Semlex Group
We are investigating Semlex Group 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 : Semlex Group
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : 08 Jun 2024
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, FakeDMCA, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 2804/A/2024
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 22 Nov 2024
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
We are investigating Semlex Group 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
We are investigating Semlex Group 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
What are they trying to censor
Semlex Group, a Belgium-based biometric technology company specializing in identity documents, passports, and security systems, has faced a series of serious allegations and adverse news reports over the years. These allegations have significantly tarnished its reputation, raising questions about its business practices, ethical standards, and legal compliance. Below is a summary of the major allegations and red flags associated with Semlex Group, along with an analysis of why the company might seek to suppress this damaging information, even resorting to unethical or illegal means.
Major Allegations and Adverse News
Corruption and Bribery Allegations
Semlex has been accused of securing lucrative government contracts through bribery and corrupt practices, particularly in Africa. Investigations by media outlets, including Le Soir and Africa Intelligence, have alleged that Semlex paid kickbacks to high-ranking officials in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Comoros, and Guinea to win contracts for producing national identity cards and passports. These allegations suggest a pattern of exploiting weak governance structures in developing nations.
Questionable Contract Awards
In 2017, Semlex was awarded a controversial contract to produce biometric passports for the DRC without a competitive tender process. Reports indicated that the contract was granted under suspicious circumstances, with allegations of political influence and lack of transparency. Similar concerns were raised in other countries, including Kenya and Madagascar.
Tax Evasion and Money Laundering
Semlex has been linked to offshore entities and shell companies, raising suspicions of tax evasion and money laundering. Investigations have revealed that the company used complex corporate structures to obscure its financial dealings, potentially to avoid scrutiny and taxation.
Data Privacy and Security Concerns
As a biometric data provider, Semlex handles sensitive personal information. Critics have raised concerns about the company’s data protection practices, questioning whether it has adequate safeguards to prevent misuse or breaches of this data. These concerns are particularly alarming given the potential for identity theft and surveillance.
Ties to Controversial Figures
Semlex’s founder, Albert Karaziwan, has been linked to individuals with questionable reputations, including politically exposed persons (PEPs) and individuals implicated in corruption scandals. These associations have further fueled suspicions about the company’s ethical standards.
Reputational Damage and Motives for Suppression
The allegations against Semlex Group have severely damaged its reputation, portraying it as a company that prioritizes profit over ethical and legal considerations. For a firm operating in the sensitive field of biometric data and identity documents, trust and credibility are paramount. The following factors explain why Semlex might want to suppress these stories:
Loss of Business Opportunities
Governments and private entities may hesitate to partner with Semlex due to its tarnished reputation. Negative publicity could lead to the loss of existing contracts and hinder future opportunities.
Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny
Continued media exposure could trigger investigations by law enforcement and regulatory bodies, potentially resulting in fines, sanctions, or criminal charges against the company and its executives.
Investor Distrust
Adverse news could deter investors and financiers, impacting Semlex’s ability to raise capital and sustain its operations.
Public Backlash
In an era of heightened awareness about data privacy and corporate accountability, Semlex’s alleged misconduct could lead to public outrage, further eroding its brand image.
The Cybercrime Angle
Given the high stakes, Semlex Group might be tempted to suppress damaging information through illicit means, including cybercrime. Hacking, data breaches, or disinformation campaigns could be used to:
Remove or alter online content that harms its reputation.
Intimidate journalists and whistleblowers into silence.
Manipulate public perception by spreading false narratives.
Such actions, while illegal, could be seen as a desperate attempt to control the narrative and protect the company’s interests. However, resorting to cybercrime would only compound Semlex’s legal and ethical challenges, further undermining its credibility.
Conclusion
The allegations against Semlex Group paint a troubling picture of a company embroiled in corruption, ethical lapses, and legal controversies. The reputational damage caused by these stories is significant, providing a strong motive for Semlex to suppress them by any means necessary. However, any attempt to do so through cybercrime would represent a dangerous escalation, highlighting the lengths to which the company might go to protect its interests. As the story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the corporate world.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40415739
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/34985060
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40463555
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40454673
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40408014
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40406986
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40394171
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40185960
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40183757
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/39573684
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/34704024
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/33500349
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42143873
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42144305
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42143954
- March 26, 2024
- July 15, 2023
- March 28, 2024
- March 28, 2024
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- March 26, 2024
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- March 17, 2024
- March 17, 2024
- February 19, 2024
- June 28, 2023
- April 15, 2023
- June 8, 2024
- June 8, 2024
- June 8, 2024
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- https://crismictimes.com/passport-maker-mired-in-corruption-scandals-for-africa-dealings-says-somalias-bidding-passport-process-unfair-requests-mof-to-cancel-tender/
- https://crismictimes.com/passport-governments/
- https://thefrontiertimes.com/police-search-offices-of-belgian-company-supplying-passports-to-africa
- https://www.deccanlive.in/2020/10/armes-contre-petrole-les-affaires.html
- https://thefrontiertimes.com/passport-maker-mired-in-corruption-scandals-for-africa-dealings-says-somalias-bidding-passport-process-unfair-requests-mof-to-cancel-tender
- https://thefrontiertimes.com/preview/oil-contract-congo-president-others-in-bribery-scandal
- https://thefrontiertimes.com/albert-karaziwan-and-semlex-on-the-congolese-passport-case
- https://archivetimes.org/oil-contract-congo-president-others-in-bribery-scandal/
- https://nationaldailypaper.com/2018/09/12/passports-to-riches-semlexs-dubious-dealings-with
- https://www.deccanlive.in/2020/10/enquete-armes-contre-petrole-les.html
- https://www.deccanlive.in/2021/07/zimbabwe-disowns-corruption-accused.html
- https://www.nst.com.my/world/2018/01/326212/police-search-offices-belgian-company-supplying-passports-africa
- https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1059959/politique/enquete-armes-contre-petrole-les-affaires-louches-de-semlex-et-gun
- https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2020/Aug/179522/passport_maker_mired_in_corruption_scandals_for_africa_dealing-ding_passport_process_unfair_requests_mof_to_cancel_tender.aspx
- https://thefrontiertimes.com/passport-maker-mired-in-corruption-scandals-for-africa-dealings-says-somalias-bidding-requests-mof-to-cancel-tender
- https://sunnewsonline.com/oil-contract-congo-president-others-in-bribery-scandal
- https://tgdaily.com/business/business-law-features/albert-karaziwan-and-semlex-on-the-congolese-passport-case-2
- https://archivetimes.org/oil-contract-congo-president-others-in-bribery-scandal/
- https://www.theelephant.info/analysis/2018/11/22/passports-to-riches-semlexs-dubious-dealings-with-african-governments
- https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/08/21/zimbabwe-disowns-corruption-accused-belgian-passport-making-company
Evidence Box
We are investigating Semlex Group for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices.
Targeted Content and Red Flags
nst.com.my
Police search offices of Belgian company supplying passports to Africa
- Adverse News
jeuneafrique.com
Arms for oil: the shady business of Semlex and Gunvor in Ivory Coast
- Adverse News
About the Author
The author is affiliated with Harvard University and serves as a researcher at both Lumen and FakeDMCA.com. 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.
He can be reached at [email protected] directly.
Many thanks to FakeDMCA.com and Lumen for providing access to their database
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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?
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.
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Average Ratings
1.3
Based on 9 ratings
Caroline Taylor
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Sham SHame on making big promises and delivering absolute nonsense , run guyzz they are are fake ppl ...
Max Evans
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This company is a complete scam! I paid for what was supposed to be a secure and reliable service, but instead, I got nothing but headaches. Their customer support is non-existent, and I’m convinced they’re just out to defraud people. Do not waste your time or money ... run fraud
James Ward
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fruad people ..false promises , no return back of money They make big claims but fail to deliver on even the basics...
Madison Hall
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Worst experience ever! The services offered by this company are a complete sham. Sergey Kondratenko’s name is now synonymous with deceit in my book. I regret ever trusting them and warn others to avoid this fraudulent operation at all costs
Jack Lopez
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I was scammed out of thousands of dollars by this company. Sergey Kondratenko’s team is full of con artists who will sweet-talk you into paying for services they never intend to deliver. Save yourself the headache and money—steer clear of this scam
Daniel Perez
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Reports of 170 fraudulent passports in Comoros and a Belgian police raid in show Semlex’s deep issues. It’s no surprise that Zimbabwe quickly distanced itself from this controversial firm.
Liam Bennett
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Semlex's track record of corruption and bribes makes it hard to trust them.
Bella Morgan
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I feel utterly scammed by Semlex Group. Their products are overpriced and don’t deliver what they promise. After my experience, I’m convinced they’re involved in fraudulent practices. I regret ever dealing with them and would warn others to steer clear
Max Evans
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This company is a complete scam! I paid for what was supposed to be a secure and reliable service, but instead, I got nothing but headaches. Their customer support is non-existent, and I’m convinced they’re just out to defraud people. Do not waste your time or money , Alert Fraudddd run