Andrei Skoch

A summary of what happened?

Andrei Vladimirovich Skoch, born on January 30, 1966, in Nikolskoye, Moscow region, is a Russian billionaire businessman and a long-serving member of the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament. He began his career in the early 1990s, engaging in various entrepreneurial ventures, including a bakery cooperative and the sale of computer components. In 1995, Skoch invested in Alisher Usmanov’s company, Interfin, which later acquired shares in metallurgical enterprises such as the Oskol Electrometallurgical Plant and Lebedinsky Mining and Processing Plant. By 1999, he transitioned into politics, being elected as a deputy of the State Duma, representing the Belgorod region.

Throughout his political career, Skoch has been involved in various legislative activities and is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Pokolenie (Generation) Foundation, which he founded in 1996. The foundation focuses on healthcare, education, and cultural projects, primarily in the Belgorod region.

In 2019, Skoch was involved in a legal case concerning internet censorship. He filed lawsuits against several Russian media outlets, including Novaya Gazeta and Dozhd TV, demanding the removal of articles that linked him to convicted mafia boss Zakhar Kalashov, also known as “Young Shakro.” Skoch argued that these publications disseminated false information damaging his reputation. The court in Belgorod ruled in his favor, ordering the media outlets to delete the materials and pay symbolic damages.

Critics viewed this legal action as an attempt to suppress investigative journalism and limit freedom of the press in Russia. They argued that such lawsuits could set a precedent for other public figures to use the judiciary to silence unfavorable reporting, thereby contributing to a broader pattern of internet censorship in the country.

In summary, Andrei Skoch is a Russian businessman and politician with a history of legal actions against media outlets to protect his reputation. These actions have raised concerns about press freedom and the potential for judicial measures to be used as tools for internet censorship in Russia.

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 Andrei Skoch trying to hide?

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

Andrei Skoch: Power, Wealth, and a Dark Web of Allegations

Andrei Skoch is a man with dual identities: a Russian billionaire with extensive ties to the steel industry and a powerful politician in the Russian State Duma. Over the years, he has cultivated a carefully managed public image, underscored by his philanthropic endeavors and political influence. Yet lurking behind this image are numerous allegations, accusations, and a growing legacy of attempts to silence criticism through the Russian legal system. This investigation peels back the layers of Skoch’s story, revealing a narrative filled with alleged criminal connections, lawsuits, sanctions, and efforts to maintain control over his reputation.

The Early Days: From Business Ventures to Political Power

Andrei Skoch’s story begins in the turbulent 1990s, as Russia transitioned from communism to capitalism. A time of vast economic opportunity for those willing to navigate a shifting landscape, Skoch seized his chance. His initial ventures included a bakery cooperative and later computer parts sales. The real turning point, however, came when he invested in Alisher Usmanov’s company, Interfin. Through this partnership, Skoch gained a foothold in the Russian metallurgy industry, acquiring significant shares in major enterprises such as the Oskol Electrometallurgical Plant and the Lebedinsky Mining and Processing Plant.

Skoch’s rising wealth enabled him to enter politics, and in 1999 he was elected as a deputy in the State Duma, representing the Belgorod region. This transition from business to politics granted Skoch a layer of protection and influence that many wealthy Russians have pursued to safeguard their interests. His dual identity as a businessman and politician allowed him to accumulate wealth and leverage legislative influence, positioning him as a powerful figure both economically and politically.

Allegations of Criminal Ties: The Kalashov Connection

One of the most persistent allegations against Andrei Skoch is his alleged connection to Zakhar Kalashov, a convicted mafia boss known as “Young Shakro.” Media outlets within Russia began reporting on Skoch’s possible ties to Kalashov, hinting at potential connections between his wealth and organized crime. Kalashov is a significant figure in Russian criminal circles, and any association with him casts a long shadow over Skoch’s legitimacy. While Skoch has repeatedly denied these connections, the allegations have raised doubts about the sources of his wealth and the moral foundations of his empire.

These accusations gained particular traction when Skoch took the media to court, filing lawsuits against prominent Russian outlets that reported on his alleged connections to Kalashov. Skoch claimed these reports were defamatory and aimed to tarnish his reputation, presenting himself as a victim of false information. Yet the vigor with which he pursued these cases, coupled with the serious implications of the allegations, has fueled speculation that there may be more truth to the claims than he is willing to admit.

Legal Action Against the Media: A Tool for Censorship?

In 2019, Skoch initiated lawsuits against several Russian media organizations, including Novaya Gazeta and Dozhd TV, demanding they remove articles linking him to criminal figures. He argued that these publications had published misleading and defamatory content that damaged his reputation, and the court ultimately ruled in his favor. The decision required the outlets to delete the articles and even imposed financial penalties on them.

While the legal victory allowed Skoch to control the narrative around him, it raised serious concerns about the suppression of free speech and press freedoms within Russia. Critics argue that Skoch’s lawsuits represent a disturbing precedent, where wealthy and powerful figures use the judiciary to suppress any coverage that challenges their public image. In a country where independent journalism is already under strain, Skoch’s legal actions have contributed to a growing trend of censorship, chilling further investigative reporting.

Sanctions and International Scrutiny

In addition to his domestic controversies, Skoch has also come under scrutiny from foreign governments. The United States and the European Union have sanctioned Skoch, citing concerns over his alleged connections to organized crime and his role within Russia’s political elite. These sanctions have restricted his ability to move freely and conduct business internationally, imposing travel bans and freezing any assets he may hold in these regions.

The U.S. Treasury has specifically flagged Skoch as part of its broader strategy to target individuals associated with Russian corruption and organized crime. Although Skoch has contested these designations, the sanctions underscore the serious concerns that Western governments hold regarding his alleged criminal associations and the sources of his wealth. These restrictions also highlight the significant obstacles he faces in maintaining an unblemished public image on the international stage.

A Complex Relationship with Philanthropy: The Generation Foundation

In an effort to counterbalance the negative press, Skoch has invested heavily in philanthropic initiatives, primarily through the Generation Foundation, which he founded in 1996. The foundation focuses on healthcare, education, and cultural projects, with a strong emphasis on the Belgorod region. To many, this charitable work portrays Skoch as a man of the people, committed to improving the lives of ordinary Russians.

However, critics argue that his philanthropy is a strategic move to maintain influence and protect his public image rather than an act of genuine altruism. The Generation Foundation, while undoubtedly contributing to regional development, has allowed Skoch to curry favor with local communities and consolidate his political base. This dual purpose has cast a skeptical light on his charity work, with some viewing it as a vehicle to deflect criticism and reinforce his authority rather than a purely humanitarian endeavor.

Suppressing Investigative Journalism and Public Discourse

One of the most troubling aspects of Skoch’s legacy is his relentless pursuit of legal measures to control his reputation. Journalists and watchdog organizations in Russia face considerable challenges when investigating figures like Skoch, who possess the resources and influence to initiate defamation suits at the slightest provocation. Skoch’s success in these lawsuits has created an environment where many journalists hesitate to cover him, fearing potential legal repercussions.

The result is a chilling effect on public discourse and investigative journalism, with the media increasingly wary of delving into issues that may expose powerful figures. This climate not only curtails press freedom but also denies the public access to crucial information about the actions and influence of figures like Skoch. By establishing a precedent of legal suppression, Skoch has become emblematic of the larger issue of censorship within Russian society, where public figures can manipulate the judiciary to silence unfavorable narratives.

Conclusion: A Legacy Shaped by Wealth, Power, and Control

Andrei Skoch’s story is a multifaceted tale of business success, political influence, and controversy. His career is marked by a complex interplay between philanthropy and power, raising questions about the authenticity of his charitable efforts and the legitimacy of his wealth. While he maintains a position as a respected public servant in Russia, the web of allegations surrounding him—criminal connections, media suppression, and the manipulation of the legal system—casts a shadow over his legacy.

Skoch’s determination to control his narrative has positioned him as a powerful figure who appears willing to go to any lengths to shield his reputation. Through strategic philanthropy and aggressive legal tactics, he has managed to protect his image domestically, but internationally, his name remains tied to sanctions and suspicions. For those who question the limits of wealth and influence in Russian society, Andrei Skoch represents a case study in the challenges of accountability, transparency, and the growing threat of censorship. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for wealth and power to obscure the truth and silence dissent, leaving a legacy marked not only by success but by unresolved questions and lingering doubts.

How do we counteract this malpractice?

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

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

Potential Consequences for Andrei Skoch

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 Andrei Skoch Committing a Cyber Crime?

Yes, it seems so. Andrei Skoch 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. Andrei Skoch 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 Andrei Skoch 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. Andrei Skoch 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 Andrei Skoch 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, Andrei Skoch either premeditated actions or were unaware of the consequences. Despite hiring an agency to make Google disregard any negative information about Andrei Skoch, 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. Andrei Skoch is in great company ….

What else is Andrei Skoch hiding?

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