??

[@liamtheodore1588]

Great channel and very helpful advice, thank you so much for your efforts, can I ask when setting up the blockchain reverse you mentioned it needs to use the same wallet and you've got it fast thanks *Crypto Trace Back* with for encrypted recovery.

[@jieli3313]

The Democratic Progressive Party has offered a reward of NT $100 million to encourage the prosecution of Kuomintang property! The Chinese government also offers a reward of 100 million yuan to encourage the prosecution of the Democratic Progressive Party! Those who report and expose Tsai Ing wen's undeclared property will receive additional rewards!

[@ijustne]

Incredible organizational skills, you remotely to control of the entire platform and gained evidence which was use to report them to the authorities and get them closed for good so as not to scam more individuals, my husband was a victim of these a week ago. CRYPTOTRACEBACK on the internet was able to track down the scammers and assisted in recovering every damn penny from those lowlife loosers, for all you have done, I am always available to help and look forward to the day you get fully acknowledge for all you do

[@declanparker941]

My wife was a victim and it really brought me to my knees, which is amazing, and he's an incredible human being. He uses his time, travels, basically his life to help the less fortunate. The mode of cashing out to make money is actually for my own heart. Thanks to *Crypto Trace Back*

[@Ava-hf6yk]

I can't believe how honest the team is, *Cryptotraceback* an angel in human form. If you get scammed, if you can't let go, because I'm not a quitter, it's really good to get help, started watching your page on the internet when I was in downtown Seattle, and it happens to be accurate and brilliant. You fought evil very bravely. Thank you for saving and improving lives every day, being a crime fighter can be tough but you have stepped up with courage and strength.

[@amandaella6322]

Such a trust fair person with a respectable heart. With people like CryptoTraceBack people this world will manage as a spot, your magnanimity toward someone's mindset shows the way that people like you can contribute great to this area

[@ijustne]

Incredible organizational skills, you remotely to control of the entire platform and gained evidence which was use to report them to the authorities and get them closed for good so as not to scam more individuals, my husband was a victim of these a week ago. CRYPTOTRACEBACK on the internet was able to track down the scammers and assisted in recovering every damn penny from those lowlife loosers, for all you have done, I am always available to help and look forward to the day you get fully acknowledge for all you do