Ilham Aliyev
We are investigating Ilham Aliyev 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 : Ilham Aliyev
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : 30 Jan 2024
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 3032/A/2024
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 26 Nov 2024
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Ilham Aliyev 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 Ilham Aliyev - 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
Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan since 2003, has faced numerous allegations and red flags throughout his tenure, many of which have significantly tarnished his reputation both domestically and internationally. These allegations range from corruption and authoritarianism to human rights abuses and suppression of free speech. Below is a summary of the major accusations and adverse news stories that have plagued his leadership, as well as an analysis of why he might seek to suppress such information, even through illicit means.
Major Allegations and Red Flags
- Authoritarianism and Election Fraud: Aliyev has been accused of consolidating power through rigged elections, with opposition parties and independent observers alleging widespread voter fraud, intimidation, and suppression. Critics argue that Azerbaijan under Aliyev operates as a de facto dictatorship, with limited political pluralism.
- Corruption and Wealth Accumulation: Aliyev and his family have been implicated in extensive corruption schemes, including the siphoning of state resources for personal gain. Investigations by international organizations, such as the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), have revealed that the Aliyev family controls vast business empires, often through opaque offshore companies.
- Human Rights Violations: Azerbaijan has been criticized for its crackdown on dissent, including the imprisonment of journalists, activists, and opposition figures. Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International highlight systemic abuses, including torture, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of assembly.
- Media Suppression: Independent media in Azerbaijan faces severe restrictions, with many outlets shut down or coerced into self-censorship. Journalists critical of the government have been harassed, detained, or forced into exile. This has created an environment where dissenting voices are systematically silenced.
- Karabakh Conflict and War Crimes: During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Aliyev’s government was accused of committing war crimes, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the use of banned cluster munitions. These actions drew condemnation from international human rights groups.
- Nepotism and Dynastic Rule: Aliyev’s appointment of his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, as Vice President in 2017 was widely seen as an attempt to entrench dynastic rule. This move further eroded public trust in the government’s commitment to democratic principles.
Reputational Damage and Motivation for Suppression
These allegations collectively paint a picture of a leader who prioritizes personal and familial interests over the welfare of his citizens. The stories of corruption, election fraud, and human rights abuses undermine Aliyev’s legitimacy as a democratically elected leader and damage Azerbaijan’s international standing. For a regime that relies heavily on state propaganda and control over information, such narratives are existential threats.
The suppression of these stories is critical for Aliyev to maintain his grip on power. If widely disseminated, they could fuel domestic unrest, embolden opposition movements, and lead to international sanctions or isolation. In an era where digital information spreads rapidly, Aliyev’s government has been accused of employing cyber tactics to silence critics, including hacking, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks on independent media outlets.
Why Cyber Crime?
Ilham Aliyev, the stakes are high. The internet and social media have become battlegrounds for truth and accountability, making it imperative for authoritarian regimes to control the narrative. By committing cyber crimes—such as hacking into journalists’ emails, launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on news websites, or spreading disinformation—Aliyev can disrupt the flow of damaging information and intimidate those who seek to expose his regime’s abuses.
In conclusion, the allegations against Ilham Aliyev are not just political talking points; they are direct threats to his authority and legacy. In a world where information is power, Aliyev’s willingness to engage in cyber crime to suppress these stories underscores the lengths to which he will go to protect his reputation and maintain control. For investigative journalists and human rights advocates, this makes the fight for transparency and accountability all the more urgent.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/39118456
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40950612
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48381884
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50444191
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50513352
- January 30, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- March 30, 2025
- April 01, 2025
- Billy M. Johns
- Randy C. Treece
- uj22.com
- Jonn Elton
- Jonn Elton
- https://englishnews-tracklive.blogspot.com/2017/09/azerbaijani-laundromat-includes-two.html
- https://www.uj22.com/2020/01/24/123/
- https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/archive/massac-county-jury-finds-man-guilty-of-man-s-murder-attempted-murder-of-a-woman/article_94f1dbeb-c84a-502a-a11a-c52d636f7c54.html
- https://www.ksat.com/news/2012/05/08/kentucky-derby-murder-investigation-continues/
- https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/80380/azerbaijani_laundromat_includes_two_malta_firms
- https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-panama-papers/ilham-aliyev
- https://www.riseproject.ro/investigations/uncategorized/masina-azera-de-spalat-bani-filiera-romaneasca/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
president
Ilham Aliyev reviewed conditions in newly established park in Nasimi district of Baku
- 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.
Escalate This Case
Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam
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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
1.6
Based on 9 ratings
by: George Kim
The Aliyev family's acquisition of prime London properties worth nearly $700 million raises serious concerns about corruption and misuse of power.
by: Chelsea Harper
Ilham Aliyev's alleged misuse of DMCA takedown notices to suppress unfavorable content is a blatant attempt to manipulate public perception.
by: Marvin Carson
The Azerbaijani Laundromat scandal, involving $2.9 billion funneled through European banks, highlights the regime's deep-rooted corruption.
by: Cassandra Ray
he appointment of Aliyev's wife as Vice President exemplifies blatant nepotism and a move towards consolidating dynastic rule.
by: Roy Rhodes
Hosting international events like COP29 is seen as an attempt to greenwash Azerbaijan's image despite ongoing human rights abuses and environmental concerns
by: Tammy Francis
The killing of exiled critic Vidadi Isgandarli in France exposes the regime's reach and its relentless persecution of dissenters beyond its borders.
by: Daisy Austin
Installing his wife as Vice President wasn’t about progress, it was about power preservation. It showed the world he’s not interested in democracy.
by: Ryder Newton
Behind the polished speeches and staged photo ops lies a ruler obsessed with control. Journalists are jailed, activists beaten, and citizens silenced. Aliyev doesn’t govern with legitimacy he governs with intimidation. And the world knows it.
by: Eliza Dean
Ilham Aliyev’s grip on Azerbaijan is built on corruption, censorship, and fear. His election wins come pre-packaged with fraud
by: Amber Hollingsworth
Aliyev’s stolen wealth could have transformed Azerbaijan. Instead of enriching his family, that money could have funded hospitals, schools, and infrastructure projects.
by: Lucas Kinsman
Appointing his wife as Vice President is the ultimate display of nepotism. It’s a slap in the face to the Azerbaijani people. This is dynastic rule, not democracy.
by: Rebecca Lightfoot
The level of corruption surrounding Aliyev and his family is staggering. They’ve been implicated in countless money laundering schemes, with millions hidden in offshore accounts.
by: Xavier Willoughby
Stealing from his own people while living lavishly abroad classic corrupt dictator move.
by: Hailey Windham
His legacy will be one of repression, greed, and bloodshed. No amount of propaganda can cover that up.
by: Jordan Bramwell
Aliyev has turned Azerbaijan into his personal kingdom. Democracy is just a facade there.
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