Michael Thomas Moradian

A summary of what happened?

Michael Thomas Moradian, a 34-year-old resident of Río Grande, Puerto Rico, has been implicated in legal issues involving financial misconduct and intellectual property disputes.

1. Fraudulent Vehicle Purchase:

• Incident Details: Moradian was accused of purchasing a vehicle using a check that lacked sufficient funds. The specific make of the vehicle and the amount involved were not disclosed.
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• Legal Proceedings: Initially, Moradian left the court premises when charges were to be filed. Subsequently, he was arrested at his residence and presented before Judge José Caballero López at the Fajardo Tribunal. The judge found probable cause for arrest and set bail at $15,000, which Moradian posted through a private bondsman.
  Primera Hora

2. Intellectual Property Lawsuit:

• Parties Involved: HonorSociety.org Inc., Honor Society Foundation Inc., and their president, Michael Moradian, were sued by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) on April 20, 2022.
  Honor Society Support
• Allegations: The lawsuit alleges False Designation of Origin, Trade Dress Infringement, and Unfair Competition. PTK claims that Moradian’s organizations engaged in deceptive practices that infringed upon PTK’s intellectual property rights.
  Honor Society Support
• Current Status: Moradian and his organizations have countersued, and the litigation is ongoing. All claims remain allegations at this stage.
  Honor Society Support

Michael Thomas Moradian faces legal challenges related to financial fraud in Puerto Rico and a federal intellectual property lawsuit in the United States. The outcomes of these cases are pending, and the allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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 Michael Thomas Moradian trying to hide?

Michael Thomas Moradian‘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 Michael Thomas Moradian in legal accountability. Let’s examine the information Michael Thomas Moradian may be trying to remove from the internet –

Investigative Report on Michael Thomas Moradian: Allegations, Legal Challenges, and Public Controversies

Introduction

Michael Thomas Moradian, a 34-year-old resident of Río Grande, Puerto Rico, and president of HonorSociety.org, has been embroiled in a series of legal and ethical controversies ranging from allegations of financial fraud to intellectual property disputes. This report investigates the various accusations, lawsuits, and complaints against Moradian, shedding light on the legal implications and public fallout.

1. Financial Misconduct Allegations

1.1. Fraudulent Vehicle Purchase

In April 2023, Michael Thomas Moradian was accused of purchasing a vehicle using a check that lacked sufficient funds, a practice commonly associated with financial fraud.

• Incident Details:
  • Moradian allegedly provided a bad check to complete the vehicle purchase. The make of the car and the amount involved remain undisclosed.
  • When authorities attempted to file charges, Moradian reportedly left the court premises, prompting an arrest warrant.
• Legal Proceedings:
  • He was subsequently apprehended at his residence and presented before Judge José Caballero López at the Fajardo Tribunal in Puerto Rico.
  • Probable cause for arrest was established, and bail was set at $15,000, which Moradian posted via a private bondsman.
• Legal Ramifications:
  • The case underscores the severity of check fraud under Puerto Rican law, a crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the amount and intent involved.

2. Intellectual Property Lawsuit by Phi Theta Kappa

2.1. Background of the Lawsuit

On April 20, 2022, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a well-known honor society for two-year college students, filed a lawsuit against Michael Moradian and his organizations, HonorSociety.org and Honor Society Foundation Inc. The suit was brought in federal court, alleging violations of intellectual property laws.

• Allegations Against Moradian:
  • False Designation of Origin: PTK alleges that Moradian’s organizations misrepresented their affiliation with PTK to mislead consumers.
  • Trade Dress Infringement: PTK claims that HonorSociety.org mimicked PTK’s branding and design elements, creating confusion among potential members.
  • Unfair Competition: The suit accuses Moradian of deceptive practices aimed at diverting potential PTK members to his organization.
• PTK’s Position:
  • PTK asserts that Moradian’s activities dilute their brand and harm their reputation as a premier honor society.

2.2. Response and Countersuit

Moradian and his organizations have countersued PTK, denying the allegations and asserting that PTK’s claims are baseless.

• Moradian’s Defense:
  • He contends that his organization operates independently and does not infringe on PTK’s intellectual property.
  • Moradian’s legal team has argued that PTK’s lawsuit is an attempt to stifle legitimate competition in the honor society space.
• Current Status:
  • The litigation remains ongoing, with both sides presenting evidence. At this stage, all claims and counterclaims are allegations and have not been proven in court.

3. Complaints and Negative Reviews Against HonorSociety.org

3.1. Consumer Complaints

Numerous complaints have been filed against HonorSociety.org, the organization led by Moradian, on platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and online review sites.

• Common Themes:
  • Allegations of misleading marketing practices, including promises of exclusive benefits and scholarships that were not delivered.
  • Complaints about recurring charges and difficulties in canceling memberships.
  • Concerns about aggressive solicitation tactics targeting students and alumni.

3.2. Membership Disputes

Some former members have accused the organization of exaggerating its prestige and benefits to attract new sign-ups.

• Claims of Misrepresentation:
  • Critics allege that the society overstates its recognition in academic and professional circles to entice members.

4. Broader Implications of the Controversies

4.1. Ethical Concerns in Financial Transactions

The bad check incident involving the vehicle purchase raises questions about Moradian’s financial ethics and reliability. Such behavior could undermine public trust in his leadership and his organizations.

4.2. Impact on HonorSociety.org’s Reputation

The PTK lawsuit and recurring complaints suggest systemic issues within HonorSociety.org:

• Credibility Challenges:
  • The lawsuit and negative feedback cast doubt on the legitimacy of the organization’s claims and operations.
• Member Trust:
  • Potential and existing members may hesitate to engage with the organization due to the controversies surrounding its president.

4.3. Broader Legal and Ethical Standards

Moradian’s legal troubles highlight the importance of accountability and ethical leadership in organizations that claim to serve students and young professionals.

5. Public and Media Reactions

5.1. Media Coverage

The allegations against Moradian have received media attention, particularly in Puerto Rico and the United States. Outlets have focused on:

• The financial fraud case and its implications for his credibility.
• The intellectual property lawsuit, emphasizing the competitive tensions in the honor society space.

5.2. Public Sentiment

Public opinion appears divided, with some viewing Moradian’s actions as indicative of broader issues within his organizations, while others reserve judgment pending the outcomes of the ongoing legal cases.

6. Lessons Learned

6.1. Importance of Transparency

Organizations like HonorSociety.org must prioritize transparency in their operations, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations like students and young professionals.

6.2. Legal and Ethical Oversight

The cases against Moradian underscore the need for robust legal and ethical oversight in leadership roles to maintain trust and legitimacy.

6.3. Consumer Awareness

Students and consumers should exercise due diligence when engaging with organizations, especially those claiming exclusive benefits or prestige.

7. Conclusion

Michael Thomas Moradian’s legal challenges and organizational controversies paint a complex picture of a leader navigating serious allegations of financial and ethical misconduct. From accusations of fraudulent financial practices in Puerto Rico to a high-stakes intellectual property lawsuit in the United States, Moradian faces significant reputational and legal hurdles.

The ongoing nature of these cases leaves many questions unanswered. However, they serve as a critical reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership in maintaining public trust and organizational integrity.

How do we counteract this malpractice?

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

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

Potential Consequences for Michael Thomas Moradian

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 Michael Thomas Moradian Committing a Cyber Crime?

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

What else is Michael Thomas Moradian hiding?

We encourage you to ‘Dork‘ Google by searching for keyword combinations such as [Michael Thomas Moradian] + {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 Michael Thomas Moradian 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.