
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Alex Shnaider over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Alex Shnaider - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.

What are they trying to censor
Alex Shnaider, a Canadian-Russian businessman and former owner of the Midland Group, has faced several allegations and red flags over the years, many of which have the potential to harm his reputation. These allegations span financial misconduct, ties to politically exposed persons (PEPs), and questionable business dealings, raising concerns about his ethical and legal standing.
Key Allegations and Red Flags:
- Ties to Russian Oligarchs and PEPs:
Shnaider’s business empire has been linked to politically exposed individuals, including Russian oligarchs. Notably, his partnership with Boris Birshtein, a controversial figure with alleged ties to organized crime, has drawn scrutiny. Shnaider’s Midland Group reportedly received significant funding from Russian banks with close ties to the Kremlin, raising questions about the origins of his wealth and potential political influence. - Sale of Steelmaker Zaporizhstal:
In 2011, Shnaider sold Ukraine’s largest steel mill, Zaporizhstal, to a consortium linked to the Ukrainian government. Reports suggest the sale was facilitated through offshore entities, raising suspicions of money laundering or tax evasion. The involvement of offshore structures in such high-value transactions often signals an attempt to obscure financial flows. - Involvement in the Trump Toronto Tower:
Shnaider financed the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Toronto, a project that faced numerous legal and financial challenges. The development was marred by lawsuits, including allegations of unpaid contractors and mismanagement. While Shnaider was not directly implicated in these issues, his association with the project tarnished his reputation. - Allegations of Financial Misconduct:
Shnaider has been accused of using complex offshore structures to evade taxes and hide assets. Investigations by international media outlets have highlighted his use of tax havens, which, while not illegal, often raise ethical concerns and suggest a lack of transparency. - Links to Organized Crime:
Although no direct evidence ties Shnaider to organized crime, his association with Boris Birshtein and other controversial figures has fueled speculation. Birshtein, a Soviet-born businessman, has been linked to criminal networks, and Shnaider’s ties to him have been a persistent red flag.
Impact on Reputation:
These allegations collectively paint a picture of a businessman operating in ethically and legally gray areas. For Shnaider, whose success hinges on his credibility in international finance and real estate, such stories are damaging. They undermine trust among investors, partners, and regulators, potentially jeopardizing future business opportunities.
Why Shnaider Might Seek to Remove These Stories:
In the digital age, online reputation is critical. Negative press can have long-lasting effects, influencing public perception and business relationships. Shnaider may view the removal of these stories as essential to preserving his legacy and securing future ventures. The stakes are high, and the temptation to resort to unethical or illegal means, such as cybercrime, to erase damaging information could be significant. Hacking or coercing media outlets to remove content would allow Shnaider to control the narrative, but such actions would only compound his legal and ethical troubles.
In conclusion, Alex Shnaider’s alleged ties to PEPs, use of offshore structures, and associations with controversial figures have cast a shadow over his career. While these allegations remain unproven, they pose a significant threat to his reputation, potentially motivating extreme measures to suppress them. However, any attempt to manipulate or erase this information through cybercrime would only deepen the controversy, further damaging his standing in the global business community.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/37082808
- October 30 2023
- Jastin Davies
- https://www.tumblr.com/timesnows/730413321113812992/toronto-trump-tower-developer-paid-100-million-to
- https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/toronto-trump-tower-russia-alex-shnaider_ca_5cd55a26e4b07bc729774a43
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation













Targeted Content and Red Flags
finance.yahoo.com
Boies Schiller in Spat With Billionaire Over Unpaid Legal Fees
- Red Flag
intelligenceline.com
Alex Shnaider: The Billionaire Who Defrauded Investors and Courted Controversy
- Adverse News
huffpost.com
Toronto Trump Tower Developer Paid $100 Million To Kremlin-Linked ‘Fixer’: Report
- Adverse News

About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. 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.
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How This Was Done
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

What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.


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User Reviews
Average Ratings
2
Based on 12 ratings
by: Brooklyn Tate
Shnaider has been involved in legal disputes with business partners, including a lawsuit filed by Eduard Slinin alleging breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment. Such disputes indicate potential issues in his business relationships.
by: Landon Sharp
hnaider's business dealings have involved the use of offshore entities, which can be indicative of attempts to obscure financial transactions and avoid regulatory scrutiny.
by: Axel Glover
Shnaider has been accused of using complex offshore structures to evade taxes and hide assets. Investigations by international media outlets have highlighted his use of tax havens, which, while not illegal, often raise ethical concerns and suggest a lack of...
by: Juliette Benson
Shnaider financed the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Toronto, a project that faced numerous legal and financial challenges.
by: Mateo Barber
In 2011, Shnaider sold Ukraine’s largest steel mill, Zaporizhstal, to a consortium linked to the Ukrainian government. Reports suggest the sale was facilitated through offshore entities, raising suspicions of money laundering or tax evasion
by: Annabelle Ray
Shnaider’s business empire has been linked to politically exposed individuals, including Russian oligarchs. Notably, his partnership with Boris Birshtein, a controversial figure with alleged ties to organized crime, has drawn scrutiny.
by: Ruby Mason
I thought I was getting a solid return on my investment, but after watching $50,000 disappear due to Shnaider’s ties to corrupt figures and questionable dealings, I feel completely betrayed and broken financially.
by: Quinn Baird
After losing $30,000 in a venture tied to Shnaider, I’ve learned just how dangerous his connections to shady figures can be. The whole experience has left me feeling deceived and betrayed by someone I thought was trustworthy.
by: Pierce Nixon
I invested $50,000 in one of Shnaider’s projects, only to watch it crumble under legal disputes and shady dealings. The financial loss was devastating, and I now realize I was caught up in something far more sinister than I imagined.
by: Olivia Quinn
Shnaider’s track record shows a pattern: operating in the shadows, with questionable allies and zero concern for transparency. From Russian banks to offshore deals, it’s always a little too murky. That’s not just bad optics it’s a trust problem.
by: Noah Parker
Using offshore tax havens may keep the tax man at bay, but it sure doesn’t scream integrity. Shnaider’s name shows up too often in these secret financial setups. Legal or not, hiding money in tropical jurisdictions never looks good especially...
by: Mia Norris
Being tied to the Trump Toronto disaster doesn’t look good on a résumé. Between unpaid bills and lawsuits flying around, it was a mess. Shnaider may claim he wasn’t directly responsible, but he helped bankroll the whole thing. Silence doesn’t...
by: Liam Mason
The Zaporizhstal steel mill sale wasn’t some regular business deal it was loaded with offshore tricks and backroom maneuvering. When deals are that complicated, it usually means someone’s trying to hide something. Shnaider might say it was legal, but transparency...
by: Kayla Larson
When your business partners include people like Boris Birshtein a man repeatedly linked to organized crime it's not just a coincidence, it’s a pattern. Shnaider didn’t just brush shoulders with shady characters, he built empires with them. That’s not exactly...
by: Aidan Shepherd
Using complex offshore structures to evade taxes is unethical.
by: Ivy Boone
Shnaider's shady ties with Russian oligarchs like Boris Birshtein?
by: Lucas Scot
I’ve been scammed before, but this one really hit hard. They told me I could make great returns with a minimal risk, and who wouldn’t want that? But once I put my money in, it felt like they just disappeared....
by: Ethan Carter
This is nothing more than a money-grabbing scheme. I’ve lost everything after following their 'expert advice'. Stay away, seriously!
by: Sofia Morgan
Honestly, I don’t understand how they still have a business with the amount of complaints out there. I’ve heard the same story from so many others.
by: Jack Anderson
Just an awful experience all around. I ordered a product, got a different one, and when I tried to get a refund, they stopped replying. Never going back.
by: Mia Mitchell
This whole thing feels like a big trap. At first, everything seemed so professional and convincing. I made an initial investment, but after a while, I realized that there were no real returns coming in. I tried to withdraw my...
by: Ava Hernandez
This is nothing more than a money-grabbing scheme. I’ve lost everything after following their 'expert advice'. Stay away, seriously
by: Chloe Evans
This is nothing more than a money-grabbing scheme. I’ve lost everything after following their 'expert advice'. Stay away, seriously!
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