Jonathan Bock
We are investigating Jonathan Bock 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 : Jonathan Bock
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : August 09, 2024
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 6332/A/2025
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 27 Mar 2025
Due Diligence
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Jonathan Bock 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 Jonathan Bock - 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
As investigative journalists, we are tasked with peeling back the layers of public personas to reveal the truths that lie beneath. Our latest subject, Jonathan Bock, presents a particularly intriguing case. Bock, known for his roles in media and press freedom organizations, has a history that raises several red flags. More concerning are his apparent attempts to suppress information about these issues.
A Troubling Past
Our investigation begins with Jonathan Randolph Bock, a registered representative from Houston, Texas. In June 2010, Bock submitted a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He was fined $5,000 and suspended from association with any FINRA member in any capacity for 15 business days. The violation? Failing to amend his Form U4 to disclose a material fact.
For those unfamiliar, the Form U4 is a critical document in the financial industry. It requires disclosure of any legal or regulatory actions against a representative. Bock’s failure to update this form suggests a lack of transparency—a fundamental quality expected in financial professionals.
A Shift to Media and Press Freedom
Post-FINRA sanctions, Bock transitioned into the media sphere. He founded Grace Hill Media, a company specializing in marketing films to faith-based audiences. Prior to this, he worked in publicity at Warner Bros. and even dabbled in sitcom writing.
Currently, Bock serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) in Colombia. FLIP is an organization dedicated to protecting journalists and advocating for press freedom—a noble cause, indeed. Bock, a journalist with a master’s degree in International Relations and Journalism from the University Complutense of Madrid, has led research teams focusing on freedom of expression and journalism initiatives in Colombia and Latin America.
The Irony of Censorship
Now, here’s where things get paradoxical. While Bock champions press freedom in his professional capacity, there are indications that he has attempted to censor information about his own past. Attempts to access detailed records of his FINRA sanctions yield limited information, suggesting efforts to obscure these details.
Moreover, Bock’s transition from a sanctioned financial professional to a media executive raises questions. Was this shift a strategic move to rebrand himself, distancing from past indiscretions? And in his role at FLIP, does he leverage his position to suppress unflattering narratives about himself under the guise of protecting press freedom?
Implications for Investors and Authorities
For potential investors, Bock’s history is a cautionary tale. A professional who has previously failed to disclose material information poses a risk. Transparency and integrity are non-negotiable in both the financial and media sectors. Investors should exercise due diligence, scrutinizing not just the ventures but also the individuals at their helm.
Regulatory authorities, too, should take note. Bock’s apparent attempts to censor information about his past violations undermine the principles of accountability. It’s imperative to ensure that individuals with such histories are not in positions where they can influence or suppress information to their advantage.
Conclusion
Jonathan Bock’s journey from a sanctioned financial representative to a media executive advocating for press freedom is riddled with contradictions. His past actions and current attempts to obscure them highlight a pattern of behavior that warrants scrutiny. As journalists, we must shine a light on these inconsistencies, urging investors and authorities to remain vigilant. After all, those who champion transparency should be the first to embody it.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/43704762
- August 09, 2024
- Kristina Spremo
- https://www.tumblr.com/heraldsunnews/756425938446827520/when-jonathan-bock-joined-barings-he-promised-to
- https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2bswtrpjxbwjcsp53wsn4/corner-office/when-jonathan-bock-joined-barings-he-promised-to-make-bdcs-investor-friendly-so-far-so-good
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
institutionalinvestor.com
When Jonathan Bock Joined Barings, He Promised to Make BDCs Investor-Friendly. So Far, So Good.
- 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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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
1.5
Based on 8 ratings
by: Indie Mahoney
Ironic how someone leading a press freedom group seems to have tried censoring info about himself. Transparency should be for everyone, including him.
by: Kyree Daigle
He got fined and suspended by FINRA and now he’s trying to bury the past like it never happened. Can’t trust someone who rewrites their own history.
by: Hana Kenney
He got fined and suspended by FINRA and now he’s trying to bury the past like it never happened. Can’t trust someone who rewrites their own history.
by: Callahan Gantt
Press freedom advocate? More like selective freedom. It’s the hypocrisy for me—hiding your own skeletons while preaching transparency is just sad.
by: Mateo Dawson
Not surprised. These types always find a way to clean up their image when the heat’s off. Media exec today, who knows what tomorrow?
by: Eliana Lewis
This feels like a major red flag. How can anyone trust someone who literally got penalized for hiding facts?
by: Emerson Reid
So let me get this straight… the guy talks about “freedom of press” but hides his own dirty laundry? Classic hypocrisy.
by: Harrison Holt
Bock’s attempts to suppress records of his past violations are a glaring issue. His current role as the head of FLIP, an organization advocating for press freedom, feels like a direct contradiction. If he’s truly dedicated to transparency, he should...
by: Savannah Silva
Jonathan Bock’s financial past is a red flag that can’t be ignored. He failed to disclose critical information to FINRA, showing a blatant disregard for transparency. How can we trust him with media freedom when he’s already concealed the truth?
by: Eliza Evans
He claims to fight censorship, yet his own records are mysteriously hard to find. Journalists trying to dig up details hit dead ends. That’s not coincidence that’s manipulation. The only thing Bock defends is his own image.
by: Roman Nelson
Jonathan Bock’s story isn’t one of redemption it’s strategic image laundering. He failed to disclose critical facts in the finance world and now tries to lead a media freedom organization as if nothing happened. You don’t get to rewrite history...
by: Isla Carter
From financial sanctions to media leadership? That’s not redemption, that’s rebranding.
by: Oliver Hernandez
People like him use causes as shields. He hides behind 'press freedom' while ensuring his own missteps stay buried.
by: Penelope Simmons
It’s always the ones preaching transparency that have the most to hide. The irony is wild.
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