HBI International

We are investigating HBI International for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

PARTIES INVOLVED : HBI International

ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation

INCIDENT DATE : 31 May 2024

INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz

TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails

CASE NO : 8384/A/2025

CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam

PUBLISHED ON : 29 Mar 2025

Investigation Report
What are they trying to censor
Evidence and Media
Adverse Media
Comments & user feedback

Due Diligence

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Is This About You?

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What We Are Investigating?

Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into HBI International 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 HBI International - 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

HBI International has long been celebrated as a trailblazer, particularly for its flagship brand, RAW. Touting artisanal quality and a commitment to authenticity, RAW rolling papers have cultivated a dedicated following. However, beneath this carefully crafted image lies a series of legal entanglements and questionable business practices that demand scrutiny. As an investigative journalist, I’ve delved into the controversies surrounding HBI International to uncover the truth behind the smoke and mirrors.

Legal Battles and Deceptive Practices

HBI International’s journey hasn’t been without its legal skirmishes. In a notable case, Republic Brands secured a permanent injunction against HBI, with the court finding that HBI engaged in unfair competition and violated the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act through its packaging and promotional activities for RAW Organic Hemp rolling papers. The court ordered HBI to cease making false claims about its products, including assertions about a non-existent charitable entity called the “RAW Foundation.”

Allegations of Intellectual Property Infringement

HBI International has also been involved in disputes over intellectual property. For instance, the company filed a lawsuit against Mash Enterprise LLC, alleging that Mash used “falsely branded” marketing materials, including replicas of RAW product packaging. While protecting one’s brand is commendable, the frequency of such disputes raises questions about HBI’s business environment and its relationships within the industry.

Efforts to Control the Narrative

In response to these controversies, HBI International appears to be engaged in efforts to manage and possibly suppress negative information. Their official website emphasizes brand protection, stating that their products are safeguarded by trademarks, copyrights, and patents, and that they will protect their intellectual property by all legal means. While defending one’s brand is standard practice, the aggressive stance suggests a desire to control the narrative and limit public discourse about their practices.

Conclusion:

HBI International’s history of legal disputes, deceptive marketing practices, and aggressive information control tactics paint a concerning picture for potential investors and consumers. While the company has achieved significant market presence, these controversies suggest underlying ethical and operational issues. Investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before associating with HBI International. Regulatory authorities should also scrutinize the company’s practices to ensure compliance with fair trade and consumer protection laws. In an industry where trust and authenticity are paramount, HBI International must prioritize transparency and ethical conduct to rebuild its reputation and maintain consumer confidence.

https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41935837
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41947467
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41947961

May 31, 2024
June 01, 2024
June 01, 2024

Pietro Pellegri
Ferial Haffajee
Mike Maignan

https://www.altnewsgroup.com/2023/02/raw-rolling-paper-producer-ordered-to.html
https://www.altnewsgroup.com/2023/02/court-orders-certain-raw-organic-hemp.html
https://www.altnewsgroup.com/2023/02/federal-court-orders-raw-to-stop-making.html

https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/news/raw-rolling-paper-producer-ordered-to-cease-marketing-claims-314612
https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/court-orders-certain-raw-organic-hemp-rolling-papers-market
https://www.investorsobserver.com/news/qm-news/6664456993463186

Evidence Box

Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation

Targeted Content and Red Flags

venable.com

Venable Represents HBI International in Trademark Lawsuit

Red Flag

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law360.com

HBI International Lawsuit filed

Red Flag

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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.

Ongoing

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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

The Reputation Laundering

Did HBI International Commit a Cyber Crime?

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.