Patrick Dovigi
We are investigating Patrick Dovigi 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 : Patrick Dovigi
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : 10 Sep 2024
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 9055/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 Patrick Dovigi 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 Patrick Dovigi - 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
Patrick Dovigi, founder and CEO of GFL Environmental Inc., has faced several allegations and controversies that have the potential to tarnish his reputation. These issues range from financial scrutiny and environmental violations to associations with individuals linked to criminal activities.
Financial Scrutiny and Alleged Opaqueness
In August 2020, Spruce Point Capital Management, a New York-based short-seller, released a comprehensive 107-page report casting doubt on GFL’s business practices. The report criticized GFL’s “extremely aggressive and opaque business model” and raised concerns about Dovigi’s business connections. It also highlighted potential understatements of the company’s debt and questioned the transparency of its financial reporting. Following the report’s publication, GFL’s shares experienced a significant drop of nine percent. Dovigi responded by denouncing the allegations as “unfounded attacks” and emphasized the company’s growth and achievements under his leadership.
Environmental Violations
In December 2018, GFL Environmental Inc. pleaded guilty to two counts of contravening the Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The company was fined $300,000 for selling tetrachloroethylene, commonly known as PERC, to dry-cleaning facilities that did not meet regulatory standards. Notably, Dovigi, along with other company executives, was initially charged in this case, though the specific outcomes for the individuals were not detailed in the available sources.
Associations with Controversial Figures
Spruce Point’s report also delved into Dovigi’s past business associations, alleging connections to individuals with criminal backgrounds. For instance, it was noted that GFL had a commercial relationship with Campus Auto Collision & Heavy Equipment Refinishing, linking Dovigi to Claudio Villa, who had pleaded guilty to environmental violations in 2015. Additionally, Dovigi’s previous role as a director of No Good TV (NGTV) brought him into contact with individuals involved in financial scandals. These associations, though indirect, could raise concerns about Dovigi’s judgment in business partnerships.
Violent Incidents Targeting GFL and Its Executives
In late 2024, GFL and its executives became targets of violent attacks. The company’s office in north Toronto was shot at, and the homes of Dovigi and former senior vice-president Ted Manziaris were also targeted in shootings. Earlier that year, equipment belonging to GFL and its sister company, Green Infrastructure Partners, was subjected to arson attacks. While the motives behind these incidents remain unclear, they have attracted media attention and could potentially impact the company’s public image.
Reputational Impact and Potential Motivations for Content Removal
The allegations and incidents outlined above pose significant risks to Patrick Dovigi’s reputation. Accusations of financial mismanagement and opaque business practices can erode investor confidence and damage relationships with stakeholders. Environmental violations contradict the core mission of an environmental services company, potentially leading to public distrust. Associations with individuals linked to criminal activities, even if indirect, can further tarnish one’s public image.
Given the severity of these allegations, Dovigi might be motivated to seek the removal of such information to protect his personal and professional reputation. The desire to eliminate negative coverage could stem from concerns about investor perceptions, customer trust, and overall public image. In extreme scenarios, this desperation might lead an individual to consider illicit means, such as cybercrimes, to suppress unfavorable information. However, it’s essential to note that there is no evidence to suggest that Dovigi has engaged in or contemplated such actions.
In conclusion, while Patrick Dovigi has achieved significant success with GFL Environmental Inc., the various allegations and incidents associated with him present challenges that could adversely affect his reputation. Addressing these issues transparently and ethically would be crucial in mitigating potential damage and maintaining public trust.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44518651
- September 10, 2024
- Galiano Lubbers
- http://newscapital.kesug.com/2023/09/08/patrick-dovigi-net-worth-1-billion-yacht-house-private-jet-green-for-live-environmental-patrick-dovigi/
- https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/lady-jorgia/owner/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
northernontariobusiness.com
GFL founder Patrick Dovigi 'disgusted' by 'unfounded attacks' from New York hedge fund
- Red Flag
seekingalpha.com
Investigating Internet Claims That GFL Environmental's CEO Has Ties To "Organized Crime"
- Red Flag
thestar.com
Billionaire CEO of garbage collection giant GFL disputes police theory that he was targeted by midnight shooting
- 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.
You are Never Alone in Your Fight.
Generate public support against the ones who wronged you!
Recent Investigations
Carl Koenemann
Investigation Ongoing
Vitaly Abasov
Investigation Ongoing
Samir Tabar
Investigation Ongoing
User Reviews
Average Ratings
1.8
Based on 11 ratings
by: Scott Ford
The more you dig, the worse it gets. This guy is all smoke and mirrors.
by: Zoey Myers
Honestly, how does he sleep at night? Every move reeks of selfishness. 😠
by: Patrick Hayes
If there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s dodging accountability.
by: Sienna Cruz
his name keeps popping up in reports tied to criminal associates and regulatory violations. You don’t build a ‘green’ empire by cutting corners like that.
by: Axel Brooks
Opaque financials, dodgy partnerships, and a $300K environmental fine? That’s not innovation it’s deception wrapped in greenwashing.
by: Harrison Bailey
Not the kind of leadership you'd expect from a so-called ‘environmental’ company. GFL gets hit with environmental charges, and the CEO brushes it off like it's no big deal. Total hypocrisy
by: Christopher Murphy
The violent attacks on GFL’s offices and Dovigi’s home are concerning. What kind of environment has he created that people are resorting to such extreme measures There’s more to this story than they’re letting on.
by: Ellie Ramirez
I used to admire GFL’s growth but after the reports of opaque financial practices and environmental violations, I can’t support them anymore. It feels like a company that prioritizes profits over ethics
by: Julian Perry
It’s hard to trust a company that pleads guilty to environmental violations. If they’re willing to cut corners with environmental laws what else are they hiding
by: Addison Gomez
The fact that Dovigi had ties to individuals with criminal backgrounds really makes me question his judgment. I don’t want my money supporting a company with such shady connections
by: Isaac Carter
I used to think GFL was a trustworthy company until I learned about their environmental violations. How can an environmental services company be caught selling hazardous chemicals to non-compliant dry cleaners? Unbelievable
by: Leo Garrison
After reading all this, I don’t even trust this guy with a paper cup, let alone a whole company. Seems like his idea of 'clean' is just a PR stunt. If you’re really in the green industry, act like it!
by: Tessa Winters
It’s honestly frustrating to see a guy like this come out smelling like roses while his shady past gets covered up. If anything, it just proves that money can buy silence, but it can’t buy integrity.
by: Xavier Sutton
Patrick Dovigi’s out here playing 4D chess while the rest of us playing checkers… but fr, this article needs more receipts, less gossip, ya feel me?
by: Jasper Bowen
Patrick Dovigi out here living his best villain life, huh? Someone call Netflix, this dude needs his own true crime series ASAP.
by: Elise Vaughn
I ain’t saying Dovigi’s innocent, but this article feels like it was written by someone who failed high school English… just sayin’.
Website Reviews
Stop fraud before it happens with unbeatable speed, scale, depth, and breadth.
Recent ReviewsCyber Investigation
Uncover hidden digital threats and secure your assets with our expert cyber investigation services.
Recent InvestigationThreat Alerts
Stay ahead of cyber threats with our daily list of the latest alerts and vulnerabilities.
Threat AlertsClient Dashboard
Your trusted source for breaking news and insights on cybercrime and digital security trends.
Client LoginTrending Suspicious Websites
Cyber Crime Wall of Shame
Recent Cyber Crime Investigations