CyberCriminal.com

Algorithms Group

We are investigating Algorithms Group for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

Algorithms Group

PARTIES INVOLVED: Algorithms Group

ALLEGATIONS: Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation

INCIDENT DATE: 26 September 2023

INVESTIGATED BY: Ethan Katz

TOOLS USED: Lumen, FakeDMCA, SecurityTrails

CASE NO: 1423/A/2024

CRIME TYPE: Intellectual Property Scam

PUBLISHED ON: 22 Nov 2024

REPORTED BY: FakeDMCA.com

JURISDICTION: USA

A summary of what happened?

Summary of the Major Concerns, Complaints, and Accusations Against Algorithms Group

Algorithms Group is a company that has come under intense scrutiny in Spain for its alleged involvement in cryptocurrency-related fraud and financial irregularities. Media reports and investor complaints have prompted inquiries by Spain’s Audiencia Nacional (National Court), reflecting the severity and scale of the accusations. Below are the key points of concern that have emerged from Spanish press coverage and reported grievances:

  1. Allegations of Investment Fraud:
    Numerous investors claim that Algorithms Group lured them into placing significant sums of money into cryptocurrency investments under the promise of exceptionally high returns. These alleged assurances often suggested that investors’ funds would be managed by expert traders or advanced algorithms, guaranteeing steady profits.
  2. Lack of Transparency in Business Operations:
    Critics assert that Algorithms Group failed to provide clear, verifiable information about its underlying trading strategies, the identities and qualifications of its team members, or the precise nature of how funds were managed. This opacity raised red flags, making it difficult for clients to understand where their money went or how the purported profits were being generated.
  3. Unverified Performance Claims and Possible Ponzi-Like Structures:
    Reports suggest that the company presented unrealistic performance records and return rates that far surpassed normal market conditions. Some investors and investigative journalists have voiced suspicions that Algorithms Group relied on a system where returns for early participants were paid out using the capital of newer investors, a characteristic tactic of Ponzi schemes.
  4. Difficulties Withdrawing Funds:
    A widespread complaint involves the inability of clients to withdraw their funds when requested. Victims have reported unexpected delays, restrictive withdrawal policies, and unresponsiveness from the company, suggesting that the funds may no longer be available or were never invested as claimed.
  5. Rapid Spread of Complaints and Legal Actions:
    After multiple complaints surfaced, more victims stepped forward, leading to a flood of formal accusations. The resulting legal actions have drawn the attention of high-level judicial authorities, including the Audiencia Nacional, underscoring the potential scope and impact of the alleged wrongdoing.
  6. Impact on the Broader Market and Consumer Trust:
    The controversy surrounding Algorithms Group has contributed to a climate of distrust in cryptocurrency investments and related platforms. Spanish regulators, consumer advocacy groups, and the media have highlighted the case as a cautionary tale, prompting calls for stronger regulatory oversight and investor education.

In summary, Algorithms Group faces serious charges centering around alleged deceptive practices, inadequate transparency, unrealistic profit promises, and restricted access to invested funds. The mounting volume of complaints and judicial inquiries points to a significant and ongoing legal battle.

 

Algorithms Group Fake DMCA

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

What was Algorithms Group trying to hide?

Algorithms Group‘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 Algorithms Group in legal accountability. Let’s examine the information Algorithms Group may be trying to remove from the internet –

Investigative Report on Allegations Against Algorithms Group

Introduction

Over the past several years, the popularity of cryptocurrency investments has soared worldwide, driven by the promise of decentralized finance, rapid returns, and a burgeoning new asset class. However, this boom has also been accompanied by a parallel surge in alleged fraud, deception, and financial misconduct. In Spain, a series of high-profile cases have emerged, with investors claiming significant financial losses and accusing various entities of orchestrating complex scams. One such entity that has come under intense scrutiny is “Algorithms Group.”

This investigative report compiles, details, and analyzes the avalanche of adverse news, accusations, lawsuits, and regulatory concerns aimed at Algorithms Group. Drawing from court documents, testimonies from alleged victims, press coverage from reputable Spanish media outlets (such as El Periódico and 20 Minutos), and the limited public statements made by the accused, the following account endeavors to provide an in-depth, comprehensive understanding of the controversy.

Background of Algorithms Group

Algorithms Group, whose exact corporate structure and leadership remain somewhat opaque, emerged onto the Spanish crypto investment scene promising advanced technological solutions. The group claimed to leverage cutting-edge trading algorithms, artificial intelligence, and high-frequency trading techniques to generate stable, above-average returns in the notoriously volatile cryptocurrency market. Marketing materials and promotional presentations, often shared via online seminars, social media channels, and private investment clubs, portrayed Algorithms Group as a sophisticated, tech-driven financial services provider.

Early investor testimonies indicate that the company presented itself as a tightly run operation staffed by experienced analysts, traders, and software engineers. These purported experts were said to be capable of navigating the complexities of digital assets while minimizing risk. Investors were assured that their funds would be professionally managed, allowing them to profit handsomely from the crypto market’s growth without needing direct market knowledge or involvement.

Allegations and Patterns of Complaint

  1. Unrealistic Profit Promises:
    A recurring theme in investor complaints concerns the alleged promises of extraordinarily high and consistent returns. Many clients claim that they were encouraged to believe their investments would yield double-digit monthly profits—an astonishing figure in any asset class. Such rates far exceeded normal market expectations, raising suspicion that the company may have been using inflated or fabricated performance metrics to attract funds.
  2. Opaque Operational Structure and Lack of Transparency:
    Despite grand claims of technological sophistication, the company’s actual operations, trading methods, and strategic rationale were never clearly disclosed. Investors repeatedly describe an environment in which requests for concrete information—such as proof of successful trades, audited financial statements, or even the identities and credentials of the supposed expert staff—were met with evasive answers, generic marketing language, or outright silence. This lack of transparency has led to widespread suspicion that no genuine trading activities occurred.
  3. Difficulties Withdrawing Funds:
    One of the most alarming patterns documented by victims is the sudden and unexplained difficulty in accessing their own capital. Investors who initially invested without trouble often found that withdrawal requests were stalled or ignored. In some cases, withdrawals were met with convoluted excuses—ranging from “technical issues” to “unforeseen market conditions”—while in others, customers claim that their requests were flatly denied. Ultimately, this behavior has fueled allegations that Algorithms Group was operating a pyramid or Ponzi-like scheme, using incoming funds from new investors to pay out older investors while retaining most capital internally.
  4. Mounting Legal Actions and Judicial Involvement:
    The flood of complaints ultimately captured the attention of Spain’s Audiencia Nacional (National Court), known for its jurisdiction over complex financial crimes and cases of significant public interest. The number of petitions, investor lawsuits, and criminal complaints filed against Algorithms Group reached critical mass, prompting the court to open formal investigations. Judges and prosecutors have since been examining a wide range of evidence, from bank statements and digital currency transaction logs to promotional materials and internal communications—if obtainable—to determine whether criminal wrongdoing occurred.
  5. Suspicion of Pyramid or Ponzi Schemes:
    While the final verdict will come from the courts, many experts and consumer protection advocates believe that the structure described by victims closely mirrors classic financial fraud models. If returns to older investors are indeed funded by the deposits of newer participants, the entire model would collapse as soon as the inflow of new money slowed. The constant recruitment of new investors and the secrecy around trading models both fit neatly into this scenario. Such Ponzi-like patterns have, in recent years, repeatedly surfaced in the world of cryptocurrency fraud, and Algorithms Group appears to fit a disturbingly familiar pattern.

Investor Testimonies and Impact on Victims

Individual stories from alleged victims present a grim picture:

  • Some recount investing life savings based on recommendations from trusted friends who themselves had been convinced by seemingly legitimate marketing pitches.
  • Others describe being lured by glossy brochures, polished webinars, and confident “investment consultants” who never disclosed the company’s full legal name or corporate headquarters.
  • Several investors mention that they initially received small withdrawal confirmations or minor payouts, bolstering their trust early on—only to see their larger requests ignored or delayed indefinitely.

The emotional toll is substantial. Victims report feeling misled, embarrassed, and financially devastated. Many saw their aspirations for financial security, home purchases, or retirement unravel as they realized their investments may have evaporated.

Regulatory and Consumer Advocacy Responses

Consumer protection groups in Spain have decried the rise of such alleged frauds. They stress the need for more stringent regulations in the burgeoning crypto space. Some have called for mandatory licensing of crypto brokers, transparent reporting requirements, and the closure of loopholes that allow questionable firms to operate beyond the scrutiny of financial authorities.

Spanish financial regulators and law enforcement agencies, already overwhelmed by the complexity and global reach of cryptocurrency crimes, face a steep challenge. The investigations into Algorithms Group are expected to set a legal precedent for how Spain’s judicial system addresses decentralized financial fraud. Moreover, as cryptocurrencies have no borders, funds can quickly move through multiple accounts and countries, complicating the pursuit of restitution.

Media Coverage and Public Reaction

Media outlets such as El Periódico and 20 Minutos have been instrumental in bringing these allegations to light. Their coverage, based on investor testimonies and legal filings, painted a picture of an emerging crisis in crypto investment oversight. Public reaction has been largely supportive of the victims, with social media discussions urging potential investors to exercise extreme caution, verify the credentials of any firm, and refrain from believing guaranteed returns.

The ongoing public discourse also highlights broader societal concerns about the ease with which unscrupulous operators can exploit financial illiteracy and regulatory gaps. With cryptocurrency becoming a household term, it is increasingly critical for potential investors to conduct due diligence and to recognize warning signs—such as guaranteed profits, opaque operations, and obstructed withdrawals.

Company Response and Current Status

To date, official responses from Algorithms Group have been scarce or superficial. Attempts by journalists, investors, and attorneys to obtain comments from company representatives have often been met with non-answers, deflections, or silence. Some early promotional materials—which once flooded social media—have disappeared, removed following the onslaught of negative publicity. In some instances, the firm’s websites or social channels were taken offline without explanation.

No clear defense strategy or formal public statement exists to counter the allegations. This silence, as legal experts note, does not bode well for the firm’s credibility. In the absence of a transparent and verifiable defense, speculation that the operation was fraudulent from the outset continues to gain traction.

Legal Outlook and Potential Consequences

The legal proceedings, overseen by the Audiencia Nacional, will likely be protracted and complex, involving multiple layers of forensic accounting, digital transaction tracing, and cross-border cooperation. If criminal wrongdoing is confirmed, the individuals behind Algorithms Group could face severe penalties, including hefty fines and prison sentences. Additionally, the court may order restitution for victims, though the feasibility of recovering funds that may have been laundered through international crypto exchanges remains uncertain.

These cases are poised to shape the regulatory landscape for digital assets in Spain. Successful prosecutions will send a strong deterrent message to other would-be fraudsters, while a failure to hold perpetrators accountable could embolden similar activities. Regulators and legislators are expected to use these precedents to draft clearer, stricter rules governing crypto investment firms, know-your-customer (KYC) standards, and greater oversight of marketing materials and promised returns.

Conclusion

Algorithms Group stands as a cautionary example in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. While the final chapter awaits judicial resolution, the abundance of complaints, allegations of unrealistic profits, and testimonies of thwarted withdrawals have created a damning narrative. The ensuing court cases could solidify a milestone legal precedent in Spain’s fight against crypto-related fraud, prompting both legislators and investors to reassess their approach to this volatile and often misunderstood asset class.

For investors, the lessons are clear: high returns with little transparency should raise immediate red flags. For regulators, the case illustrates the urgent need to adapt legal frameworks to new technologies and investment models. And for the general public, it underscores the importance of due diligence and the dangers of entrusting hard-earned capital to opaque enterprises like Algorithms Group.

 

 

 

How do we counteract this malpractice?

Once we ascertain the involvement of Algorithms Group (or actors working on behalf of Algorithms Group), we will inform Algorithms Group of our findings via Electronic Mail.

Our preliminary assessment suggests that Algorithms Group may have engaged a third-party reputation management agency or expert, which, either independently or under direct authorization from Algorithms Group, initiated efforts to remove adverse online content, including potentially fraudulent DMCA takedown requests. We will extend an opportunity to Algorithms Group 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 Algorithms Group 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 Algorithms Group is finding out the hard way.

Potential Consequences for Algorithms Group

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 Algorithms Group Committing a Cyber Crime?

Faced with these limitations, some companies like Algorithms Group 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. Algorithms Group is certainly keeping interesting company here….

CompanyNames Fake DMCA

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 Algorithms Group 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, Algorithms Group either premeditated actions or were unaware of the consequences. Despite hiring an agency to make Google disregard any negative information about Algorithms Group, 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. Algorithms Group is in great company ….

What else is Algorithms Group hiding?

We encourage you to ‘Dork‘ Google by searching for keyword combinations such as [Algorithms Group] + {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 Algorithms Group 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.

Authorities we may contact and share this report with for further actions

GOOGLE LEGAL HEAD

Halimah DeLaine Prado

NEWS DESK

Washington Post & NY Times

The above decision-makers and authorities will be provided a comprehensive dossier of our findings, including anonymously submitted evidence and tips. We invite journalists to contact us to receive a copy of our complete investigation here

Credits and Acknowledgement

16/10/2024

Many thanks to FakeDMCA.com and Lumen for providing access to their database.

Photos and Illustrations provided by DALL-E 3 – “a representation of Algorithms Group censoring the internet and committing cyber crimes.”

  • We’ve reached out to Algorithms Group for a comment or rebuttal regarding this investigation. It will strongly suggest they were behind the takedown attempt if they remain silent.

    • Our investigative report on Algorithms Group‘s efforts to suppress online speech is significant, as it raises serious concerns about its integrity. The findings suggest that Algorithms Group has engaged in questionable practices, including potential perjury, impersonation, and fraud, in a misguided attempt to manage or salvage its reputation.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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 Algorithms Group 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

16/10/2024

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.

USER FEEDBACK ON Algorithms Group

1.8/5

Based on 4 ratings

Trust
20%
Risk
70%
Brand
20%
by: Felix Carter
December 10, 2024 at 10:35 am

These people are just crooks. Algorithms Group is a scam, and it’s sad how many victims they’ve left in their wake. The whole thing’s a joke!

by: Emma Barnes
December 10, 2024 at 10:11 am

Algorithms Group is just another fraud in the crypto world. They lure investors in, make big promises, and then disappear with the money.

by: Zachary Bennett
December 10, 2024 at 9:47 am

Another pyramid scheme dressed up as a legit investment. Algorithms Group promised crazy returns, but it’s all a scam. People are losing millions.

by: Ulysses Knight
December 10, 2024 at 9:30 am

I can't believe how many people have been tricked by Algorithms Group's fake crypto schemes. They promised big returns, but it was all a scam. So many innocent people have lost their money to these fraudsters, and it's shocking that...

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