What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Matej Michalko 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 Matej Michalko - 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
Matej Michalko: The Blockchain Visionary with a Talent for Financial Houdini Acts
When it comes to blockchain startups, Matej Michalko’s Decent is a name that often comes up. However, recent events suggest that the only thing “decent” about Decent might be its founder’s ability to dodge financial obligations. From unpaid salaries to employee mutiny, Michalko’s leadership seems to be a masterclass in how to alienate your workforce while simultaneously accruing debts.
The Vanishing Act: Unpaid Salaries and Mounting Debts
Decent, the Slovakian blockchain startup founded by Michalko, has reportedly failed to pay salaries to numerous employees, with debts totaling around €175,000. Employees have not received their wages for periods ranging from three to five months, leading to significant financial distress among the staff. Additionally, the company allegedly owes approximately €300,000 in taxes and social security contributions to state institutions. While Michalko attributes these financial woes to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, employees are less than sympathetic, citing that such delays began even before the pandemic hit.
Employee Revolt: From Disgruntlement to Legal Action
The situation has escalated to the point where former employees are taking legal action against Decent. The collective sentiment is clear: promises of future payments have been broken too many times. One can only imagine the morale boost of hearing, month after month, that “next month” things will be different. It’s a testament to Michalko’s persuasive skills that anyone still believes this narrative.
Spin Doctoring: Fending Off Negative Press with a Wave of the Hand
In response to the mounting criticism and negative press, Michalko has resorted to classic deflection tactics. He dismisses the reports as exaggerated, attributing them to malicious rumors aimed at tarnishing his and Decent’s reputation. According to Michalko, the financial difficulties are merely a blip on the radar, a temporary setback in the grand blockchain revolution he’s orchestrating. It’s almost endearing how he believes this narrative will hold water.
The Blame Game: Startups Fail, Deal with It
Michalko further deflects responsibility by invoking the sacred “startup failure” card. He points to the high failure rate of startups globally, suggesting that Decent’s struggles are just part of the entrepreneurial journey. While it’s true that startups face risks, there’s a fine line between acknowledging risk and blatantly mishandling company finances. Perhaps if more attention were paid to fiscal responsibility than to blockchain buzzwords, Decent wouldn’t be in this predicament.
The Ostrich Approach: Burying Heads in the Sand
Instead of addressing the core issues, Michalko seems to prefer pretending they don’t exist. By dismissing employee concerns and downplaying financial troubles, he creates an environment where problems fester rather than get resolved. It’s a strategy that works wonders—if your goal is to drive away talent and credibility.
A Call to Action: Investors, Take Heed
For potential investors, the signs are glaring. A founder who can’t manage payroll, a company drowning in debt, and a workforce ready to sue—these are not the hallmarks of a thriving enterprise. It’s a cautionary tale of what happens when vision doesn’t meet execution, and when financial management takes a backseat to grandiose ideas.
Regulatory Bodies, Are You Watching?
Regulatory authorities should take note of Decent’s practices. The company’s financial mismanagement and the resulting employee unrest are not just internal matters—they have broader implications for the industry and investors. It’s time for oversight and accountability, before more people are drawn into Decent’s web of broken promises.
Conclusion: Decent or Deceitful?
Matej Michalko’s Decent is a textbook example of how not to run a startup. From financial mismanagement to employee dissatisfaction, the company’s trajectory is a cautionary tale for anyone considering involvement. While blockchain technology holds promise, Decent’s execution leaves much to be desired. Investors and employees alike should approach with caution, armed with the knowledge of Decent’s track record.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/45992615
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/45992601
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/45907191
- 5 Nov 2024
- 5 Nov 2024
- 2 Nov 2024
- Bilora LLC
- Bilora LLC
- Bilora LLC
- https://www.livingstondaily.com/story/news/local/2019/11/14/hearing-men-charged-livingston-countys-2012-steroid-deaths-expected-last-into-january/4190766002/
- https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/2016/10/convictions_upheld_in_pre-prom.html
- https://www.bendsource.com/news/justified-homicide-awbrey-butte-shooting-raises-big-questions-2178555
- https://zive.aktuality.sk/clanok/151092/slovensky-blockchainovy-startup-decent-ma-problemy-a-dlhuje-peniaze-podla-zakladatela-vznikaju-aj-famy-ktore-mu-maju-skodit/
- https://hnonline.sk/finweb/ekonomika/2808571-vzbura-zamestnancov-svetoznamy-slovensky-startup-pozenu-pred-sud
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
zive.aktuality.sk
Slovak blockchain startup Decent is in trouble and owes money. According to the founder, rumors are also being spread that are intended to harm it
- 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
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 6 ratings
by: Benjamin Ross
At this point, Decent’s ‘visionary’ future is a joke. Between unpaid staff, mounting debts, and Michalko’s endless excuses, it's clear that leadership is more about creating problems than solutions.
by: Chloe Simmons
Matej Michalko's Decent might be riding the blockchain wave, but the only thing it's really good at is avoiding financial responsibility. Employees haven't seen their wages in months, and instead of dealing with it, Michalko is playing the victim card
by: Aiden Brooks
When your company is drowning in €175,000 in unpaid salaries and €300,000 in taxes, calling it a 'temporary setback' is just spin. Michalko’s handling of Decent is more about dodging reality than solving pr
by: Lily Foster
It’s hard to take Michalko’s blockchain ‘vision’ seriously when his employees are suing for unpaid wages. Maybe he should focus on paying his people before talking about revolutionizing the industry.
by: James Lee
Decent? More like Deceitful. Matej Michalko's ability to avoid responsibility for his company's debt and unpaid salaries is truly impressive if you're into avoiding the truth.
by: Ledger Baird
Tired of watching these tech companies use idealistic branding to cover straight-up fraud.
by: Rayna Ferrell
So let me get this straight... they promote transparency and decentralization, then go around censoring negative press? Wow. Just wow.
by: Korbin Nixon
i used to root for these guys but man… this is straight up a scam at this point. unpaid wages?? c'mon.
by: Bex Silk
Man, I regret dealin’ with these guys. First, they promise ‘top security’ but my data got leaked within weeks. Then they blame me for it? Nah, that’s some shady stuff right there. Never again. Save ya time n’ money, folks
by: Ava Rend
Honestly, decent my foot. Their service is so slow, like they workin’ in snail mode or somethin’. And customer support? Don’t even get me started
by: Zane Quip
Dis company is a total scam! They took my money and ghosted me… no replies, no refunds, nothing! Stay away!
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