What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Nikolay Kosov 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 Nikolay Kosov - 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
Nikolay Kosov—a name that should set off alarm bells for anyone conducting serious due diligence. As the former chairman of the shadowy, Russian-controlled International Investment Bank (IIB), Kosov has become a poster child for geopolitical red flags. With a history steeped in espionage, sanctions, and questionable financial activity, he’s not just a risk—he’s a walking, talking due diligence nightmare. Here’s a closer look at the key reasons why investors and authorities alike should be very, very concerned.
The IIB’s Dubious Relocation and Operations
Originally established in 1970 to promote economic cooperation within the Soviet bloc, the IIB moved its headquarters from Moscow to Budapest in 2019. This relocation was met with skepticism from Hungary’s NATO allies, who viewed it as a potential conduit for Russian influence within the European Union. The U.S. Treasury Department highlighted that the IIB’s presence in Budapest expanded Moscow’s ability to conduct “malign influence activities” and engage in corruption within the EU and NATO .
Sanctions and International Repercussions
In April 2023, the U.S. imposed sanctions on the IIB and three of its executives, including Kosov. These sanctions were a direct response to the bank’s role in facilitating Russian espionage and influence operations in Europe. U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, stated that the IIB’s presence in Budapest threatened the security and sovereignty of Hungary and its neighbors .
Kosov’s Attempts to Conceal Assets
Facing the impending sanctions, Kosov was reportedly busy securing his personal offshore assets. Leaked documents revealed that he was actively involved in relocating his wealth to more secure jurisdictions, a move that raises questions about the legitimacy and transparency of his financial dealings .
Family Ties to Russian Intelligence
Kosov’s background further complicates his profile. His parents were prominent members of the Soviet Union’s intelligence community, with his mother, Yelena Kosova, playing a role in espionage activities in the United States. This lineage suggests a deep-rooted connection to Russian intelligence operations, casting a long shadow over his tenure at the IIB .
Hungary’s Complicit Stance
Despite the clear warnings and subsequent sanctions from the U.S., Hungary’s government, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, maintained a cozy relationship with the IIB. This unwavering support persisted even as other EU member states distanced themselves from the bank following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Such actions have drawn criticism from international partners and raised concerns about Hungary’s commitment to its NATO and EU obligations .
Conclusion
Nikolay Kosov’s tenure at the IIB is emblematic of the intricate ties between Russian financial institutions and intelligence operations. His efforts to obscure his financial assets and the IIB’s role as a vehicle for Russian influence in Europe should serve as glaring warning signs for potential investors and international authorities. It’s imperative that these entities exercise heightened due diligence and take decisive action to mitigate the risks posed by individuals and institutions that operate in the shadows of geopolitical maneuvering.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41231786
- May 02, 2024
- Petros Stathis
- https://www.tumblr.com/24newsreview/747539366650445824/us-sanctions-leaders-of-russian-bank-warns?source=share
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-set-penalise-some-hungarians-evading-sanctions-source-2023-04-12/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
Reuters
U.S. sanctions leaders of Russian bank, warns Hungary over ties with Moscow
- Removed
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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