Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation

A summary of what happened?

Ronald Rubin, appointed in February 2019 as Commissioner of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR), faced significant controversies during his brief tenure, leading to his dismissal in July 2019. The primary concerns and allegations against Rubin include:

1. Sexual Harassment Allegations

• Initial Complaint: In May 2019, an OFR employee filed a complaint accusing Rubin of inappropriate behavior, including making sexually suggestive comments and creating a hostile work environment.
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• Subsequent Investigations: The Department of Financial Services’ Inspector General conducted an investigation, uncovering a pattern of misconduct. The findings led to Rubin’s suspension in May 2019.
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2. Prior Misconduct Allegations

• Previous Employment Issues: Reports surfaced that Rubin had a history of alleged misconduct in prior roles, including at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where he was accused of making inappropriate comments toward female colleagues.
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3. Legal Actions and Counterclaims

• Lawsuit Against Lobbyist: After his dismissal, Rubin filed a lawsuit against lobbyist Paul Mitchell, alleging tortious interference and defamation, claiming Mitchell orchestrated his ouster. However, in August 2022, a Leon County Circuit Judge granted summary judgment in favor of Mitchell, a decision upheld by the 1st District Court of Appeal in September 2023.
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• Whistleblower Allegations: Rubin contended that his suspension was retaliatory, alleging he was targeted for refusing to hire a politically connected individual. State investigators found no evidence supporting Rubin’s claims, siding with Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
  Florida Politics

4. Public Records Controversy

• Release of Complaint Details: Rubin accused CFO Patronis of improperly releasing details of the sexual harassment complaint against him. Investigations concluded that the release was conducted in good faith, with no criminal intent.
  Florida Politics

These events culminated in Rubin’s termination by the Florida Cabinet in July 2019, following the Inspector General’s report and the ensuing controversies.

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 Ronald Rubin - Florida Office of Financial Regulation trying to hide?

Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation‘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 Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation in legal accountability. Let’s examine the information Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation may be trying to remove from the internet –

Investigative Report: Ronald Rubin – Controversies and Allegations During Tenure at Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation

Introduction

Ronald Rubin’s tenure as Commissioner of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) was marked by a series of controversies, allegations of misconduct, and high-profile disputes that culminated in his dismissal by the Florida Cabinet in July 2019. Rubin, who previously worked at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and in the private financial sector, faced accusations ranging from sexual harassment to alleged mismanagement and retaliatory actions. This report delves deeply into the events that led to his ouster, examining complaints, investigations, and subsequent legal battles.

1. Appointment and Background

Appointment as OFR Commissioner

• Rubin was appointed in February 2019 by Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis with the expectation of reforming the state’s financial regulatory body.
• His hiring came with significant political backing, yet questions about his suitability arose almost immediately due to controversies from his prior roles.

Prior Allegations at the CFPB

• Before joining OFR, Rubin worked at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), where he faced allegations of inappropriate behavior.
• Former colleagues at the CFPB accused Rubin of making sexually suggestive comments and creating an uncomfortable work environment for female employees.
• These allegations did not result in formal disciplinary action but tarnished his professional reputation and foreshadowed similar accusations during his time at OFR.

2. Sexual Harassment Allegations at OFR

Initial Complaint

• In May 2019, an OFR employee filed a formal complaint accusing Rubin of inappropriate conduct:
  • The complaint alleged sexually suggestive comments, unwanted advances, and actions that created a hostile work environment.
  • Specific incidents included Rubin allegedly commenting on the employee’s appearance and discussing personal matters unrelated to work.

Inspector General Investigation

• Following the complaint, Florida’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) launched an investigation led by the Inspector General’s Office:
  • Investigators interviewed several OFR employees who corroborated aspects of the initial complaint, describing Rubin as “condescending” and “unprofessional.”
  • The investigation concluded that Rubin’s behavior was inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a public official.

Suspension

• In May 2019, Rubin was suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. This action was supported by CFO Patronis, who described the allegations as “serious and concerning.”

3. Legal and Political Fallout

Termination by the Florida Cabinet

• On July 25, 2019, the Florida Cabinet, led by CFO Patronis, terminated Rubin following the Inspector General’s report, citing evidence of misconduct and a lack of confidence in his leadership.
• The decision to fire Rubin was unanimous, with members emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the state’s financial regulatory agency.

Retaliation Allegations

• Rubin countered the allegations by claiming his suspension and termination were acts of political retaliation:
  • He alleged that CFO Patronis pressured him to hire a politically connected individual and retaliated when Rubin refused.
  • Rubin also accused Patronis of improperly releasing details of the harassment complaint to the public, violating confidentiality protocols.

Whistleblower Defense

• Rubin filed a whistleblower complaint, asserting that his termination was unlawful and aimed at silencing him for refusing to engage in political favoritism.
• An independent investigation found no merit to Rubin’s claims, siding with CFO Patronis and concluding that Rubin’s suspension was based on credible allegations of misconduct.

4. Legal Actions Post-Termination

Lawsuit Against Lobbyist Paul Mitchell

• Rubin filed a defamation lawsuit against lobbyist Paul Mitchell, accusing him of orchestrating his ouster:
  • Rubin alleged that Mitchell spread false information to CFO Patronis and others, damaging his reputation.
  • In August 2022, a Leon County Circuit Judge dismissed Rubin’s claims, granting summary judgment in favor of Mitchell.
  • The ruling was upheld by the 1st District Court of Appeal in September 2023, which also ordered Rubin to pay Mitchell’s legal fees.

Public Records Dispute

• Rubin accused CFO Patronis of violating Florida’s public records law by releasing details of the harassment complaint.
• Investigators determined that the release of information was conducted in good faith and was not intended to harm Rubin’s reputation.

5. Broader Implications and Public Perception

Impact on OFR

• Rubin’s brief tenure left the Florida Office of Financial Regulation in turmoil:
  • Staff morale reportedly declined due to the controversies, with employees describing the office environment as hostile and dysfunctional during his leadership.
  • The agency’s reputation was further damaged by the public nature of the allegations and investigations.

Political Ramifications

• Rubin’s termination became a point of contention in Florida’s political landscape, with critics accusing CFO Patronis of mishandling the situation.
• Supporters of Rubin argued that his dismissal reflected broader issues of political interference within state agencies.

6. Patterns of Alleged Misconduct

Recurring Allegations

• Rubin’s history of complaints at the CFPB and OFR suggests a pattern of behavior that has raised concerns among colleagues and subordinates:
  • Complaints consistently highlight Rubin’s alleged condescending attitude, inappropriate comments, and failure to foster a professional work environment.

Professional Reputation

• Despite his legal and financial expertise, Rubin’s career has been overshadowed by controversies that have undermined his credibility as a public official.

7. Lessons for Public Institutions

Ensuring Accountability

• Public agencies must establish clear protocols for addressing allegations of misconduct, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the investigative process.

Leadership Screening

• Appointing leaders with a history of complaints or allegations requires thorough vetting to prevent similar issues from arising in future roles.

Protecting Whistleblowers

• Institutions must safeguard whistleblowers who expose unethical practices, while also ensuring that claims of retaliation are objectively investigated.

Conclusion

Ronald Rubin’s tenure as Commissioner of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation was marked by controversy from beginning to end. Allegations of sexual harassment, coupled with claims of political retaliation and subsequent legal disputes, highlighted challenges in leadership, governance, and public accountability within the agency. While Rubin has maintained his innocence and accused others of orchestrating his downfall, the evidence presented by investigators and the Florida Cabinet paints a troubling picture of his conduct and leadership style.

The case underscores the importance of ethical behavior and transparency in public service, serving as a reminder of the critical need for accountability at all levels of government. As Rubin’s legal battles continue to unfold, his story remains a cautionary tale for those entrusted with public trust and authority.

How do we counteract this malpractice?

Once we ascertain the involvement of Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation (or actors working on behalf of Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation), we will inform Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation of our findings via Electronic Mail.

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

Potential Consequences for Ronald Rubin - Florida Office of Financial Regulation

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 Ronald Rubin - Florida Office of Financial Regulation Committing a Cyber Crime?

Yes, it seems so. Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation 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. Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation 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 Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation 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. Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation 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 Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation 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, Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation either premeditated actions or were unaware of the consequences. Despite hiring an agency to make Google disregard any negative information about Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation, 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. Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation is in great company ….

What else is Ronald Rubin - Florida Office of Financial Regulation hiding?

We encourage you to ‘Dork‘ Google by searching for keyword combinations such as [Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation] + {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 Ronald Rubin – Florida Office of Financial Regulation 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.