Massimiliano Arena
We are investigating Massimiliano Arena 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 : Massimiliano Arena
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : 13 Aug 2023
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 9041/A/2024
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 26 Nov 2024
Due Diligence
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Massimiliano Arena 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 Massimiliano Arena - 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
Massimiliano Arena, a London-based financial consultant, has been implicated in a series of legal controversies that have significantly tarnished his professional reputation. The most prominent of these is his alleged involvement in the Bandenia money laundering scandal.
Bandenia Money Laundering Scandal
In January 2025, Italian prosecutors charged Arena and four others with participating in a transnational criminal network that provided illegal financial services through unlicensed companies across multiple countries. Arena, previously a co-director of BBP Bandenia PLC—the main holding firm of the Bandenia banking group—was accused of offering unauthorized financial services and operating shell companies involved in illicit financial activities. The Bandenia group had been under suspicion for facilitating money laundering and fraud, with its operations dismantled in Spain in 2017. Despite this, individuals associated with the Bandenia brand, including Arena, allegedly continued their illegal activities internationally.
Unauthorized Financial Services in Italy
Further investigations by Italian authorities revealed that associates of Arena were selling investments through a group of companies he managed, which were not authorized to offer financial services in Italy. This unauthorized activity expanded the scope of the illicit financial scheme, highlighting the international nature of the operations linked to Arena.
Re-emergence of ‘Fake Bank’ Operations in the UK
Despite the crackdown on Bandenia’s operations in Spain, reports indicated that individuals linked to the group established new entities in the UK. One such entity, Bandenia Challenger Bank, claimed to offer corporate banking services but was found to be a shell company using a fake banking license. Arena’s connections to these new operations further implicated him in ongoing fraudulent activities.
Alleged Attempts to Conceal Negative Information
In addition to these financial crimes, Arena has been accused of attempting to suppress unfavorable information about himself online. Reports suggest that he improperly submitted copyright takedown notices to remove critical reviews and adverse news from search engines, actions that could constitute impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
Impact on Reputation and Potential Motivations for Concealment
The accumulation of these allegations—ranging from involvement in international money laundering to unauthorized financial services and attempts to manipulate online information—has severely damaged Arena’s professional standing. The negative media coverage not only undermines his credibility but also poses significant legal risks. Arena would have a strong incentive to remove such damaging information to protect his reputation and avoid further legal scrutiny. This desire for concealment could potentially drive him to engage in illicit activities, such as submitting fraudulent takedown notices, to suppress the adverse information.
In conclusion, the extensive allegations against Massimiliano Arena paint a picture of a consultant deeply entangled in financial misconduct and unethical practices. The adverse news and red flags associated with his name have not only harmed his reputation but also highlighted the lengths to which he might go to conceal his involvement in these activities.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/35477867
- August 13, 2023
- finley manning
- https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/17518-bandenia-charges-brought-against-fake-bank-s-associate-in-italy
- https://www.weeklyblitz.net/news/italy-brings-charges-against-fake-bank-associate/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
occrp.org
A Fake Bank Was Shut Down in Spain. Now a New One Has Popped Up in the U.K.
- Red Flag
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
Or go directly to the feedback section and share your thoughts
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
1.8
Based on 11 ratings
by: Andrea Russo
Operating unlicensed financial services across borders is already a major red flag—but trying to cover it up with fake takedowns? That’s another level.
by: Oliver Meyer
Massimiliano Arena’s alleged role in the Bandenia scandal shows not just poor judgment, but systemic deception.
by: Emma Wagner
Arena’s name is now synonymous with financial misconduct and trust erosion.
by: Ursula Gray
$42,500 gone just like that because I believed in Massimiliano Arena and now all I’m left with is a stack of unanswered emails fraudulent paperwork and a deep sadness that doesn’t let me sleep
by: Tyler Edwards
I trusted Massimiliano Arena with $34,000 after he presented himself as a seasoned consultant and instead I found myself entangled in legal chaos and empty promises my entire future shattered by his lies I don’t know if I’ll ever recover
by: Damian Vargas
The damage Arena has done through his fake financial services can’t be overstated. He exploited legal loopholes and innocent investors across borders. People like him give the entire financial consulting industry a bad name, and frankly, he belongs behind bars...
by: Freya Paul
It's wild how Arena was charged in Italy but still managed to pose as a legit consultant in London. I almost invested in one of his ventures until I found out the firms weren’t even licensed Total scam artist hiding...
by: Aiden Thornton
It's wild how Arena was charged in Italy but still managed to pose as a legit consultant in London. I almost invested in one of his ventures until I found out the firms weren’t even licensed Total scam artist hiding...
by: Ryder Sherman
The guy runs fake banks and still manages to call himself a consultant Total fraud
by: Milo Barrett
It's shocking to see the lengths Arena went to in order to conceal his wrongdoings. Submitting fake copyright takedown notices is a clear sign of guilt.
by: Bella Curtis
Arena's alleged attempts to manipulate online information and suppress critical reviews demonstrate a blatant disregard for transparency and honesty. Such actions are not only unethical but also illegal, and he must face the consequences.
by: Grace Evans
I can’t believe this guy thought he could get away with running a fake bank. It’s honestly baffling how easy it is for some people to scam others when there’s so little regulation. Arena and his associates deserve to face...
by: Riley Carter
Another financial fraudster exposed. People need to be more careful about what they trust online.
by: Michael Smith
So I read about this guy, Massimiliano Arena, and he’s a real piece of work. His involvement with a fake banking network is bad enough, but he’s apparently trying to cover his tracks by using fake DMCA notices. Seriously, who...
by: Naomi Chandler
This guy's a total fraudster, can't believe he thought he could get away with it.
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