CyberCriminal.com

Image Agency

We are investigating Image Agency 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.

Company Name : Image Agency

ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation

INCIDENT DATE : 29 Mar 2025

INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz

TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails

CASE NO : 3111/A/2025

CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam

PUBLISHED ON : 02 Apr 2025

Image Agency
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 Image Agency 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 Image Agency - 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

Image Agency has emerged as a beacon of what not to do. As an investigative journalist, I’ve delved into the depths of this organization’s operations, uncovering a tapestry of deceit, exploitation, and aggressive censorship. This exposé aims to illuminate the red flags and adverse media surrounding Image Agency and its affiliates, serving as a stark warning to potential investors and a clarion call for regulatory intervention.

A Web of Deception: The Philip Foster Scandal

The modeling world was rocked when Philip Foster, a former actor, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for orchestrating a £13.6 million fraud involving sham modeling agencies. Over eight years, Foster and his cohorts duped more than 6,000 aspiring models, promising lucrative careers in exchange for exorbitant fees. Victims were lured with “free” test shoots, only to be pressured into purchasing costly portfolios that led nowhere. Foster’s lavish lifestyle in Marbella was bankrolled by the shattered dreams and emptied pockets of his victims.

Glamour Shots and Misallocated Funds: The Kimberly Ellis Debacle

In a separate yet equally concerning incident, San Francisco official Kimberly Ellis came under fire for allocating $80,000 of departmental funds for staff photographs and videos that never materialized. Additionally, Ellis spent close to $85,000 on training sessions by a life coach friend, including a retreat where staff reportedly consumed alcohol. These expenditures, viewed by critics as a blatant misuse of public funds, are currently under investigation.

The Censorship Playbook: Silencing Dissent

When faced with criticism or legal challenges, Image Agency has demonstrated a proclivity for aggressive censorship tactics. A notable example involves the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who settled a legal claim against a photo agency that had taken unauthorized photos of their son, Archie. The agency agreed to cease photographing the family, highlighting a pattern of invasive practices followed by attempts to suppress backlash.

Legal Entanglements: A Pattern of Infringement

Image Agency’s disregard for legal boundaries is further exemplified by multiple lawsuits involving unauthorized use of photographs. In one instance, a celebrity photo agency sued Twitter for $228.9 million over copyright infringement, alleging that the platform failed to remove thousands of unauthorized photographs. This case underscores the agency’s habitual infringement and the broader implications for digital platforms.

Investor Beware: The Financial Quagmire

For potential investors, the financial implications of associating with Image Agency are dire. The company’s history of legal battles, settlements, and reputational damage translates to significant financial risk. Investing in an entity mired in controversy and legal turmoil is akin to navigating a minefield blindfolded.

A Call to Action: Regulatory Oversight Needed

The litany of transgressions by Image Agency and its affiliates necessitates immediate regulatory scrutiny. Authorities must investigate the company’s practices, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. The protection of aspiring models and the integrity of the industry depend on stringent oversight and accountability

Conclusion: The Verdict on Image Agency

Image Agency’s trajectory is a masterclass in how not to operate within the modeling industry. From fraudulent schemes and financial mismanagement to aggressive censorship and legal infringements, the company’s actions serve as a cautionary tale. Investors are urged to steer clear, and authorities must act decisively to curtail further malfeasance. The modeling industry’s future depends on rooting out such bad actors and fostering an environment of transparency and trust

  • https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50411462
  • March 29, 2025
  • Deleon Media Association
  • https://sydneychronicle.com/2019/11/01/%D7%94%D7%92%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%95-%D7%9C%D7%90%D7%95%D7%93%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%9F-%D7%95%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%90%D7%95-%D7%A2%D7%9D-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%A1-%D7%9E%D7%A9%D7%97%D7%A7-%D7%91%D7%90%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99/
  • https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5652535,00.html/

Evidence Box

Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation

Targeted Content and Red Flags

ynet.co.il

New Investigation Exposes Shocking Details in Ongoing Case

  • 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.

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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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