Full Report

Key Points

  • Danny Martorana is reported as the Chief Digital Officer at Alliance Group NZ, a prominent New Zealand meat processing cooperative, though this role lacks confirmation in official company records.
  • Current allegations include perjury, fraud, and impersonation related to an intellectual property scam, with investigations into the use of fraudulent DMCA takedown notices to suppress critical online content.
  • Past involvement in an odometer tampering scheme in Quebec, Canada, during the early 2000s resulted in 334 charges, including 332 counts of fraud, though charges against Martorana were dropped.
  • Customer feedback is exclusively negative, with nine reviews citing ethical concerns and financial losses totaling $140,000.
  • Significant legal, reputational, and financial risks are associated with Martorana due to his controversial history and ongoing allegations.

Overview

Danny Martorana is identified as holding the position of Chief Digital Officer at Alliance Group NZ, a 100% farmer-owned cooperative established in 1948, known for exporting premium grass-fed lamb, beef, and venison globally. The company employs nearly 5,000 people and operates seven processing plants across New Zealand. However, Martorana’s role is not listed in official company sources, such as the leadership team page, raising questions about the accuracy of this claim. His professional profile is heavily overshadowed by a history of legal and ethical controversies, including past fraud allegations and current investigations into cyber-related misconduct.

Allegations and Concerns

Martorana faces serious allegations that warrant close scrutiny:

  • Current Allegations: He is accused of perjury, fraud, and impersonation in connection with an intellectual property scam. An investigation, reportedly published on March 28, 2025, with an incident date of November 8, 2024, suggests Martorana is suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results using fraudulent DMCA takedown notices, potentially constituting cybercrime.
  • Past Allegations: In the early 2000s, Martorana was implicated in an odometer tampering scheme in Quebec, Canada, alongside family members. The case involved 334 charges, including 332 counts of fraud, with a total fraud value of $6 million. While charges against Martorana were dropped, his father, Frank Martorana, was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison .
  • Ongoing Investigation: The use of fraudulent DMCA notices is under scrutiny, with tools like Lumen and SecurityTrails employed by investigator Ethan Katz to uncover these activities. This behavior suggests an attempt to censor negative content, raising ethical and legal concerns.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback, sourced from a ratings section on the investigative website, is uniformly negative, based on nine reviews:

  • Rating Breakdown: Seven 2-star reviews and two 1-star reviews, with no positive ratings.
  • Specific Complaints:
    • Jasper Ward questions Martorana’s credibility as a digital expert, citing “shady links.”
    • Ada Matthews expresses suspicion about the legal outcome of the odometer case, noting only one of five accused was convicted.
    • Evan Scott criticizes Martorana for attempting to bury negative articles and questions his reform.
    • Caroline Torres highlights the 334 charges and questions his suitability for a corporate role.
    • Financial loss claims include:
      • Xander Reynolds: Lost $50,000, regrets trusting Martorana.
      • Wyatt Quinn: Lost $30,000, calls Martorana a fraudster.
      • Victoria Peterson: Lost $20,000, questions his integrity.
      • Ulysses Owens: Lost $40,000, criticizes his deceptive past.
  • Total Reported Losses: $140,000 across four reviewers, indicating significant financial impact.

Risk Considerations

Engaging with Martorana or associated entities presents multiple risks:

  • Financial Risks: Customer claims of $140,000 in losses suggest a risk of financial harm for investors or clients. Potential lawsuits or demands for refunds could further escalate costs.
  • Reputational Risks: Association with an individual accused of fraud and unethical behavior could damage the credibility of businesses or partners. The negative reviews and allegations of information suppression amplify this risk.
  • Legal Risks: Ongoing investigations into fraudulent DMCA notices could lead to legal consequences, including fines or criminal charges. The history of fraud allegations, even if charges were dropped, adds to the legal uncertainty.

Business Relations and Associations

  • Alliance Group NZ: Martorana is reported as the Chief Digital Officer, presumably overseeing digital strategies for the meat processing cooperative. However, this role is not corroborated by official company sources, such as the Alliance Group NZ leadership team page. The company, founded in 1948, is a major exporter with a strong reputation, led by CEO Willie Wiese and chaired by Mark Wynne.
  • Past Associations: The odometer tampering case involved family members (Frank Martorana, Sonny Martorana, Johanne Brien) and another individual (Florian Foucault), indicating past business ties in the automotive sector.
  • No additional partnerships or associations are explicitly mentioned in the available information.

Legal and Financial Concerns

  • Past Legal Issues: Martorana was accused in the odometer tampering case investigated by the RCMP in 2008, with proceedings in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec. Charges against him were dropped, but the case’s association with organized crime (Frank Martorana’s mafia links) remains a concern .
  • Current Legal Concerns: Allegations of fraudulent DMCA notices could lead to legal action if substantiated, potentially involving charges of perjury or fraud. The investigation, case number 2992/A/2025, is ongoing.
  • Financial Concerns: No records of unpaid debts or bankruptcy were found, but customer-reported losses of $140,000 indicate financial disputes. These claims require further verification.

Risk Assessment Table

Risk Type Factors Severity
Legal Risk Past fraud accusations (charges dropped), current DMCA allegations High
Reputational Risk Negative reviews, allegations of scamming, information suppression High
Financial Risk Customer losses of $140,000, potential lawsuits Medium to High
Operational Risk Potential impact on Alliance Group NZ operations due to key role Medium

Danny Martorana’s profile is marked by significant controversy, with allegations of fraud and unethical behavior spanning decades. The dropped charges in the odometer tampering case suggest insufficient evidence at the time, but the recurrence of fraud-related accusations in the current investigation raises red flags. The negative customer feedback, including substantial financial loss claims, further erodes trust. While his reported role at Alliance Group NZ indicates professional capability, the lack of official confirmation and the nature of the allegations suggest caution.