Lanistar

We are investigating Lanistar 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 : Lanistar

ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation

INCIDENT DATE : 06 Oct 2024

INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz

TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails

CASE NO : 0650/A/2024

CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam

PUBLISHED ON : 26 Nov 2024

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

Due Diligence

Get everything we know about Lanistar in one downloadable PDF document

Learn More

Is This About You?

We encourage you to share details of the actual perpetrators and get your story straight.

What We Are Investigating?

Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Lanistar 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 Lanistar - 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

Lanistar burst onto the fintech scene in 2020 with the kind of fanfare usually reserved for Silicon Valley darlings. Promising a “revolutionary” multi-currency payment card and a sleek app, the company claimed it would disrupt the financial services industry. Gurhan Kiziloz, the self-proclaimed “visionary” behind Lanistar, positioned himself as a wunderkind entrepreneur, despite a conspicuously thin track record in fintech or any other industry.

But as the old adage goes, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And Lanistar’s story is no exception. Almost immediately, the company found itself embroiled in controversy, with regulators, journalists, and even former employees raising serious concerns about its operations, leadership, and legitimacy.

Red Flags Galore: A Due Diligence Nightmare
Let’s start with the most glaring red flags, shall we? Because there are plenty to choose from.

Regulatory Warnings: In December 2020, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a public warning against Lanistar, stating that the company was not authorized to provide financial services or products. This is the equivalent of a giant neon sign flashing “STAY AWAY.” Yet, Lanistar continued to market its products aggressively, seemingly unfazed by the FCA’s intervention.

Dubious Partnerships: Lanistar has made grandiose claims about partnerships with major financial institutions, including Visa and Mastercard. However, both companies have distanced themselves from Lanistar, with Visa explicitly stating that it has no relationship with the company. This raises serious questions about the veracity of Lanistar’s marketing claims.

Adverse Media Coverage: A quick Google search reveals a litany of negative press about Lanistar and Kiziloz. From allegations of misleading advertising to reports of high employee turnover and internal chaos, the company has been a magnet for bad publicity. Yet, instead of addressing these issues head-on, Lanistar has chosen to double down on its strategy of obfuscation and deflection.

Kiziloz’s Questionable Background: Gurhan Kiziloz’s LinkedIn profile paints a picture of a serial entrepreneur, but a closer look reveals a lack of substantive experience in fintech or any other industry. His previous ventures, including a luxury car rental business, have been described as underwhelming at best. This lack of a credible track record should give any investor pause.

The Art of Censorship: Silencing Critics and Controlling the Narrative
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Lanistar’s apparent obsession with censoring negative information. Over the past year, there have been numerous reports of the company using legal threats, takedown requests, and other tactics to suppress critical coverage. This is not the behavior of a confident, transparent organization; it’s the behavior of a company with something to hide.

Legal Threats: Several journalists and bloggers who have written about Lanistar’s regulatory issues and questionable practices have reported receiving cease-and-desist letters from the company’s legal team. These letters often demand the removal of articles and social media posts, citing defamation and other alleged legal violations. While some may view this as a legitimate defense strategy, it reeks of desperation and an attempt to intimidate critics into silence.

Social Media Manipulation: Lanistar has also been accused of using fake accounts and bots to drown out negative comments and promote positive narratives about the company. This kind of astroturfing is not only unethical but also raises questions about the authenticity of Lanistar’s online presence.

Selective Transparency: When confronted with difficult questions, Lanistar and Kiziloz have a habit of deflecting or providing vague, non-committal answers. For example, when asked about the FCA warning, Kiziloz dismissed it as a “misunderstanding” and claimed that Lanistar was working closely with regulators to resolve the issue. Yet, there has been no public update on this supposed resolution, leaving investors and customers in the dark.

Why the Censorship? Follow the Money
So, why is Lanistar so determined to control the narrative? The answer, as always, comes down to money. Lanistar has reportedly raised millions of pounds from investors, and its business model relies heavily on attracting new customers to its platform. If the negative press and regulatory warnings were to gain traction, it could spell disaster for the company’s financial prospects.

Moreover, Kiziloz’s personal reputation is inextricably tied to Lanistar’s success. If the company were to collapse under the weight of its controversies, it would not only be a financial blow but also a significant blow to his ego. After all, what’s a self-proclaimed “visionary” without a company to lead?

A Call to Action: Investors and Regulators, Beware
To potential investors: consider this report a warning. Lanistar’s business practices, regulatory issues, and lack of transparency are not the hallmarks of a trustworthy company. The fact that Gurhan Kiziloz and his team are so focused on censoring negative information should be a major red flag. Investing in Lanistar is not just a financial risk; it’s a gamble on a company that seems more interested in spin than substance.

To regulators: it’s time to take a closer look at Lanistar and its operations. The FCA’s warning was a good first step, but more needs to be done to protect consumers and investors from potential harm. Lanistar’s attempts to silence critics and obscure the truth are not just unethical; they may also be indicative of deeper issues that warrant further investigation.

Conclusion: A House of Cards Waiting to Fall
In the end, Gurhan Kiziloz and Lanistar are a case study in how not to run a fintech company. From regulatory warnings to adverse media coverage, the red flags are impossible to ignore. And yet, instead of addressing these issues head-on, Kiziloz and his team have chosen to bury their heads in the sand—or, more accurately, to bury the truth under a mountain of legal threats and PR spin.

But here’s the thing about censorship: it only works for so long. Eventually, the truth has a way of coming to light. And when it does, Lanistar’s house of cards is likely to come crashing down. The only question is how many investors and customers will be left holding the bag when it does.

So, to Gurhan Kiziloz and Lanistar, I say this: instead of trying to silence your critics, why not try addressing their concerns? Transparency and accountability may not be as flashy as a multi-currency payment card, but they’re a lot more likely to earn you the trust of investors and regulators alike. Then again, maybe that’s not the point. After all, when you’re selling a dream, who has time for pesky things like facts?

https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49141835
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49090028
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49302061
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49365721
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49232538
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49187019
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49193875
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49199685
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49190244
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49226673
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49126876
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49126986
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49134538
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49142576
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49136586
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49158464
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49160770
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49163356
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49158348
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49154382
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49148827
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49177507
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49155736
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49100523
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49091465
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/45202533
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48542511
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48395320
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48391424
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48390423
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49144213
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/45077136
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/45250163
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/45164817
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/47649390
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/47974010
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48277665
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48380301
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49189033
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/47638929
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49867593
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/47536066
https://lumendatabase.org/notices/45107700

Oct 06, 2024
Feb 17, 2025
January 29, 2025
January 24, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 18, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025
October 02, 2024
October 07, 2024
October 06, 2024
October 04, 2024
December 31, 2024
January 10, 2025
January 21, 2025
January 24, 2025
December 31, 2024
February 17, 2025
February 16, 2025
February 23, 2025
February 25, 2025
February 20, 2025
February 19, 2025
February 19, 2025
February 19, 2025
February 19, 2025
February 20, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 18, 2025
February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025
February 19, 2025
March 12, 2025
December 27, 2024
October 02, 2024

Erreck Media Inc
frauddocs.com
LexMachinaX
DVDBRT LLC
TechRound
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
Ross & Russell Media Inc.
Carlos & Law Co.
Erreck Media Inc.
Bush Communications
Chola LLC
Chola LLC
uj22.com
uj22.com
Bilora LLC
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
frauddocs.com
Perrier & Associates
frauddocs.com
Tasi LLC
Delano Media International

https://georgiagazzetta.com/how-lanistar-bosss-crypto-coin-blitz-left-investors-out-of-pocket
https://frauddocs.com/55-2/
https://techround.co.uk/news/lanistar-recent-instagram-marketing-campaign-attracts-fcas-attention/
https://techround.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/27496/GurhanKiziloz2-e1605607337700-1600×1627.jpg
https://frauddocs.com/55-2/
https://frauddocs.com/arveen-sharok
https://techround.co.uk/news/lanistar-recent-instagram-marketing-campaign-attracts-fcas-attention/
https://techround.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/27496/GurhanKiziloz2-e1605607337700-1600×1627.jpg
https://merlinnewsgazzeta.com/how-lanistar-bosss-crypto-coin-blitz-left-investors-out-of-pocket/
https://georgiagazzetta.com/how-lanistar-bosss-crypto-coin-blitz-left-investors-out-of-pocket/
https://www.kjrh.com/news/40-years-later-the-girl-scout-murders
https://krcgtv.com/news/local/double-murder-suicide-suspected-in-kansas
https://www.uj22.com/2020/01/21/114/
https://www.cityam.com/regulator-issues-warning-on-fintech-lanistar/
https://frauddocs.com/55-2/
https://frauddocs.com/arveen-sharok/
https://frauddocs.com/29-2/
https://frauddocs.com/19-2/
https://mormonfind.com/2024/02/19/how-lanistar-bosss-crypto-coin-blitz-left-investors-out-of-pocket/
https://www.bostonherald.com/2017/04/27/trial-finally-begins-in-2010-roxbury-grocery-murder/
https://frauddocs.com/fraud/
https://thedeckpodcast.com/owachige-osceola/
https://merlinnewsgazzeta.com/how-lanistar-bosss-crypto-coin-blitz-left-investors-out-of-pocket/

https://www.intelligenceline.com/r/Reports/52396/gurhan-kiziloz-and-lanistar-ambition-controversy-and-the-quest-for-fintech-dominance/
https://zephyrnet.com/nl/gurhan-kiziloz-resolves-legal-setbacks-setting-lanistar-up-for-fintech-success-in-2025/
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/turning-failures-fortune-gurhan-kizilozs-journey-billionaire-status-unfolds-1730928
https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/gurhankiziloz-the-adhd-driven-entrepreneur-is-building-a-1-5b-business-here-s-his-secret/ar-AA1zgyit
https://esports.fandom.com/wiki/Gurhan_Kiziloz
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/turning-every-setback-bigger-opportunities-how-gurhan-kiziloz-built-700-million-net-worth-1731394
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurhan_Kiziloz
https://europeangaming.eu/portal/norss/2025/02/19/176707/megaposta-crosses-400m-whats-next-for-gurhan-kiziloz/
https://techstory.in/a-breakdown-of-gurhan-kizilozs-400-million-gambling-empire/
https://finbold.com/gurhan-kiziloz-the-persistence-beats-resistance-motto-and-the-quick-rise-to-700m-net-worth/
https://europeangaming.eu/portal/latest-news/2025/02/17/176479/inside-gurhan-kizilozs-1-45b-revenue-strategy-with-nexus-international-in-2025/
https://readwrite.com/the-billion-dollar-bet-gurhan-kiziloz-on-track-to-become-the-next-industry-titan/
https://europeangaming.eu/portal/latest-news/2025/02/20/176767/700-million-net-worth-gurhan-kiziloz-gets-set-for-an-uphill-journey/
https://readwrite.com/gurhan-kiziloz-eyes-major-expansion-of-his-700m-empire/
https://readwrite.com/no-retreat-no-surrender-gurhan-kizilozs-bid-to-enter-the-billionaire-club/
https://www.valuewalk.com/persistence-beats-resistance-how-gurhan-kiziloz-and-lanistar-defy-the-odds-in-fintech/
https://finbold.com/why-are-digital-banks-the-future-of-money-lanistar-the-digital-revolution/
https://financefeeds.com/pt/gurhan-kiziloz-resolves-legal-setbacks-setting-lanistar-up-for-fintech-success-in-2025/
https://spfc.net/news.asp?nID=260596
https://techstory.in/relentless-momentum-gurhan-kiziloz-shows-no-signs-of-stopping-at-700-million/
https://financefeeds.com/de/Einen-Spieler-zum-K%C3%B6nig-machen-Wie-Gurhan-Kiziloz-mit-Lanistar-das-Bankgesch%C3%A4ft-revolutioniert/
https://financefeeds.com/sv/turning-a-player-into-a-king-how-gurhan-kiziloz-is-transforming-banking-with-lanistar/
https://fox59.com/business/press-releases/cision/20241213LN79526/lanistar-launches-new-gaming-sites-in-brazil-as-secures-right-to-operate-pending-final-approval-on-its-licence/
https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/lanistar-boss-crypto-coin-big-eyes-gurhan-kiziloz-9b0bb1b3
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3803040614774-gurhan-kiziloz-eyes-major-expansion-of-his-700m-empire
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3795819581176-no-retreat-no-surrender-gurhan-kiziloz-s-bid-to-enter-the-billionaire-club
https://fnlondon.com/articles/lanistar-boss-crypto-coin-big-eyes-gurhan-kiziloz-9b0bb1b3/
https://www.fnlondon.com/amp/articles/lanistar-boss-crypto-coin-big-eyes-gurhan-kiziloz-9b0bb1b3
https://www.jpost.com/crypto-currency/article-842509
https://www.jpost.com/crypto-currency/article-844967
https://europeangaming.eu/portal/latest-news/2025/02/18/176581/from-400m-to-1-45b-5-lessons-from-gurhan-kizilozs-business-expansion-strategy/
https://www.jpost.com/crypto-currency/article-842071
http://www.fnlondon.com/articles/lanistar-boss-crypto-coin-big-eyes-gurhan-kiziloz-9b0bb1b3/

Evidence Box

Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation

Targeted Content and Red Flags

fnlondon

Investors Left out of Pocket

Red Flag

Visit Link

ft.com

Instagram-hyped fintech Lanistar not authorised, warns FCA

Red Flag

Visit Link

Sifted

Warning issued against Hyped Fintech Lanistar

Adverse News

Visit Link

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

Investigation Status

Escalate This Case

Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam

Or go directly to the feedback section and share your thoughts

Add Comment or Feedback

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 Lanistar 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.