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PARTIES INVOLVED: Alexander Zayonts
ALLEGATIONS: Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE: 17 Mar 2023
INVESTIGATED BY: Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED: Lumen, FakeDMCA, SecurityTrails
CASE NO: 6546/A/2024
CRIME TYPE: Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON: 19 Nov 2024
REPORTED BY: FakeDMCA.com
JURISDICTION: USA
A summary of what happened?
Alexander Leonidovich Zayonts, born on January 10, 1967, in Moscow, is a Russian entrepreneur known for his significant roles in various retail ventures. He graduated from the Moscow Chemical Technology Institute named after Mendeleev in 1989. Throughout his career, Zayonts has held several key positions:
- Vice-President of Tekhnosila (1994–1998): A major Russian electronics retail chain.
- CEO of Kurant Zerno (2000–2001): A company involved in grain trading.
- Vice-President of Rusagro (2001): A leading Russian agricultural holding.
- Head of Department at the Russian Federation Ministry of Agriculture (2001): Overseeing agricultural policies.
- Deputy CEO at NIVO (2003–2004): A company specializing in consumer electronics.
- Vice-President of M.Video (2004–2007): One of Russia’s largest consumer electronics retailers.
- Co-Owner of Domashniy Interier LLP (since 2007): Associated with the Austrian company Kika Group, focusing on home furnishings.
Major Concerns and Accusations:
- Undisclosed Shareholding in M.Video:
- In October 2007, M.Video revealed its capital stock structure, disclosing that Alexander Zayonts owned 12% of the company. This revelation surprised book-runners preparing for the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO), as Zayonts’ significant shareholding had not been previously disclosed. He sold his shares during the IPO, reportedly earning approximately $125 million.
- Rapid Exit from M.Video:
- Following the IPO, Zayonts sold all his shares and left M.Video. The timing of his departure raised questions about his commitment to the company’s long-term strategy and intentions behind his investment.
- Involvement with Kika Group:
- In June 2008, Zayonts announced plans to launch a chain of Austrian company Kika Group stores in Russia. However, there is limited information on the success or current status of this venture, leading to speculation about its viability and execution.
- Association with Tervolina Store Chain:
- In 2009, Zayonts joined the board of directors of Tervolina, a store chain. The company faced challenges, including the arrest of its owner, Vadim Stepanov, on fraud charges related to land theft. Tervolina also experienced liquidity problems and store closures during this period. Zayonts’ association with the company during its troubled times raised concerns about his business affiliations and decision-making.
While Alexander Zayonts has been involved in various high-profile business ventures, certain aspects of his career, such as undisclosed shareholdings, rapid exits from companies, and associations with troubled enterprises, have attracted scrutiny and raised questions about his business practices and affiliations.
Analyzing the Fake Copyright Notice(s)
Our team collects and analyses fraudulent copyright takedown requests, legal complaints, and other efforts to remove critical information from the internet. Through our investigative reporting, we examine the prevalence and operation of an organized censorship industry, predominantly funded by criminal entities, oligarchs, and disreputable businesses or individuals. Our findings allow internet users to gain insight into these censorship schemes’ sources, methods, and underlying objectives.
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What was Alexander Zayonts trying to hide?
Alexander Zayonts‘s attempts to hide unfavourable content through the misuse of copyright notices while allegedly engaging in perjury present serious legal concerns. These actions suggest a calculated attempt to manipulate legal systems to suppress free speech, a fundamental violation of copyright law principles and an abuse of legal processes. The use of such tactics not only undermines the integrity of copyright protection but also potentially constitutes perjury, further entangling Alexander Zayonts in legal accountability. Let’s examine the information Alexander Zayonts may be trying to remove from the internet –
Investigative Report: The Business Ventures and Controversies of Alexander Zayonts
Introduction
Alexander Leonidovich Zayonts, a Moscow-born entrepreneur, has been a prominent figure in Russia’s retail and business sectors for decades. Known for his involvement in companies like M.Video, Kika Group, and Tervolina, Zayonts has built a reputation for his acumen in consumer goods and electronics. However, his career has also been marked by controversies, including undisclosed shareholdings, abrupt corporate exits, and associations with troubled ventures. This investigative report explores these allegations and their implications for Zayonts’ business practices.
1. Career Overview and Business Ventures
Educational and Early Career Background:
- Zayonts graduated from the Moscow Chemical Technology Institute in 1989, beginning his professional journey in Russia’s burgeoning post-Soviet business landscape.
- Over the years, he held leadership roles in companies spanning agriculture, consumer electronics, and home furnishings.
Notable Business Roles:
- Vice-President of Tekhnosila (1994–1998): Contributed to the growth of this electronics retail chain.
- Vice-President of M.Video (2004–2007): Played a critical role in Russia’s largest consumer electronics retailer.
- Co-Owner of Domashniy Interier LLP (since 2007): Partnered with Austria’s Kika Group to establish home furnishings stores in Russia.
Zayonts’ ventures were marked by ambitious expansions and partnerships, but beneath this success lay concerns about transparency and accountability.
2. Allegations and Controversies
A. Undisclosed Shareholding in M.Video
- Background: During his tenure at M.Video, Zayonts held a 12% stake in the company. This significant shareholding came to light only in October 2007, shortly before M.Video’s Initial Public Offering (IPO).
- Controversy:
- The revelation of Zayonts’ stake surprised book-runners and investors, as the ownership structure had not been transparently disclosed earlier.
- Zayonts sold his shares during the IPO, reportedly earning around $125 million, raising concerns about timing and intent.
- Analysis:
- Critics questioned whether Zayonts used insider knowledge or privileged access to maximize personal gains.
- His rapid exit following the IPO suggested a short-term focus, potentially undermining M.Video’s long-term strategy.
B. Exit from M.Video
- The Departure:
- Shortly after M.Video’s IPO, Zayonts divested his entire stake in the company and resigned from his position.
- Implications:
- Investors and industry observers interpreted his sudden departure as a lack of confidence in M.Video’s post-IPO future.
- It also raised concerns about whether Zayonts’ primary motivation had been personal financial gain rather than the company’s growth.
C. Partnership with Kika Group
- Launch in Russia:
- In June 2008, Zayonts announced plans to open a chain of Kika Group stores, an Austrian home furnishings retailer, in Russia.
- Concerns:
- Despite the ambitious announcement, there is scant evidence of successful execution or sustained operations of Kika stores in Russia.
- The venture’s limited visibility led to speculation about whether it was a genuine business effort or a failed project.
D. Involvement with Tervolina
- Joining the Board:
- In 2009, Zayonts became a director at Tervolina, a store chain specializing in shoes and accessories.
- Challenges at Tervolina:
- During his tenure, the company faced liquidity problems and began closing stores.
- Tervolina’s owner, Vadim Stepanov, was arrested on charges of fraud involving land theft, further tarnishing the company’s reputation.
- Zayonts’ Role:
- His association with Tervolina during its financial and legal troubles raised questions about his decision-making and affiliations.
- Critics argued that Zayonts should have distanced himself from the company once its issues became public.
3. Patterns of Business Practices
Zayonts’ career reveals recurring patterns that have drawn scrutiny:
A. Lack of Transparency
- The undisclosed shareholding in M.Video exemplifies concerns about Zayonts’ approach to transparency in corporate governance.
- Such practices undermine investor confidence and raise ethical questions about accountability.
B. Opportunistic Exits
- Zayonts’ rapid sale of his M.Video shares post-IPO suggests a focus on short-term financial gains rather than long-term commitment.
- This pattern has been observed in other ventures, where Zayonts’ involvement appears limited to periods of personal financial benefit.
C. Partnerships with Troubled Companies
- From Tervolina’s legal troubles to the underwhelming Kika venture, Zayonts’ choice of partnerships has often involved companies facing significant challenges.
- This raises questions about his due diligence and motivations in selecting business ventures.
4. Public and Industry Perception
Community and Media Criticism
- Zayonts has faced criticism for prioritizing personal profits over corporate or community interests.
- Media reports often highlight his lack of transparency and association with problematic ventures.
Supporters’ Perspective
- Some view Zayonts as a savvy entrepreneur who capitalized on opportunities in Russia’s evolving business environment.
- They argue that his successes, particularly with M.Video, outweigh his controversies.
5. Legal and Ethical Implications
Potential Legal Violations
- The undisclosed stake in M.Video could be interpreted as a failure to meet disclosure obligations, potentially violating corporate governance standards.
- His involvement with Tervolina during its owner’s fraud charges raises concerns about due diligence and ethical accountability.
Broader Ethical Questions
- Zayonts’ pattern of rapid exits and opaque financial dealings highlights the ethical challenges of balancing personal gains with corporate responsibility.
- Critics argue that such behavior undermines trust in Russia’s corporate environment.
6. Conclusion
Alexander Zayonts’ career is a case study in the complexities of post-Soviet entrepreneurship. While he has played significant roles in successful companies like M.Video, his legacy is overshadowed by allegations of non-transparency, opportunism, and associations with troubled ventures.
Key Findings
- Undisclosed Stake: Zayonts’ failure to disclose his 12% shareholding in M.Video until shortly before the IPO raises serious transparency concerns.
- Rapid Divestment: His immediate sale of shares post-IPO suggests a focus on personal financial gain rather than corporate stewardship.
- Troubled Partnerships: Associations with Kika Group and Tervolina reflect questionable decision-making and inadequate due diligence.
- Erosion of Trust: These controversies have damaged Zayonts’ reputation, casting doubt on his business practices and ethical standards.
Recommendations
- Increased Transparency:
- Future ventures should prioritize full disclosure of ownership structures and financial interests.
- Commitment to Long-Term Goals:
- Zayonts should demonstrate a commitment to the sustained growth of his ventures rather than opportunistic exits.
- Ethical Partnerships:
- Greater scrutiny in choosing business partners and projects can mitigate reputational risks.
Alexander Zayonts represents both the opportunities and pitfalls of entrepreneurship in transitional economies. While his successes cannot be denied, his career is a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices in building a lasting legacy.
How do we counteract this malpractice?
Once we ascertain the involvement of Alexander Zayonts (or actors working on behalf of Alexander Zayonts), we will inform Alexander Zayonts of our findings via Electronic Mail.
Our preliminary assessment suggests that Alexander Zayonts may have engaged a third-party reputation management agency or expert, which, either independently or under direct authorization from Alexander Zayonts, initiated efforts to remove adverse online content, including potentially fraudulent DMCA takedown requests. We will extend an opportunity to Alexander Zayonts to provide details regarding their communications with the agency or expert, as well as the identification of the individual(s) responsible for executing these false DMCA notices.
Failure to respond in a timely manner will necessitate a reassessment of our initial assumptions. In such an event, we will be compelled to take appropriate legal action to rectify the unlawful conduct and take the following steps –
Since Alexander Zayonts made such efforts to hide something online, it seems fit to ensure that this article and sensitive information targeted online by these events get a lot more exposure and traffic than what it would have received originally
We hope this becomes an excellent case study for the Streisand effect…The key idea behind the Streisand effect is that efforts to restrict information can backfire, often causing the information to gain more attention than it would have otherwise. This effect is widespread in the digital age, where users quickly notice and spread censorship efforts on social media and other platforms. Trying to suppress something can unintentionally lead to it becoming more visible, which Alexander Zayonts is finding out the hard way.
Potential Consequences for Alexander Zayonts
Under Florida Statute 831.01, the crime of Forgery is committed when a person falsifies, alters, counterfeits, or forges a document that carries “legal efficacy” with the intent to injure or defraud another person or entity.
Forging a document is considered a white-collar crime. It involves altering, changing, or modifying a document to deceive another person. It can also include passing along copies of documents that are known to be false. In many states in the US, falsifying a document is a crime punishable as a felony.
Additionally, under most laws, “fraud on the court” is where “a party has sentiently set in motion some unconscionable scheme calculated to interfere with the judicial system’s ability impartially to adjudicate a matter by improperly influencing the trier of fact or unfairly hampering the presentation of the opposing party’s claim or defense.” Cox v. Burke, 706 So. 2d 43, 46 (Fla. 5th DCA 1998) (quoting Aoude v. Mobil Oil Corp., 892 F.2d 1115, 1118 (1st Cir. 1989)).
Is Alexander Zayonts Committing a Cyber Crime?
Yes, it seems so. Alexander Zayonts used multiple approaches to remove unwanted material from review sites and Google’s search results. Thanks to protections allowing freedom of speech in the United States, there are very few legal ways to do this. Alexander Zayonts could not eliminate negative reviews or search results that linked to them without a valid claim of defamation, copyright infringement, or some other clear breach of the law.
Faced with these limitations, some companies like Alexander Zayonts have gone to extreme lengths to fraudulently claim copyright ownership over a negative review in the hopes of taking it down.
Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. Alexander Zayonts is certainly keeping interesting company here….
The DMCA takedown process requires that copyright owners submit a takedown notice to an ISP identifying the allegedly infringing content and declaring, under penalty of perjury, that they have a good faith belief that the content is infringing. The ISP must then promptly remove or disable access to the content. The alleged infringer can then submit a counter-notice, and if the copyright owner does not take legal action within 10 to 14 days, the ISP can restore the content.
Since these platforms are predominantly based in the U.S., the complaints are typically made under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which requires online service providers and platforms to react immediately to reports or violations. Big Tech companies rarely have systems in place to assess the merit of each report. Instead, all bad actors need to do is clone a story, backdate it, and then demand the real thing be taken down.
Reputation Agency's Modus Operandi
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the “back-dated article” technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a “true original” article and back-dates it, creating a “fake original” article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original.
Then, based on the claim that this backdated article is the “original,” the scammers send a DMCA to the relevant online service providers (e.g. Google), alleging that the ‘true’ original is the copied or “infringing” article and that the copied article is the “original,” requesting the takedown of the ‘true’ original article. After sending the DMCA request, the person who sent the wrong notice takes down the fake original URL, likely to make sure that the article doesn’t stay online in any way. If the takedown notice is successful, the disappearance from the internet of information is most likely to be legitimate speech.
As an integral part of this scheme, the ‘reputation management’ company hired by Alexander Zayonts creates a website that purports to be a ‘news’ site. This site is designed to look legitimate at a glance, but any degree of scrutiny reveals it as the charade it is.
The company copies the ‘negative’ content and posts it “on the fake ‘news’ site, attributing it to a separate author,” then gives it “a false publication date on the ‘news’ website that predated the original publication.
The reputation company then sent Google a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice claiming the original website infringed copyright. After a cursory examination of the fake news site, Google frequently accepts the notice and delists the content.
In committing numerous offences, Alexander Zayonts either premeditated actions or were unaware of the consequences. Despite hiring an agency to make Google disregard any negative information about Alexander Zayonts, ignorance does not excuse this wrongdoing.
Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. FSMSmart is certainly keeping interesting company here.
The Reputation Laundering
Rogue Reputation agencies use spurious copyright claims and fake legal notices to remove and obscure articles linking clients to allegations of tax avoidance, corruption, and drug trafficking. Most of these reputation agencies are based offshore, mainly in Russia, India, and Eastern Europe, and they do not worry about complying with US-based laws.
The content in all of the articles for which the fraudulent DMCA notices have been sent relates to allegations of criminal allegations, including corruption, child abuse, sexual harassment, human trafficking and financial fraud against businesses and individuals with ultra-high net worth.
In addition to the misuse of the DMCA takedown process, there is a notable absence of enforcement concerning perjury violations. The statutory requirement related to perjury is designed to deter copyright holders from submitting fraudulent or knowingly false takedown requests, as they may face legal consequences for making false declarations under penalty of perjury. However, to date, there have been no known instances of any individual being prosecuted for perjury in connection with the submission of false DMCA takedown notices.
This lack of enforcement has emboldened copyright holders to exploit the DMCA takedown process to suppress dissent, criticism, or other unfavorable content, without fear of legal repercussions.
Some of the people and businesses who have employed this tactic to remove legitimate content from Google illegally include a Spanish businessman-turned-cocaine-trafficker, Organised crime, an Israeli-Argentine banker accused of laundering money for Hugo Chávez’s regime, a French “responsible” mining company accused of tax evasion, child molesters and sexual predators. Alexander Zayonts is in great company ….
What else is Alexander Zayonts hiding?
We encourage you to ‘Dork‘ Google by searching for keyword combinations such as [Alexander Zayonts] + {Negative Keyword, such as Scam, Fraud, Complaints, Lawsuit, Sanction, etc} on Google. It’s likely if you scroll down to the bottom of this Google search results, you’ll stumble upon this Legal Takedown notice (pictured below)
To make such an investigation possible, we encourage more online service providers to come forward and share copies of content removal requests with industry experts and researchers. If you have any information on Alexander Zayonts that you want to share with experts and journalists, kindly email the author directly at [email protected].
All communications are strictly confidential and safeguarded under a comprehensive Whistleblower Policy, ensuring full protection and anonymity for individuals who provide information.
Credits and Acknowledgement
Many thanks to FakeDMCA.com and Lumen for providing access to their database.
Photos and Illustrations provided by DALL-E 3 – “a representation of Alexander Zayonts censoring the internet and committing cyber crimes.”
- We’ve reached out to Alexander Zayonts for a comment or rebuttal regarding this investigation. It will strongly suggest they were behind the takedown attempt if they remain silent.
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- Our investigative report on Alexander Zayonts‘s efforts to suppress online speech is significant, as it raises serious concerns about its integrity. The findings suggest that Alexander Zayonts has engaged in questionable practices, including potential perjury, impersonation, and fraud, in a misguided attempt to manage or salvage its reputation.
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- We intend to file a counternotice to reinstate the removed article(s). While this particular instance is relatively straightforward, it is important to note that, in other cases, the overwhelming volume of automated DMCA takedown notices can significantly hinder the ability of affected parties to respond—especially for those not large media organizations.
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- You need an account with fakeDMCA.com and Lumen to access the research data. However, accounts are not widely available since these non-profit organisations manage large databases that could be susceptible to misuse. Nevertheless, they do offer access to non-profits and researchers.
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- It’s unclear why U.S. authorities have yet to act against these rogue reputation agencies, whose business model seems rooted in fraudulent practices.
- We’ve reached out to Alexander Zayonts for a comment or rebuttal regarding this investigation. It will strongly suggest they were behind the takedown attempt if they remain silent.
About the Author
The author is affiliated with Harvard University and serves as a researcher at both Lumen and FakeDMCA.com. In his personal capacity, he and his team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes. Additionally, his team provides advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters pertaining to intellectual property law. He can be reached at [email protected] directly.
References used for this investigation
- 1
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/33064996
- 17/03/2023
- Other
- 2
- https://rumafiozi-eng.livejournal.com/177890.html
- 03/11/2012
- Complaint
- 3
- https://molfar.com/en/blog/feykoviy-neytralitet-shcho-prihovuyut-rosiyski-ta-biloruski-tenisisti-yaki-grayut-na-wimbledon-2023
- 13/07/2022
- Adverse Media
- 4
- https://www.rumafia.net/en/dosje/372
- 18/10/2012
- Adverse Media
- 5
- https://www.marketscreener.com/insider/ALEXANDER-LEONIDOVICH-ZAYONTS-A1C1TL/
- 17/06/2020
- Adverse Media
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by: Harry Parker
In his various business ventures, Zayonts has shown a pattern of being more focused on personal gain than long-term success. His abrupt exit from the Kika franchise in Russia is a prime example of how he tends to abandon business...
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It’s clear that Zayonts isn’t afraid to use and abandon partners when the going gets tough—his track record speaks for itself