Raj Mahadevan, “Altos Escondidos”-Panama Fraud

BEWARE: Athisayarai Mahadevan (aka: Raj)

Altos Escondidos-Development Fraud

 

     Athisayaraj Mahadevan (aka: Raj) has promoted the “Altos Escondidos” developmentin Panama since 2007.  He and his original partner, Jes (Jason) Black, set up “Offering Documents” for the Ranger Panama Fund Series, S.A.  The purpose/intent was to lure potential investors into an apparent ruse involving a land (Resort) development project in the inland area of the Republic of Panama which existed only through a series of misleading official papers, phony land documents with false values and repeated promises of strong returns on their investments. 

The following are the facts based on victim statements and findings of a subsequent investigation:

In August of 2007, Dr. Rebecca Castaneda, a dentist in San Francisco befriended the reporting victim, a former patient.  It has been alleged by one victim that Dr. Castaneda has a reputation for having used her dental practice as a front for pushing risky business or investment schemes.  It is further alleged that Castaneda received referral fees for doing so.

Dr. Rebecca Castaneda

Dr. Rebecca Castaneda

On the surface this conduct appears to be at the least unethical conduct.  Further, information has surfaced that indicates Castaneda had her own brush with the law in the past, was fined and ordered to do community service. 

Castaneda misled the victim by saying she was borrowing $75,000 from her Home Equity Line to invest in Altos Escondidos.  Based on the information and the materials provided and discussions with Castaneda the victim decided to invest in the Ranger Panama Fund Series, S.A – the “Altos Escondidos” Project, and wired $50,000 to Ranger Funds, LLC

Later, when asked by the victim/patient to provide proof that she actually invested her own money in Altos, Castaneda refused to do so.  Even though Castaneda is fully aware that Altos Escondidos is a scam she continues to collaborate with Raj Mahadevan to this day.    

In October 2007, the victim and Castaneda met with Jes Black and Athisayaraj Mahadevan (aka: Raj), (Ranger Panama Principal Partners) in Panama City, Panama.                      

            (“Raj” pictured below with Panama President Martinelli)

The victim understood before their trip to Panama that they would be taken by plane to the “Altos Escondidos” location for a development site visit.  However, once they arrived they were told they would not be able to fly to the site location due to poor weather conditions.                                                                           

     After years of false promises, sketchy accounting practices, continuous misinformation the victim filed a complaint with our sister organization globaladvocates.ch in an attempt to uncover the truth.  The prospectus for “Altos Escondidos” indicates that between April 15, 2007 and April 27, 2007 Ranger raised $1.5 million in seed capital to purchase the land, a “69 Hectare parcel”, for 1.38 million (US).  

(“Raj” pictured at a party in Panama City)

Raj at party

     The investigation showed “Altos Escondidos” owns 69 Hectares of undeveloped land in the Capira region, northwest of Panama City. Its purchase price was $345,000 (US), not the $1.38 Million that Athisayaraj Mahadevan (aka: Raj); (pictured left at a party in Panama City)  claimed he had paid for the land.   It was also discovered that there is a current mortgage lien listed in government registry as of February 15, 2013 against the property for $250,000 (US) in a short-term loan. This lien continues to be listed in the public registry as an active loan.  The land is registered for tax purposes (finca 3352, ubicacion 8201 is $2,000 (US), this may or may not be an attempt to defraud the government land tax authority, information regarding this is pending a review.

     The investigation further revealed:  AE Alleged Office HallwayThe listed office for this project is now closed at least two years, now a Gynecological medical office-for women.  (See Photo Right)

They victim originally visited the “Altos Escondidos” office at this same location, and  received signed copies of all agreements/documents. A new address has not been provided; and the phone is disconnected.

A local contractor hired to cut roads for the project was never paid (he is owed $50,000) and he is now threatening to sue “Altos Escondidos” and Athisayaraj Mahadevan (aka: Raj); the roads were not finished.  

     Locals in the area have heard rumors about the project but nothing has surfaced; Phone Calls and emails to the AE office in Panama by our investigators were not returned; Annual meetings of Investors have not been held as directed by the operating agreement; Investors have been kept away from each other.   

     For more than six years the victim tried to get financial statements and other documents regarding the projects progress and expenditures.  The victim was met with one excuse after another -why the project has been delayed and why the documents were not forth coming.   The detailed case report provides documents; timelines and lists of all the promises and excuses made by Mr. Mahadevan in reference to “Altos Escondidos”.  Investigators in Panama, realtors and attorneys in Panama provided vital information aiding our investigation.

Altos Escondidos 017

 

     When the Investigators went to the “Altos Escondidos” property; they found there was not a single presence for “Altos Escondidos”, locals spoke of project rumors but have not seen any activity or signage.  Investigators did speak with a representative of Groupo Howard, identified by Mr. Mahadevan on 2-22-2011 in an email to our victim as the road builder.   The representative told the investigators they contracted to cut the roads to the project but were never paid.  Groupo Howard has indicated its intent to file suits against Mr. Mahadevan and “Altos Escondidos” for $50,000 – non-payment.  The roads have never been completed.

(photos of Altos property taken by investigators above right show no evidence of the claimed improvements)

(Copy of Offer Memorandum, filing of lein Registration and Land Sale Registry Document #338563 & 296778 respectively from the Registro Publico De Panama are evidenced below at the bottom of this page.

     Barr International http://www.barrarchitects.com/projects lists Altos Escondidos as a current project, calls to Barr regarding their progress have not been returned.  [email protected]     1875 Eye Street NW, Suite 500 Washington,D.C.20006  tel:202-429-2076

     BARR GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC is a full-service Washington-based firm offering Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Management, Development, Sustainable Design, Infrastructure, Preservation and Planning services. Established in Washington DC in 1981, the firm provides design services throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.  

          Dr. Raj Barr Kumar; FAIA,RIBA, IIDA, USGBC is an architect, interior designer and environmentalist, and President of Barr Group international LLC and Barr-Kumar Architects Engineer PC, established in Washington, DC in 1981.  Athisayaraj Mahadevan is Dr. Raj Barr’s brother.

     Contact information for BARR Group International:

[email protected]     1875 Eye Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, D.C.20006  tel:202-429-2076

                It is evident that Mahadevan and his brother Dr. Raj Barr Kumar are exploiting the fact that Raj Barr was a FORMER president of AIA to lend to the credibility of the Altos Escondidos fraud.

     Neither US nor Panama Authorities have not been alerted at this time, allowing Mahadevan the opportunity to rectify this matter before facing regulatory or criminal sanctions.

Note: In 2007 – The National Futures Association filed a complaint against Black Flag Capital Partners LLC (NFA ID# 345533) & Jason Black (NFA IF # 344149) – Case # 07-BCC-029

     Any other victims or witnesses to this fraudulent enterprise or any other perpetrated by  Athisayaraj Mahadevan (aka: Raj) et, al.; are asked to contact this forum to file a complaint or offer additional testimony in the pursuit of justice.

      Based on the information we have received – this project is questionable and may have been misrepresented to the public.  If you have information pertaining to the projects validly and/or you are an investor still waiting for a return on your investment please contact us.

New information received indicates that “RAJ” Mahadevan may be residing in Playa del Carmen Mexico, perpetrating a similar investment scheme.

One victim contacted this forum making the following statement; “Raj Mahadevan, is a liar, cheat, con artist and cyber-bully. He scams people of their, and then when confronted attacks their character and that of the victim’s family members in an effort to intimidate them from trying to recover the funds he had stolen from them. The guy is a sick sociopath that knows no boundaries”.

A source in Playa del Carmen brought to one victims attention an article in the local paper that Raj allegedly visited “Chilly Willy’s” a local “strip club”/brothel and was pursued by police when he ran out without paying for services rendered.

Additional links to complaints against Raj Mahadevan:

ttp://www.whoscammedyou.com/current-scams/17554/sex-toy-ripoff/

 

http://www.whoscammedme.com/current-scams/17093/altos-escondidos-rip-off-or-dog-bite/

 

http://www.scambook.com/report/view/270845/Raj-Mahadevan-Complaint-270845-for-$50,000.00

 Contact us at [email protected] or email us via our “contact us” page.

Certificate of Land-registry

investor Memorandum

Certificate of Land

HO-CHUN “JEFF” LEE-Reward/Wanted

Los Angeles, California – August 28, 2012

HO-CHUN “JEFF” LEE– WANTED on a $1.1 Million dollar US Felony warrant, after stealing more than $1.5 Million from Elderly US Employer

Ho-Chun "Jeff" Lee

FUGITIVE-HO-CHUN “JEFF” LEE

 

Ho-Chun Lee aka: “Jeff” LEE, President of “Circle Transportation”, AKA: “Upswing Logistics, Inc.” Registered at  87 Hoping First Road, Kaohsing, Taiwan wanted for embezzling more than $1,500,000.00  (ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND US DOLLARS) from his elderly employer-INCARE CARGO SERVICES of Los Angeles, California.

Lee is believed to possibly hiding as a FUGITIVE in Taiwan.

INCARE Cargo Services, Inc., conducted business as a freight forwarding/customs brokerage company.  As part of its freight forwarding services, INCARE received checks from its customers to pay for customs duties.

From 9-1-2006 to June 1, 2008 Jeff LEE was INCARE Services’ chief administrator whose duties included:

1} Outside Sales

2} Management of INCARE Services customer list

3} Control and supervision of INCARE Services business accounts

4}Overseeing customer relations.

LEE a trusted employee with a high level of responsibility, used his position to STEAL the $1,500,000.00 from INCARE Cargo Service, Inc. Lee accomplished this by accessing INCARE Cargo Services’ incoming mail and customer files.

In June of 2006, Jeff LEE incorporated a separate, but similarly named company-“INCARE Cargo Express, Inc.” and opened a corporate bank account at a local Los Angeles Bank.

LEE then began intercepting checks made out to INCARE Cargo Services Inc., and deposited them into his new account.

LEE also managed to acquire an INCARE Cargo Services Stamp which he used to endorse checks written to INCARE Cargo Services Inc.  In addition to falsely endorsing checks made payable to INCARE Cargo Services Inc.

Further, LEE misappropriated INCARE Cargo Services Inc. customer list which eventually put INCARE out of business.

The theft was discovered when the elderly victim contacted a customer regarding a late payment. The customer provided a copy of canceled checks with endorsements, which prompted the victim to contact all of his customers – discovering the scope and magnitude of the crime.

Shortly after the theft was discovered LEE also misappropriated INCARE’s customer list to his brother-in-law companies’ HCLM Express Services Inc. and Up Swing Logistics, registered at 8717 Aviation Boulevard, Inglewood, CA.

CHUNG FUNG MAK, LEE’s brother-in-law, is the registered agent for HCLM EXPRESS SERVICES, INC and UP SWING LOGISTIC.    It is unknown if CHUNG FUNG MAK,  had knowledge of the criminal activity.

Information that leads to his arrest and extradition WILL be rewarded!!!!   Please contact the FBI/Los Angeles Police  or [email protected]

SEE PASSPORT COPY BELOW

HO-CHUN LEE Aka: Jeff Lee-SUSPECT/FUGITIVE

HO-CHUN LEE Aka: Jeff Lee-SUSPECT/FUGITIVE

LORAL LANGEMIEIR-SCAM ALERT!!!

Loral Langemeier

SCAM ALERT!

Loral Langemeier is a FRAUD! Langemeier has built a hard-core promotional marketing machine made of internet media presentations, seminars, media and personal appearances. Langemeier’s main website, liveoutloud.com (LOL), states, How to Finally Put Your Financial Worries Behind You And Turnaround in 2010!”. Live out Loud charges a hefty $8,995 dollars to meet Loral personally, whereas other seminars start at $1,495.00. In her video she promises to “Keep you in cash!” An excerpt taken directly from the site states, “…continued education are the building blocks of your Wealth Cycle, engaged with continuous ideas for direct asset allocation…” Confused? We were! What exactly is a “Wealth Cycle?” Langemeier uses all sorts of unusual financial verbiage to keep people engaged while she reaches into your wallet. Langemeier’s website, liveoutloud.com, and other websites posting her materials (www.diversifymyincome.com/2009/08/19/loral-langemeier/) appeal to people looking for cash, a better life and more time with family. These sites are nothing more than portals into a dark and convoluted world of misrepresentation.

Langemeier functions with deadly accuracy during her meetings with potential investors – playing a high stakes confidence game – challenging people to act on their dreams and invest in her supposedly vetted business opportunities. Langemeier will take her cut of the initial funds invested and leave town like a thief in the night, her pockets stuffed with YOUR cash. One group particularly susceptible to these types of fast talking presentations is unsophisticated ELDERLY attendees. Many ELDERLY victims find themselves on fixed retirement incomes and often depend on others to help make important financial decisions.

(please see this ELDER FRAUD web link: http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/stop_abuse/index.aspx)

The information Langemeier and LOL presents is general in nature and appears to be designed to create interest in attending LOL’s expensive Big Table and Alumni meetings where they can get seriously fleeced. Complaints run rampant about her very AGGRESSIVE phone sales staff that drives the sales of her books, CDs and various seminars and coaching programs. Get ready for the run around if you ever want a refund or need to dispute ongoing unauthorized credit-card charges.

 Loral’s Big Table / “Lawsuit Takes

Aim at Dr. Phil’s ‘Resident Money

Expert.

Loral’s “Big Table” concept is nothing more than a “Big Trap” for would-be investors. Individuals pay big money ($8,995USD) to attend a Loral Langemeier Big Table event only to find out they have been coerced into paying large sums of money. In one case over $1,900,000.00USD!

Lenes v Langemeier (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/02/-drphil_money_scam.html) alleges “highly risky, unproven investments from which she receive[s] undisclosed kickbacks.” Langemeier is attempting to force this case to ARBITRATION rather than face the charges.

In Wolf v Langemeier (Case No.: 2:09-CV-03086-GEB-EFB), Langemeier SETTLED the case on 02/18/2009 after a stay was granted in favor of arbitration.

Susan Trindle dba Xolo Properties LLC v. Flying Emu LLC et al (Loral Langemeier). (CASE #: 8:09-cv-00325-AG-MLG) This case claims Breach of Contract and Fraud and/or Deceit. This case was stayed 05/17/2010 in favor of arbitration, (once again Langemeier avoids facing direct charges).

After being charged thousands of dollars just to attend the Big Table meeting, attendees have high expectations that Loral is going to share specialized information on money making methods. What Loral really does is bring paying customers into a carefully orchestrated setup. Attendees answer a long list of financial disclosure questions regarding their income, expenditures, assets, liabilities and if they are willing to execute on her patented “Wealth Cycle” process. Of course, YES is the only correct answer! Once everyone is assembled she works to get maximum investment capital from each attendee present. This is how it works: Loral plants people who want to fund a business concept at the various tables, she creates discussions surrounding how to get these ideas funded and help people realize their dreams. What investors are never told is HOW Langemeier gets paid for promoting the various investments.

It is alleged Langemeier takes up front commissions and/or percentage ownership as compensation. (See: Crumbs R Us real estate investment where she was co-owner with Jay O. Pearson.)  People succumb easily to Loral’s entertaining presentations, considering her many speaking partner endorsements like T. Harv Echer, Robert Proctor and the Dr. Phil show making her organization look possibly legit. Investors are never aware Loral has fraudulent intentions sadly until it too late. Langemeier allegedly walks with cold hard cash and leaving investors to figure out the aftermath. Langemeier’s ‘higher-level’ participation meetings, referred to as “Alumni” conferences, are also very expensive, supposedly offering the inside scoop on upcoming opportunities within Langemeier’s investing “Community”.

 ENTRUST: Specializing in Self-Directed IRA’s

http://www.theentrustgroup.com/

Entrust Mid-South (Franchise)

Langemeier cleverly instructs investors to move fixed assets to much more liquid SELF DIRECTED IRA’s. Funds can then be transferred VIA WIRE to Langemeier’s various business opportunities. Jerry O. Pearson (Owner of Entrust Mid-South Franchise) also owns several other ventures with Langemeier and has been the direct recipient of funds transferred from his investment franchise company (Entrust Mid-South) to Crumbs R Us (A real estate venture owned by Pearson and Langemeier at the time of its inception). This is clearly a conflict of interest!

(See; http://www.theentrustgroup.com/locations/franchises/14/.)

This concept was promoted at LOL meetings allowing Langemeier and her team full financial disclosure of a client’s private information through her association with Pearson, Entrust and Crumbs. Entrust corporate offices have not returned repeated requests to address this breach of confidentiality accusation.

   Trinity:

During one Big Table meeting, September 14th to the 16th of 2005, Loral encouraged attendees to invest in a real estate backed venture called “Trinity”. In a sworn statement, one client invested $200,000.00, and later, another $50,000.00 hoping to realize the 17% promised return on investment. After allegations of fraud, Loral stepped in to keep any bad press from affecting her business’ income stream by promising to pay off the principle monies invested over a 7 year period. However, after missing quarterly payments she extended the repayment over 10 years. Loral advises investors in a June 25th 2010 communiqué they will not be receiving any payments and Langemeier has decided continue to fund her business, Live Out Loud. Meanwhile, Loral retained her cut of the initial investment!

Café Z:

One investor group states that they met Loral at a T. Harvey Echer event:”Gorilla Business School” (YouTube Link). The meeting, held in Los Angeles, CA, had Loral speaking about various business opportunities, including one Café Z. Sworn affidavits explain, after getting involved with Loral’s “Big Table” one investor dumped over $250,000.00 into Café Z. David Zebny, Owner/Operator of the Café’ Z restaurant, was shut down due to “Poor management” by Zebny. According to one article (“Z Square Cafe Shuts Its Doors”), The Cambridge License Commission lists violations for, “…failure to apply for change of manager, failure to have a current worker’s compensation insurance, a noise complaint within the six-month probationary period on their entertainment license, and unpaid police detail.”

The restaurant failed after Loral/Zebny raised millions of dollars, heavily promoted Café Z and enticed investors to get involved at Live Out Loud seminars. The sudden failure of Café Z stymied many considering it’s large financial backing. Funds invested were never fully accounted for, with Langemeier refusing to open accounting books for any of her investment schemes. Investors have tried for months to get information on where their money went in the Café Z investment but have been completely stone-walled from Langemeier and LOL responses. Zebny filed for bankruptcy in October 2009 leaving investors with NOTHING.

Crumbs R Us: Aka “CRU”

In January of 2006, “Crumbs R Us” was to be a real estate venture based in Alexandria, Louisiana. A man by the name of Jay Pearson (also connected to the aforementioned “Entrust”) was promoted as managing the deal. Several investors state they invested money in CRU with claims it would earn a healthy return of 12% while supposedly being securely backed by promissory notes and “…plenty of real estate”. Homes were to be purchased costing less than $100,000 then rented for $400 to $500 per month and later sold at a profit. When the notes became due in 2009, Loral had traded the notes for undisclosed assets to Jay Pearson, P.O. Box 18830, Alexandria, LA 71315, owner of Crumbs R Us and Clear Zone Nursery (clearzonenursery.com). Loral decided she had enough of the responsibility of paying the investors on those notes and sold or transferred them to Jay Pearson.

A statement issued on August 11th 2009 from his attorney, Mr. Bradley L. Drell of GOLD, WEEMS, BRUSER, SUES & RUNDELL 2001 MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, LA 71301 Telephone: (318) 445-6471 (goldweems.com). Mr. Pearson is trying to make his small business ventures survive the current economy and not go bankrupt with intentions to make repayment on the notes. Loral knowingly transferred her liability in the transaction to Mr. Pearson, took her cut of the deal and left the investors holding the bag! Langemeier now claims Pearson used her good name without her consent and is doing everything to distance herself from the Crumbs R Us fiasco on advice of her attorneys. Langemeier and Pearson also own several other businesses together such as marketatthegreens.com, clearzonenursery.com, Out of the Box Holdings, LLC. and graywalk.com. These co-owned businesses make it hard to deny association with Pearson!

First Payment Solutions: FPS

FPS was designed as a company that allowed employers, who had employees internationally, to pay their employees in the currency of the country of their residence by credit cards. In a sworn statement, one client invested $50,000 dollars and later paid another $5,000. FPS disappeared with no explanation to investors. Another failed Loral Langemeier promoted business! This was another one of Langemeier’s FANTASTIC business opportunities; FPS never even got off the ground!

Here is a direct quote from one of Loral’s websites:

“At a recent workshop I invited a participant, Tom, out of the audience to present his idea for creating new money to the group. Guess what happened? In only 96 minutes, with my Millionaire Maker help, we built a fully structured consulting business plan to make him $125,000 his first year! Can you believe that? He left the stage with a marketing funnel and a tactical plan, specific sales strategies, a model company, a complete revenue model, a corporation and a whole team to help him do it! Tom had people in the audience raising their hands, soliciting his service. The fact is he made money before he left the workshop…even before he left the stage for that matter! And I want you to experience that as well. I am the Millionaire Maker and it’s your turn to learn from me.”

Does anyone really believe Tom made money before he left the stage or workshop? Steer clear of Loral Langemeier. She is a cold, calculating con-artist with the resources to manipulate people before, during and after they have been put through her complicated web of deceit.

If you have any additional information regarding failed business ventures or information regarding Loral Langemeier please contact this forum.

If you have been a victim of Loral Langemeier please let your story be known. Below we have included a link to a victim statement form, please download the document(s) follow the provided instructions and return them as soon as possible. Should you need any assistance we will arrange for an investigator to assist you.

{Allegations are substantiated/evidenced and are on file with an independent investigative entity}
Contact us at [email protected] or email us via our “contact us” page.

Mark (aka: “Zio”) Segovia & Betty Segovia

Mark Segovia is now calling himself “Zio” Segovia

(Zio-meaning Uncle or Slang for Brother in Togo western Africa)

Accomplice/Co-conspirators”

Mark Segovia

Mark Segovia (“ZIO” or “Uncle” Segovia)

Kurt Bowker, Lidio Rancharan
(Other accomplice’s names being withheld pending further investigation)
DBA: Vault LLC & “Grupo Bannorth” Banking Services, Panama.

Will steal your money! In this case they stole over $1,600,000.00 and did
knowingly cause losses to investors in excess of $2 Million Dollars

They will promise you they can effect major financial transactions
or investments with incredible returns then rob you blind!

Here’s the summary of the case:

Lidio Rancharan

Lidio Rancharan

In February of 2006, numerous potential investors/victims attended an investment seminar in the state of Washington put on by a group out of Vancouver, WA. One of the local presenters was a man by the name of Kurt Bowker. Other local names are currently being withheld pending further investigation. It is now understood that none of the persons involved in marketing the investment product were licensed to do so.

The investment proposal was purported to produce a high yield with a monthly cash flow using Life Insurance Policies that the group would purchase and subsequently sell at a profit to institutional investors. Then the group would see a return of their investment to the tune of 15-30% monthly.

Based on the convincing presentation, written prospectus and the name-dropping of investment companies like Fidelity, the group bought into the pitch. Over the next several weeks the group put together approximately $2.3 Million Dollars to invest in this scheme.

The group was told initially that the funds invested were being used to purchase 3 life insurance policies, 2 policies with a $10 Million benefit and one with a $3 Million dollar benefit payout for a total of $23 Million US Dollars. Ultimately, the promised returns never came to fruition.

Later it was discovered that these same Life Insurance Policies were utilized by Lidio Rancharan to bilk investors out $100’s of Thousands of dollars from a separate group of victims in Canada.

Early on in the first few months of the scheme, some or the Washington affiliated investors became nervous and were actually able to withdraw or recover approx. $350,000.00.

When returns did not begin as promised, the group began pressuring the local, Vancouver Washington accomplices who finally admitted that they were not in control of the subject policies. In fact the policies were under the control of “Vault LLC” company that was owned by Mark and Betty Segovia who seem to bounce around from the states of New York, Georgia, Arizona, California to Panama.

Shortly after this realization, in September of 2006 the first of many weekly conference calls were held with Mark Segovia/ZIO Segovia. During these calls Segovia continued promising to make good on the investments with various other “Deals” he was making, always indicating that even though the policies hadn’t been turned over for a profit that they still existed and the investors money was secure.

This was the story from Mark Segovia (Zio Segovia) up until the first months of 2008. It was around this time that the investors learned that Mark Segovia had allowed the all three of the Life Insurance Policies to lapse by failing to pay the premiums. On top of that the Segovia’s “Gutted” the cash value of the policies to the tune of $1,600,000.00 and absconded with the money that was rightly the property of the investors.

Once the investors confirmed and collected sufficient evidence to support their findings, they confronted Segovia, who is currently “on the lamb” residing in Panama acting as a financial consultant for Grupo Bannorth Bank. Once confronted with the overwhelming evidence, Mark Segovia conceded that he had indeed drained the cash value from the policies and allowed all of the policies to lapse. . It was also learned that Bowker was allegedly paid off by Segovia to the tune of $250,000.00 and then fled Washington and started another business in Arizona.

Victims of this scam at one point were advised by the Segovia’s, that they were represented by one Mr. Albert Coleman, an attorney out of the Atlanta area. When contacted Mr. Coleman denied any personal involvement in the scam to the victims, however did supply significant information and documentation as to his role and involvement in the set-up and structure of Segovia’s web of business entities.

As late as January 2009, Mark (Zio) and Betty Segovia continue to make empty promises to return the stolen money. But, it is apparent that all have been just a ploy to stall and put off the investors in hopes that they will not actually take any action and just go away.

International Fraud Alert spoke with an official at the GlobalAdvocates.ch, who advised that they had been brought into the matter by one of the investors to examine the issue from a criminal perspective and attempt to possibly mediate the situation to resolution.

IFA has concluded from the information from various sources that Mark Segovia (Zio Segovia) continues to attempt to entice others from his hideout in Panama City, Panama. In fact it is alleged that Mark-Zio Segovia lives a very highlife on the backs of unsuspecting victims with promises of riches and financial success. Our belief is that Segovia does nothing more than entice, induce and scam unsuspecting victims into being defrauded out of their hard earned money.

In fact IFA has learned that this incident is not the first time that Mark Segovia’s nefarious activities have caught up with him. If would seem that he was party to a legal action in 2004 in Federal Court for allegedly the same type of conduct against a Mr. Peter Fagan and Comanche Investments the court issued a judgment against Segovia for approximately $500,000.00.

Mark Segovia is described as: Black Male, approx. 47 yoa, with a dark complexion, 5’10-6’00 ft tall, 180-200 lbs, likes to dress in expensive clothes and speaks with a slight European/Caribbean accent and a silver tongue.

Betty Segovia: is believed to work as a flight attendant out of the Atlanta area on route(s) between Phoenix and San Diego, CA.

Bottom-line WARNING to the public, BEWARE of Mark (aka: Zio) and Betty Segovia, Lidio Rancharan or anyone associated with them. These crooks will claim to be able to assist you in making large sums of money in their investment programs and it is a scam they will take your money laughing all the way to the bank, leaving you broke.

Note:

{IFA is still in the process of verifying the legitimacy of Grupo Bannorth, Panama City, Panama. All documents executed by Grupo Bannorth have been executed by the below listed entity.}
Grupo Bannorth S.A.
Urbanizacion Marbella
Ocean Business Plaza, 13th Floor, Office 1311
Republic of Panama
Attn: Alexis Vargas
Vice-president and Legal Representative

If you have any information that will assist in the arrest and conviction of these criminals send an email. This case is currently under investigation any and all sworn statements will be taken and appreciated in the pursuit of these Fraudsters! Also please report your case to your local, state and federal authorities. Help us put stop to these scam artists from destroying the lives of anyone else!!

{Allegations are substantiated/evidenced and are on file with an independent investigative entity}
Contact us at [email protected] or email us via our “contact us” page.

Jim Frazier

JIM FRAZIER

IFA: OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

DBA: Orbit Petroleum/Pyramid Petroleum
(Operates out of Oklahoma City, Irving/Houston Texas, New Mexico, Calgary Alberta)

Update 2018:

IFA has been advised that – Jim Frazier currently works as Chief Financial Officer for “Sixty Six Oilfield” (https://www.sixtysixoilfield.com/), a subsidiary of 665 Energy in Oklahoma City, OK and operates out of an office located at 9620 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73159, and owns 20 million shares of 665 stock, ticker symbol SSOF.

Jim Frazier and his companies will steal your money. In this case he defrauded his victim for nearly $200,000.00. Numerous other victims where also taken for nearly $2,000,000.00 (Accused of stealing in excess of two million U.S. dollars) Jim Frazier will promise incredible returns on Oil Well Investments, pocket your money & you will never hear from him again.

Offense Summary:

The Complainant, a resident of the state of Georgia, advises that he was victimized by a subject identified as Jim Frazier, President of Orbit Petroleum (pictured above) at the time operating out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The victim alleges that Jim Frazier did in fact knowingly steal and/or by deceptive means defraud him in the amount of $187,500.00 (One Hundred Eighty Seven Thousand Five Hundred U.S. Dollars).

www.orbitpetro.com

In late 2006, Jim Frazier solicited the victim regarding what Jim Frazier referred to as an incredible investment opportunity in an oil well project located in New Mexico. At the time the victim had been looking for a secure investment to assist with paying for tuition for his two children who were attending college.

Jim Frazier delivered and investment prospectus and supporting geological survey documentation on a particular project he referred to as the “Chavaroo Oil Field” in New Mexico. Over the course of the next several weeks he contacted the victim numerous times by way of phone, fax, email and U.S. Postal Service.

Jim Frazier enticed the victim by promising that there was NO way to lose, as the investment was “full proof”. Jim Frazier assured that leases of the Chaveroo site secured the investment and that the leases value far exceeded the amount of the investment.

The pitch and the prospectus indicated that the investment was divided into “Units” and that each “Unit” had an actual value of $70,000.00. In fact in follow-up correspondence Jim Frazier indicated that each Unit had an actual value of $76,227.00. However, Jim Frazier purported that in order to raise the necessary operating capitol for the bountiful Chavaroo oil field the Units were being offered at a reduced rate of $37,500 each.

Further, Jim Frazier Guaranteed the units were to produce a return of $1,000.00 per month each. Jim Frazier called this investment scheme “OPPJV” (Orbit Petroleum, Partnership Joint Venture). The investigation into this matter has uncovered an important piece to the puzzle in relationship to the value of the “Units” that Jim Frazier represented to the victim.

In February of 2008, a “RICO” lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court in the Central District of California. The complaint surrounds this very same scam that Jim Frazier and his Co-Conspirators played on a separate group of people. The “Complaint” alleges that between April 2006 and July 2006, Jim Frazier was instrumental in the inducement of 16 different victim for a total of $2,288,000.00 (Two million two hundred and eighty eight thousand U.S. Dollars)

In this situation Jim Frazier and company pitched that there existed 100 “Units” in the Orbit OPPJV each having a value of $100,000.00. Ultimately Jim Frazier and his cronies induced these victims into buying a total of 26 “Units” at a price of $88,000.00 each. As in the case with our victim the Federal Court record indicates that the money was converted and stolen, leaving the victims with nothing.

In December of 2006, Jim Frazier had finally convinced the case subject victim that this scam was legitimate and he wired Jim Frazier $187,500 which amounted to his children’s entire college fund. In exchange for this investment the victim was to receive 5 units and immediately begin receiving $5,000.00 a month in returns, but none ever came to fruition.

The Share Price of Orbit Petroleum as of January 2009 was $.07 a share.

By July of 2007, Orbit Petroleum entered into bankruptcy proceedings in New Mexico. Further, at about the same time Jim Frazier sold the Chaveroo oil field Leases that supposedly secured the victim(s) investment to Ridgeway Petroleum, who subsequently changed their name or “EOR” (Enhanced Oil Recovery), for a measly $600,000.00 which amounts to about 6% of the value that Jim Frazier had stated in writing.

enhancedoilres.com

Investigation has shown that Jim Frazier has left a path of financial destruction for numerous individuals and companies. A source at Tipton Oil advised that they had originally had been hired by Jim Frazier to operate the Chavaroo field however Jim Frazier made no real attempt to make the Chavaroo site a legitimate operation and that his claims of the potential production were nothing more than embellishments to entice unsuspecting victims. Tipton also said that Chavaroo had been all but pumped dry and more or less shutdown for lack of production.

Further, the Tipton source stated Jim Frazier defrauded their company out of literally millions of dollars. They also say that once Jim Frazier had begun the bankruptcy in New Mexico, he began selling off assets of Orbit in violation of Federal Bankruptcy Law.

Tipton has filed Lawsuits against Jim Frazier who has been represented in court by a John Green an attorney who works for another oil company called, Pyramid Petroleum.

pyramidpetroleum.com

Pyramid has since hired Jim Frazier as their Cheif Financial Officer.

Tipton oil sources speculate that Pyramid may have become involved with Jim Frazier in order to place themselves in a position to absorb some of Jim Frazier or Orbit’s ill-gotten assets. All attempts to contact Jim Frazier, Orbit Petroleum, Mike Myers (current president of Orbit) and Pyramid have been ignored by all.

www.orbitpetro.com/

A source at GlobalAdvocates.ch advises that they were asked by the victim in November of 2008 to investigate and advocate as his behalf. They believe that the evidence will show that Jim Frazier violated numerous state and federal laws.

Alleged Federal Crimes/Offenses committed*:

Mail Fraud-(Title 18, USC, Section 1341)

Wire Fraud-(Title 18, USC, Section 1343)

Securities Fraud-(Title 28, USC, Section 1658)

Money Laundering-(Title 18, USC, Section 1956)

Tax Evasion-(Title 26, USC, Section 7201)

RICO-(Title 18 USCA, 1961)

Bankruptcy Fraud-(Title 18, USC, Section 157

Bottom-line WARNING to the public, BEWARE of Jim Frazier. This man will attempt to induce you into oil well investments and it appears to be nothing more than a scam! Jim Frazier will take your money laughing all the way to the bank, leaving you broke as he did the victim in this case and numerous others.

Jim Frazier is described as follows:
Race: Caucasian, ruddy/pasty complexion
Height: 5’10-6’00
Weight: 210 lbs
Build: Stocky
Age: 45 yoa
Red Hair & Blue Eyes

If you have any information that will assist in the arrest and conviction of this criminal, or if Jim Frazier too has victimized you, send us an email. Also, please report your case to your local, state and federal authorities. Help us put stop to this scam artist from damaging anyone else!!

{Allegations are substantiated/evidenced and are on file with an independent investigative entity}
Contact us at [email protected] or email us via our “contact us” page.

Robert “Bob” Mihailovich-Scam Convicted Again!

Robert “Bob” Mihailovich Sr. Creates

“New” investment scheme: Violates

terms of Parole on previous conviction!

Beware of Mihailovich and the companies he has traded for (FXCM, I-Trade and Taurus Global Markets)  You will likely be swindled and LOOSE YOUR MONEY!!!!

Robert Mihailovich Sr. (a convicted felon) of 6218 new Forest Drive, Rockwall, Texas 75087 is under investigation for defrauding at least 14 individual investors of $900,406,000 dollars through Growth Capital Management Corporation.

Mihailovich pled guilty to a charge of mail fraud, aiding and abetting on 03-24-2005 for offenses which took place in 1999 and 2000. Federal District Court of Dallas Texas (3:05-cr-00067-N).   He was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $197,446.12 and pay a $50,000 fine and was ordered to serve 21 months in prison beginning October 3rd 2005.  After his release he was to serve three years of supervised release with a special condition that he “refrain from incurring new credit charges or opening additional lines of credit without approval from his probation officer Sherry Britt, probation office in Garland, Texas.  It was also alleged he obtained a line of credit in the amount of 50,000 from Chase Bank activity prohibited by his prior felony conviction.

Mr. Mihailovich claimed to have a 30 years history of never losing money investing in the futures market using his proprietary software program and “Better Math”. Mihailovich marketing materials made statements:  “NO WAY TO LOSE”, “NO RISK TO THE INVESTED CAPITAL” AND “RESULTS ARE GAURANTEED”.  At least one investor has a signed affidavit “Under penalty of perjury that he was told, “I have never experienced a loss in more than 30 years of trading”

Victims indicate that between about May 2008 and January 2009 Mihailovich operated by guaranteeing at least a 10% profit per month on each account, which he would then split -50/50 with each investor.  14 investors all have had similar experiences:   After depositing large initial investments to a joint trading account Mihailovich would draw down the account in a very short period of time.

The victims accounts some with beginning balances over $100,000 would be drained of value to less than a few hundred dollars in less than few short days blaming the losses on accounting errors of investment/trading firms holding the funds.

A source at the National Futures Association stated, “Failure to declare Mihailvoich was a convicted felon would be grounds for immediate dismissal”.   The SEC  (Securities and Exchange Commission) and the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) indicate that Mihailovich nor anyone from his company were registered to act as traders until September 12th 2008 when Robert Mihailovich Jr became a registered agent for Growth Capital Management through NFA http://www.nfa.futures.org/ and the CFTC http://www.cftc.gov/ .

Mihailovich entered agreements with and was allowed to manage and “Trade” funds through three different currency-trading companies without proper credentials;

TAURUS: http://tgmfx.com/  1300 Oak Creek Drive #319 Palo Alto, CA 94304 Tomo Sagare, President 650-814-7320, Kaz Nakanigaishi, Chief Representative 650-291-6642

ITRADE: 400 Colonial Center Parkway Suite #300 lake Mary, FL 800-842-6061 trading

FXCM (http://www.fxcm.com  Forex Capital Markets, Financial Square 32 Old Slip, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10005 USA  888-503-6739

FXCM was the only company that stepped forward and accepted any type of responsibility in this fiasco offering one investor who is a retired widow living on a “fixed income” a paltry  $3000 in exchange for signing a hold harmless in an attempt to have the victim release them of any further responsibility after her account went from $50,000 to $500 “within hours” between the 5th or 6th of January 2009.  This victim has since been forced to come out of retirement and gone back to work due to her significant loss. Additionally a previous employee has stated that Mihailovich owes him over $40,000 in back wages and has since terminated his employment.

If you have any information related to Mr. Mihailovich’s investment schemes please contact:

[email protected]

See press release from the CFTC:

CFTC Seeks to Revoke Registration of Growth Capital Management LLC Based on CFTC Anti-Fraud Action

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today filed a notice of intent to revoke the registration of Growth Capital Management LLC (GCM) of Rockwall, Texas. GCM is a registered Commodity Pool Operator and Commodity Trading Advisor.

The CFTC’s notice alleges that GCM is subject to statutory disqualification from CFTC registration based on a default judgment order and an order of permanent injunction entered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on March 15, 2011, and June 26, 2012, respectively (see CFTC News Release 6299-12, July 9, 2012). The permanent injunction order requires GCM jointly and severally to make restitution to defrauded customers, disgorge ill-gotten gains, and pay a civil monetary penalty, together totaling over $9.3 million, for fraudulently soliciting over $30 million from customers to trade commodity futures contracts and foreign currency (forex). The order also permanently bans GCM from further violations of the anti-fraud provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act and permanently bans GCM from engaging in certain commodities related activity, including trading and seeking registration in any capacity with the CFTC.

The court’s order arises out of a CFTC complaint filed on July 27, 2010, against GCM, Robert Mihailovich, Sr., and Robert Mihailovich, Jr., the son of Mihailovich, Sr. (see CFTC Press Release 5863-10, July 28, 2010). Mihailovich, Sr. was convicted and incarcerated on federal wire fraud charges, served 27 months and, while on a three-year supervised release, fraudulently solicited and accepted more than $30 million from approximately 93 customers to open managed trading accounts, according to the complaint. Mihailovich, Jr., at the time of GCM’s initial registration, failed to disclose Mihailovich, Sr.’s involvement with GCM and failed to disclose in CFTC registration filings that his father was a controlling principal of GCM, the complaint alleged.

The CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this case are Alison B. Wilson, Boaz Green, Stephen T. Tsai, Maura M. Viehmeyer, Philip Tumminio, Michelle Bougas, Anne Termine, Gretchen L. Lowe, and Vincent A. McGonagle.

http://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/pr6335-12

 

JOE & FRANK BRITTON of FLORIDA-DEFRAUD ELDERLY VICTIMS!!!!

FLORIDA FATHER & SON TEAM DEFRAUD ELDERLY NEW JERSEY MAN IN OIL & GAS INVESTMENT SCHEME.

Team Now Operating in Florida & Texas

                A 79 year old resident of New Jersey has been identified as the victim of fraud perpetuated upon him by Joseph “Joe” Frank Britton Sr, Joseph “Frank” Britton III, Dennis Timpe and Francine Britton (now deceased).    The investigation shows between September 2008 and December of 2010, the victim invested Nine Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars in a company called GlobalTec Energy Corp.     Joseph F. Britton of Holiday, Florida is listed as GTEC’s CEO; he is also listed as GlobalTec Intellectual Properties (GTIP) CEO.   Frank Britton of Wesley Chapel, Florida is listed as Associate/Consultant with GTEC.  Investigators found Joe Britton sold the victim stock in a series of shell corporations, which existed only on paper.

In April of 2008 the victim was contacted by Dennis Timpe, a broker with TD and Associates, Inc., Yorba Linda California. Timpe recommended GlobalTec Intellectual Properties/GlobalTec Energy Corp as a good investment opportunity.   Timpe specifically referenced GlobalTec earnings for clients investing more than $25,000 in NRG Corporations. Among the materials found after the victims death was a joint “Press Release” from Dennis Timpe & Global Intellectual Properties Corp (GTIP), inviting “clients” an opportunity to receive a Confidential White Paper on “Owning A Natural Gas Company”.  On July 23rd, 2007 T.D. & Associates, Inc. & Dennis Timpe were issued a “Desist & Refrain Order” by the State of California for violations of sections 25110 and 35401 of the California Corporations Code.   In April, 2005 the Alabama Securities Commission issued a Cease and Desist Order against T.D. & Associates, Inc. & Dennis Timpe in connection with oil & gas investments.  In November of 1998 the State of Wisconsin issued an order prohibiting Dennis Timpe and T.D. & Associates, Inc. from offering or selling securities unless registered in that state.  Wisconsin authorities found five prior orders involving alleged violations of securities laws issued by regulatory agencies in the states of Maine, Montana, Minnesota and Pennsylvania against T.D. & Associates, Inc. and Dennis Timpe.

Shortly after Timpe contacted the victim Joseph Britton began calling the victim encouraging him to invest in GTIP’s new business model, purchasing a Black Gold “NRG” oil company from GlobalTec Intellectual Properties.

From September 23, 2008 through January 29, 2010 -GTIP/GTEC sold five “NRG” Corporations to the victim for $258,000.  The corporations were registered in The Commonwealth of Virginia; Francine Britton was listed as the resident agent.

A review of the investment transactions the victim made after January 29, 2010 shows a different investment pattern.  The victim’s poor health and age allowed Joseph & Frank Britton to gain his trust, and to take advantage of that trust. Using a myriad of shell companies & structures the Britton’s were able to entice the victim to invest in, High-Side Oil & Gas Production Purchases which were reported to be lucrative but with a higher risk.

From April 10, 2010 to December 9th, 2010 the victim was pressured by Joe & Frank Britton to invest $ 700,000 in this fraudulent investment scheme.     To support the scheme, in 2009 GlobalTec Energy Corp began sending the victim checks reported as earnings on his various NRG Corporations.   A total of $77,608.94 was paid to the victim as earnings on investments by Global Tech Intellectual Properties and GlobalTec Energy Corporation, which is typical in what is commonly known as a “Ponzi” investment scheme.

A Doctor who cared for the elderly victim described his condition during this period stated, “Based on his poor physical health, he would not have been able to participate in complicated business transactions.”    The allegations are that the Britton’s were very much aware of the victims declining health and used it to further take advantage of the man.

GlobalTec is a privately held company, in order to complete their obligations under the contracts they signed with the victim they would have to contracts with other partners or own lease rights to oil and gas production sites.  GlobalTec Energy Corp is not known in the oil & gas industry, no contracts or vendors were found and GlobalTec Energy Corporation does not own lease rights to oil and gas production sites.

GlobalTec Energy Corps original webpage listed 1225 Banks Ridge Road, Tazewell, VA. as its corporate address.  The phone number listed was 276-472-2122 (now disconnected).    The property at 1225 Banks Ridge Road was sold in a Trustees sale on 12-15-2011.  GlobalTec Energy Corp now lists its address as 3125 Shipwatch Drive, Holiday, FL. Phone 727-934-7179.

Joseph Britton advertises himself as an executive with 30 years experience as an independent financial and business consultant. He lists no experience in the gas and oil business.  However, he is listed as the CEO of GTIP, GlobalTec Energy Corp and the Business Manager of Enerops LLC (an oil & gas operating company in the State of Oklahoma.  Enerops LLC., advertises that it operates leases and wells owned by GlobalTec Energy Corp, in the State of Oklahoma.  Enerops LLC. is registered as a Domestic LLC  in Oklahoma. It was formed on 11-12-2008 and lists its address as 908 E. Grand Ave., Tonkawa, OK 74653.   Enerops LLC exists only on paper it does not operate in Oklahoma.

To date – GlobalTec Energy Corp has not produced evidence showing ownership of wells and/or lease agreements with drilling operators.   The Britton’s paid the victim earnings on his NRG investments from the victims continuing purchases of additional NRG LLC or amended rollover agreements.  When the victim died and the money stopped, GTEC left Virginia

Joseph Britton is still operating GlobalTec Intellectual Properties Corp. He is now associated with Florida International Funding Group LLC,  International Funding Group LLC- registered in Florida, and a series of Domestic NRG companies; NRG 7061 through NRG 7068 all registered in Texas.  Frank Britton is the sole corporate officer of FB3AJB LLC an active Florida Corporation.  Frank Britton lives with his wife Amy who has a degree in Nursing in Wesley Chapel, Florida and is closely associated with the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association.  He sits on their executive board and coordinates Lacrosse tournaments.

For additional information about this incident or if you are or know of additional potential victims of the alleged suspects please contact this forum.

Offshore Trusts to Protect Your Assets?-Warning!!!

 

SECURING YOUR ASSETS IN OFFSHORE TRUSTS

Content provided by:  Ethan Conners-Senior Investigator

Having investigated white collar crime for more than 25 years in both the public and private sectors.  The one question it seems I am asked more than any other is, “how do I avoid loosing what I’ve worked so hard for”, or more simply how does one most effectively protect their financial well being?

Between 2009 and 2012,  an investigative study was conducted by the renowned advocacy/private intelligence organization Global Advocates (globaladvocates.ch).  This organization specializes in due diligence, the investigation of financial fraud and white collar criminal activity. The research team conducting the study was comprised mostly of former criminal investigators who were assigned the task of preforming due diligence on offshore Trust provider companies at the bequest of one of the most prominent international logistics corporations.

The results of this study is the primary inspiration for this article. The purpose is to inform, educate and offer guidance in order to help those who may desire to establish formal financial structures to make informed decisions and navigate the often murky waters surrounding asset protection through international/offshore trust structures, and avoiding crucial mistakes in that process.

Most of us have financial skin in the game of life. However, if you are one of the fortunate few who has been able to acquire above average wealth, then you likely know that you run a much greater risk of becoming “financial target”.  There are individuals and entities that lay in wait for an opportunity to take any and all of what you may have worked so hard for.

Then there’s is always the inevitable for all of us stricken with the human condition, death.  Many estates are torn asunder by greedy family members, our respective governments and lawyers upon our final demise due to lack of proper planning.

Let us not forget the intrusive and often unfair public obligations brought on by our most “well intentioned” governmental tax authorities.

For those who wish to take a proactive approach there are sophisticated legal mechanisms available to shield those who plan accordingly.

Unfortunately, in our current day society it has become acceptable practice to seek what is commonly referred to as “litigious opportunity”. It seems the world is littered with professional vultures circling, just waiting for the opportunity to strike and take what one might have, whether that be in a dissolution action, as more than 50% of all marital unions end in divorce, or other legal actions, you are at risk.

A great number of these potential adversaries come cleverly cloaked as honorable “officers of the courts”, attorneys, lawyers and barristers who make their living off the anguish and misfortune of others, “fee pigs“, as one fellow legal colleague put it.  Now we must acknowledge, that not all of the members of the ‘honored’ vocation are frivolous financial pirates, but enough of them are to have severely warped the once “Just” legal system and given the profession a bad reputation.

One recent study indicated that each of us stand a one in three chance of becoming entangled in a legal battle that could potentially destroy our “financial house”.  As a result of this trending litigious environment within the world we live, one must consider preventative measures, and if you happen to be someone of significant financial status your chances of coming under attack increase exponentially.

Therefore, You MUST take precautions to protect yourself and the legacy of your family.

Perhaps one of the most highly recommended methods to insure that you and your family’s livelihood is protected from adversaries, both pubic and private is that of an offshore trust structure.

Keep in mind however, “not all that glitters is gold.” In fact the Trust company with whom you consult, is just as important as the actual structure itself.  Don’t be fooled by glossy brochures and upscale furnishings.  Not all Trust structures are created equal either.  One must work with a Trust consultant/advisor who is based in moral principle having your best interest at hear, not fee driven and that is properly schooled in asset protection trust structures.

The genesis of the study to which I refer was a Trust client seeking to migrate substantial  Trust holdings from one Trustee company, who had acted contrary to their fiduciary responsibilities, to one of integrity.

As a result, dozens of companies were evaluated during the course of the three year study in jurisdictions ranging from Europe and Asia, to Central America and the Caribbean.  What was uncovered by all accounts was nothing short of startling.  Incidents were revealed in which well known trust companies who manage Millions and in one case Billions in assets had documented incidents of conducting themselves in a manner that was dishonest, incompetent and at times acting with deliberate malicious intent. In fact in some cases the conduct of these companies ended up literally costing the client(s) millions of dollars in losses, not to mention legal fees.

The findings in theses cases were evidenced by way of witness affidavits, official court records and supporting documentation relevant to the specific case. A vast amount of evidence was obtained directly from the former Trust clients that had themselves suffered at the hands of these incompetent and dishonest trustees.  The study revealed numerous instances where prominent highly respected Trust companies had acted in a manner that was not only inefficient, incompetent and adverse, but went so far as to deliberately violate client confidentiality for their own benefit and defense when a claims were raised in response to their questionable conduct.

Within the case study three specific incidents were selected to be closely examined based on the severity of the damages to the client as it directly related to the actions and conduct of the associated Trustee company.  Due to ongoing actions I am not at liberty within this venue to disclose the identities of the offending companies.  But, what  I can state are the international jurisdictions in which these companies are domiciled which were Gibraltar, Jersey-Channel Islands, and Switzerland to be specific.

It’s imperative to note that the three selected Trustee organizations are independent Trust companies and entirely unrelated to each other.

Further, the author MUST state that not all companies examined in these very prominent Offshore Trust jurisdictions were found to be of the same ilk.  In fact, there were numerous Trustee companies located within these countries that had no formal complaints or conflicts registered against them.

That being said, there were numerous cases where complaints had been lodged in varying jurisdictions outside the three mentioned herein. It seemed that no one jurisdiction was completely without tarnish.  However, I again reference these specific cases in the identified jurisdictions simply due to their severity, financial expense and legal burden inflicted upon the Trust client(s) involved, and the fact that each and every case noted could be substantiated by sworn evidence and official court filings.

It is vital that I make clear that the intent of this article is NOT to imply or assert that all or even most Trust companies conduct themselves in an unscrupulous manner, in fact quite to the contrary. It was the experience of most of the investigators that a vast majority of  international Trust companies do operate within standard range of ethical behavior.

The point of sharing the results and issues brought to light during this study is to encourage the reader whether they be current international Trust clients or individuals considering formation of a Trust structure, to do their own due diligence regarding placement of their assets in the hands of just anyone claiming to have their best interest at heart of their operations.

In the conclusion, based on the facts examined it is the authors opinion that a properly structured and administrated international Trust structure in most cases involving high net worth individuals and/or corporate entities are by far the best way to protect ones financial well being from potential threats public or private.

Note: {The author does not intend to make any specific recommendation toward any Trust operator or identify the companies referred to herein. Should one wish further information or would like direction to reputable offshore trust consultants and professionals please contact, [email protected].}

If you have been a victim of fraudulent scheme, anywhere in the world then it’s time to real justice and recover your losses, or should you be seeking additional information about this article and reliable international trust consultants please contact GRA for a FREE case analysis and recommendations  @   http://www.globaladvocates.ch/



 

 

Anatomy of a “Ponzi” Scheme

Anatomy of a “Ponzi” Scheme:

Contributed by: Lucas Trevant-Global Advocates

http://www.globaladvocates.ch

It seems most people are familiar with the phrase “Ponzi Scheme” especially after 2008 when Bernard Madoff and his investment firm, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, were charged by the SEC with securities fraud for a multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme perpetuated on his firm’s clients for many years.

In Madoff’s case he appeared to be a successful securities investor.  He had been a prominent member of the securities industry throughout his career.  He served as vice-chairman of the NASD, he was a member of its board of governors, and chairman of the New York region.  He was also a member of the NASDAQ Stock Market’s board of governors and it executive committee and served as chairman of its trading commission.   Over a period of 48 years he established a significant reputation in securities trading and his clients trusted him.

What is a Ponzi scheme?     

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors.  Ponzi scheme organizers often solicit new investors by promising to invest funds in opportunities claimed to generate high returns with little or no risk.  In many Ponzi schemes, the fraudsters focus on attracting new money to make promised payments to earlier-stage investors and to use for personal expenses, instead of engaging in any legitimate investment activity.

Why do Ponzi schemes collapse?

        With little or no legitimate earnings, the schemes require a consistent flow of money from new investors to continue.  Ponzi schemes tend to collapse when it becomes difficult to recruit new investors or when a large number of investors ask to cash out.

How did Ponzi schemes get their name?

        The schemes are named after Charles Ponzi, who duped thousands of New England residents into investing in a postage stamp speculation scheme back in the 1920s.  At a time when the annual interest rate for bank accounts was five percent, Ponzi promised investors that he could provide a 50% return in just 90 days.  Ponzi initially brought and traded a small number of international mail coupons in support of his scheme, but quickly switched to using incoming to pay off earlier investors.

What are some Ponzi scheme “red flags”?

Many Ponzi schemes share common characteristics.  Look for these warning signs:

  • High investment returns with or no risk.  Every investment carries some degree of risk, and investments yielding higher returns typically involve more risk.  Be highly suspicious of any “guaranteed” investment opportunity.
  • Overly consistent returns.  Investments tend to go up and down over time, especially those seeking high returns. Be suspect of an investment that continues to generate regular positive returns regardless of overall market conditions.
  • Unregistered investments.  Ponzi schemes typically involve investments that have not been registered with the SEC or with state regulators.  Registration is important because it provides investors with access to key information about the company’s management, products, services and finances.
  • Unlicensed sellers.  Federal and state securities laws require investment professionals and their firms to be licensed or registered.  Most Ponzi schemes involve unlicensed individuals or unregistered firms.
  • Secretive and/or complex strategies.  Avoiding investments you do not understand or for which you cannot get complete information is a good rule of thumb.
  • Issues with paperwork.  Ignore excuses regarding why you can’t review information about an investment in writing, and always read an investment’s prospectus or disclosure statement carefully before you invest. Also, account statement errors may be a sign that funds are not being invested as promised.
  • Difficulty receiving payments.  Be suspicious if you don’t receive a payment or have difficulty cashing out your investment.  Keep in mind that Ponzi scheme promoters sometimes encourage participants to “roll over” promised payments by offering even higher investment returns.

What steps can I take to avoid Ponzi schemes and other investment frauds?

        Whether you’re a first-time investor or have been investing for many years, there are some basic questions you should always as before you commit your hard-earned money to an investment. The SEC sees too many investors who might have avoided trouble and losses if they had asked question from the start and verified the answers with information from independent sources.

When you consider your next investment opportunity, start with these five questions:

  • Is the seller licensed?
  • Is the investment registered?
  • How do the risks compare with potential rewards?
  • Do I understand the investment?
  • Where can I turn for help?

For more information, we suggest you read;  

http://www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/fivequestions.htm

If you have been a victim of fraudulent scheme, anywhere in the world then it’s time to real justice and recover your losses.

 FREE case analysis contact [email protected]    http://www.globaladvocates.ch


BEWARE OF WORLD BANK CONSULTANT; JOE STEWART

World Bank Consultant; Joe Stewart,
Gordon Building Supply (owner);
Bryan MacKenzie, Omnia Worldwide UK (owner);
Bill Todd, M-I SWACO Consultant.
 
These parties in collusion Solicited $330,000 Performance Bond for Diesel Oil Investment.
The Bond was mysteriously lost after 8 months of repeated attempts $330,000 be returned after DIESEL contract deadline had past. 
 
Stewart, Mackenzie, and Todd also signed contract to repay $82,500 each if Bond was lost, stolen, or forfeited for any reason. 
 
Repeated attempts to collect this LEGAL OBLIGATION have been unsuccessful. DO NOT AGREE TO ANY BUSINESS DEALS WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED INDIVIDUALS OR THEIR ASSOCIATES! INDUSTRIES INVOLVED  INCLUDE REAL ESTATE, RESORT PROPERTIES, FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING, OIL, OIL TANK CLEANING, BUILDING MATERIALS, AND CONSULTING.
For additional information contact: www.equalizergroup.org
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