Alpine Securities USVI LLC

Key Points

• Limited Operational History: Alpine Securities USVI, LLC was a broker-dealer registered from 2009 to 2010, ceasing operations in 2010, which limits direct evidence of its activities.

• Connection to Alpine Securities Corporation: Shared ownership through Charles M. Kim links it to a firm expelled by FINRA for serious misconduct, raising concerns.

• Allegations of Censorship: Reports suggest involvement in suppressing negative reviews using questionable tactics, though evidence is primarily from one source.

• Regulatory Concerns: The related Alpine Securities Corporation faced SEC and FINRA actions for fraud and compliance failures, signaling potential risks.

• Caution Advised: Due to these associations and allegations, engaging with related entities may carry financial and reputational risks.

What We Found

Our research suggests that Alpine Securities USVI, LLC was a short-lived entity with no direct record of major regulatory violations during its operation. However, its connection to Alpine Securities Corporation, which has a history of serious misconduct, raises questions about its business practices. Allegations of using fraudulent methods to manage online reputation add complexity, though these claims need further verification.

Why It Matters

For consumers and investors, the history of related entities like Alpine Securities Corporation indicates a need for caution. Financial fraud and regulatory non-compliance can lead to significant losses, and reputational risks could affect trust in associated businesses.

What to Do

If considering engagement with entities linked to Alpine Securities, we recommend thorough due diligence. Checking regulatory records on sites like BrokerCheck and consulting financial advisors can help mitigate risks.

Introduction

We have conducted an exhaustive investigation into Alpine Securities USVI, LLC, a broker-dealer that operated briefly in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our objective was to uncover any suspicious activities, examine personal profiles of key individuals, analyze open-source intelligence (OSINT), investigate undisclosed business relationships, and assess scam reports, red flags, allegations, criminal proceedings, lawsuits, sanctions, adverse media, negative reviews, consumer complaints, and bankruptcy details. This report provides a detailed risk assessment focusing on consumer protection, financial fraud, and reputational risks, drawing from multiple sources, including a specific investigation at Cybercriminal.com.

Company Overview

Alpine Securities USVI, LLC was incorporated in the U.S. Virgin Islands and registered as a broker-dealer with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) from March 11, 2009, to December 31, 2010. The firm, located at 6100 Red Hook Qtrs # A, Saint Thomas, VI, ceased business operations on December 31, 2010, as per FINRA records (BrokerCheck Report). Its fiscal year ended on December 31, and it was structured as a Limited Liability Company.

The company’s brief operational history limits direct evidence of its activities, but its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including 13F-HR quarterly holdings reports and FOCUS reports, indicate it functioned as a broker-dealer managing investments until 2012 (SEC Filings).

Key Individuals and Personal Profiles

The primary individuals associated with Alpine Securities USVI, LLC, as listed in FINRA records, are Charles M. Kim, Tae Hwan Kim, and Robert William Robinson II. Understanding their backgrounds and affiliations is crucial to assessing potential risks.

Charles M. Kim

Charles M. Kim emerges as a central figure, listed as a member of Alpine Securities USVI, LLC. He is also the co-founder and managing partner of Alpine Securities, a proprietary trading firm, and the principal of Alpine Group USVI, LLC, an investment management firm (About.me Profile). Kim graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in management and finance and has a history in equity trading with First New York Securities and portfolio management with Alliance Capital.

Kim’s public profile emphasizes philanthropy, including support for Binghamton University, where he received the University Medal in 2017, and sponsorship of charitable events like the King of the Wing competition in St. Thomas (Medium Article). However, his past includes regulatory scrutiny. In 2012, Kim, as a co-founder of Biremis Corp, agreed to a $500,000 civil fine from the SEC for failing to supervise traders engaged in manipulative practices known as layering (Reuters Article). This history suggests a pattern of involvement in entities facing regulatory challenges.

Tae Hwan Kim

Tae Hwan Kim is listed as a member of Alpine Securities USVI, LLC. Limited information is available about his specific role or background in this context. A 2023 report from the VI Economic Development Authority indicates Tae Hwan Kim holds a minor ownership stake in Alpine Group USVI, LLC, alongside Charles M. Kim (St. Thomas Source). However, no direct allegations or regulatory actions against him were identified in our research, possibly due to the common nature of the name or his low public profile.

Robert William Robinson II

Robert William Robinson II served as the Financial and Operations Principal (FINOP) for Alpine Securities USVI, LLC, with CRD number 3152956 (BrokerCheck Individual). No specific disclosures or regulatory actions against him were found in our investigation, and his role appears administrative. The lack of adverse information may reflect his limited public exposure or a clean professional record during the firm’s operation.

Connection to Alpine Securities Corporation

A significant finding is the linkage between Alpine Securities USVI, LLC and Alpine Securities Corporation, primarily through Charles M. Kim’s involvement. Alpine Securities Corporation, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, operates as a broker-dealer and has faced extensive regulatory scrutiny, which may reflect on the reputation and practices of related entities.

Regulatory Actions Against Alpine Securities Corporation

Alpine Securities Corporation (CRD #14952) has been embroiled in multiple regulatory and legal controversies:

• FINRA Expulsion (2022): In March 2022, FINRA expelled Alpine Securities Corporation from membership for converting and misusing customer funds and securities, engaging in unauthorized trading, charging unfair prices and unreasonable fees (including a $5,000 monthly account fee), and making unauthorized capital withdrawals. The firm was ordered to pay over $2.3 million in restitution to customers and issued a permanent cease-and-desist order (FINRA News Release).

• SEC Charges for SARs Violations: The SEC charged Alpine Securities Corporation with thousands of violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for failing to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for transactions flagged as suspicious or omitting critical information in filed SARs, undermining anti-money laundering efforts (SEC Litigation Release).

• SEC Charges for Unauthorized Transactions (2022): In August 2022, the SEC charged Alpine Securities Corporation, its former CEO Christopher Doubek, and COO Joseph Walsh with unauthorized securities transactions, including selling $268,000 in customer securities deemed “worthless” and transferring $54 million in securities from “abandoned” accounts to firm-controlled accounts without customer approval (SEC Litigation Release).

• Ongoing Legal Challenges: Alpine Securities Corporation has challenged FINRA’s constitutionality, arguing that its enforcement actions violate the private nondelegation doctrine and the Appointments Clause. In 2024, the D.C. Circuit Court partially sided with Alpine, enjoining FINRA from expelling the firm pending SEC review (Sidley Insights). The U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt FINRA proceedings in March 2025 (Reuters Supreme Court).

These actions highlight a pattern of serious misconduct, including financial fraud and regulatory non-compliance, which could reflect on entities associated with the same leadership.

Shared Ownership and Implications

Charles M. Kim’s role in both Alpine Securities USVI, LLC and Alpine Securities Corporation suggests potential overlap in business practices or corporate culture. The cybercriminal.com investigation explicitly links the two entities, alleging that Alpine Securities USVI, LLC’s activities may be part of broader efforts to manage the reputation of the Alpine brand (Cybercriminal Investigation). While Alpine Securities USVI, LLC ceased operations in 2010, before the major regulatory actions against Alpine Securities Corporation, the shared ownership raises concerns about whether similar practices existed during its active period.

Allegations of Censorship and Fraud

A report from Cybercriminal.com alleges that Alpine Securities USVI, LLC engaged in a sophisticated scheme to suppress critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results. The key claims include:

• Fraudulent DMCA Takedowns: The firm allegedly used fake Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices, employing a “back-dated article” technique to justify removing content. A cited example is a DMCA notice from Cole & Stocks Media Inc. to Google LLC (Lumen Database), though specific details about targeted content are unclear.

• Perjury, Fraud, and Impersonation: The investigation, dated March 8, 2025, and conducted by Ethan Katz, accuses the firm of perjury and fraud in its censorship efforts, potentially involving impersonation to file legal complaints.

• Structured Censorship Network: The report suggests Alpine Securities USVI, LLC is part of a network possibly funded by criminal enterprises or oligarchs, aimed at manipulating public perception and bypassing anti-money laundering checks.

• Legal Threats: The firm allegedly threatened whistleblowers and journalists to silence criticism, alongside manipulating search engine results.

• Investor Losses: Specific losses are cited, including $14,000 by Natalie Pearson, $12,500 by Henry Chambers, and $15,000 by Caitlin Watson, though these are linked to Alpine Securities Corporation’s actions rather than the USVI entity directly.

These allegations are serious but primarily sourced from a single outlet, necessitating caution. Our attempts to verify the DMCA notice and related evidence were inconclusive due to limited details and inaccessible links, such as an XML file error (Delhi National Post). The lack of corroborating reports in mainstream media suggests these claims may not be widely documented, possibly due to the firm’s brief operation or the specific nature of the allegations.

Undisclosed Business Relationships and Associations

Beyond the connection to Alpine Securities Corporation, Charles M. Kim’s involvement in other entities, such as Alpine Group USVI, LLC, indicates a network of related businesses. Alpine Group USVI, LLC, a Category IV service business providing investment management, received tax incentives from the VI Economic Development Authority in 2010 (St. Thomas Source). Its ownership includes Charles M. Kim (64.75%), Tae Hwan Kim, and others, suggesting financial ties that could obscure accountability.

No explicit evidence of undisclosed relationships involving criminal enterprises was found, but the cybercriminal.com report’s mention of potential funding from oligarchs or illicit sources warrants further scrutiny. The move to the U.S. Virgin Islands, noted for less stringent oversight, raises questions about regulatory evasion, though no direct sanctions or bankruptcy filings were identified for Alpine Securities USVI, LLC.

Consumer Complaints and Negative Reviews

No direct consumer complaints or negative reviews specifically targeting Alpine Securities USVI, LLC were found, likely due to its short operational period and limited public exposure. However, Alpine Securities Corporation’s actions have generated significant consumer harm, as evidenced by the $2.3 million restitution ordered by FINRA. The cybercriminal.com report’s mention of investor losses, while attributed to the corporation, underscores the broader reputational risk associated with the Alpine brand.

Risk Assessment

Our risk assessment focuses on consumer protection, scam potential, criminal reports, financial fraud, and reputational risks, considering the following factors:

Consumer Protection

The absence of direct complaints against Alpine Securities USVI, LLC is overshadowed by the severe violations committed by Alpine Securities Corporation. Converting customer funds and engaging in unauthorized transactions, as documented by FINRA, indicate a disregard for consumer interests that could extend to related entities under shared leadership.

Scam and Financial Fraud

The cybercriminal.com allegations of fraudulent DMCA takedowns and censorship tactics suggest a potential scam to manipulate public perception. While these claims lack widespread corroboration, they align with the broader pattern of misconduct seen in Alpine Securities Corporation’s actions, such as charging exorbitant fees to liquidate customer securities. Charles M. Kim’s prior SEC fine for supervisory failures further heightens concerns about financial integrity.

Criminal Reports and Lawsuits

No criminal proceedings directly involve Alpine Securities USVI, LLC, but Alpine Securities Corporation faces ongoing SEC litigation and has been expelled by FINRA, equivalent to a corporate death penalty in the securities industry. The corporation’s constitutional challenge against FINRA indicates a strategy to delay or evade accountability, increasing legal risks.

Reputational Risks

Adverse media coverage, including reports from Investment News and Reuters, paints Alpine Securities Corporation as a problematic entity. The association with Alpine Securities USVI, LLC, even if historical, tarnishes its reputation, especially given allegations of censorship to suppress negative information.

Adverse Media and Red Flags

Adverse media primarily focuses on Alpine Securities Corporation, with key reports detailing:

• FINRA’s 2022 expulsion and $2.3 million restitution order (Business Wire).

• SEC charges for SARs violations and unauthorized transactions (SEC Releases).

• Legal battles challenging FINRA’s authority (Harvard Law Review).

Red flags include:

• Shared Leadership: Charles M. Kim’s involvement in both entities and his prior regulatory issues.

• Regulatory Evasion Concerns: The USVI location may leverage lighter oversight, as noted in the cybercriminal.com report.

• Censorship Allegations: Unverified claims of manipulating online content suggest unethical reputation management.

• Financial Misconduct: The corporation’s history of fraud and non-compliance casts a shadow over related entities.

Bankruptcy Details

No bankruptcy filings were identified for Alpine Securities USVI, LLC or Alpine Securities Corporation. The latter’s financial difficulties, cited as a reason for exorbitant fees in FINRA complaints, did not result in bankruptcy, possibly due to ongoing legal maneuvers or asset management strategies.

Expert Opinion

We conclude that Alpine Securities USVI, LLC, while no longer operational, presents significant risks due to its association with Alpine Securities Corporation and allegations of unethical practices. The corporation’s expulsion from FINRA for converting customer funds, coupled with SEC charges for fraud and compliance failures, indicates a troubling disregard for regulatory standards. Charles M. Kim’s history of regulatory scrutiny, including a substantial SEC fine, further undermines confidence in entities under his influence.

The allegations of fraudulent DMCA takedowns and censorship, though not fully corroborated, align with a pattern of reputation management that prioritizes image over transparency. For consumers, investors, or partners, engaging with entities linked to the Alpine brand carries high financial and reputational risks. We strongly recommend avoiding such associations without rigorous due diligence, including verifying regulatory records and seeking independent financial advice. The broader implications for consumer protection highlight the need for robust oversight in the financial sector to prevent similar misconduct.

Key Citations

• FINRA Expels Alpine Securities, Orders $2.3M Restitution

• SEC Charges Alpine for SARs Violations

• SEC Charges Alpine for Unauthorized Transactions

• Cybercriminal.com Investigation on Alpine USVI

• BrokerCheck Report for Alpine USVI, LLC

• Reuters: Biremis Execs Pay SEC Fine

• Investment News on FINRA Expulsion

• Reuters: Supreme Court on FINRA Proceedings

• Business Wire: FINRA Expels Alpine Securities

• Harvard Law Review on Alpine vs. FINRA

• Sidley: D.C. Circuit Enjoins FINRA Expulsion

• St. Thomas Source: VI EDC Ownership Changes

• About.me Profile of Charles Kim

• Medium: Philanthropist Charles Kim

• Lumen Database DMCA Notice

• SEC Filings for Alpine USVI

• BrokerCheck Individual for Robinson