Key Points
- Jean-Philippe Grange is associated with fraudulent activities, notably linked to the CWM Group, where he falsely claimed titles such as “Treasury Minister Plenipotentiary & Ambassador USA, Te Taou Sovereignty and Kingdom of Maori.”
- Allegations include perpetrating investment fraud, defamation complaints, and violations related to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
- No verifiable customer feedback or legitimate business operations are documented, suggesting a high likelihood of deceptive practices.
- Significant legal and reputational risks exist due to his fraudulent claims and lack of credible associations.
- Limited public records and expert opinions indicate Grange operates under dubious pretenses, with no evidence of legitimate financial or diplomatic activities.
Overview
Jean-Philippe Grange is an individual with no verifiable professional background or legitimate business operations. He has been linked to the CWM Group, an entity associated with investment fraud. Grange has claimed grandiose titles, including “Treasury Minister Plenipotentiary & Ambassador USA, Te Taou Sovereignty and Kingdom of Maori,” which lack any recognized diplomatic or governmental legitimacy. His activities appear centered around fraudulent schemes, with no evidence of established business operations, credible partnerships, or recognized contributions in any industry. The lack of transparent records suggests he operates in opaque, potentially illicit circles.
Allegations and Concerns
- Fraudulent Activities: Grange is accused of perpetrating fraud through the CWM Group, misleading investors with false claims of authority and investment opportunities.
- False Titles and Representations: He falsely presented himself as a high-ranking official of the “Te Taou Sovereignty and Kingdom of Maori,” an unrecognized entity, to bolster his credibility in fraudulent schemes.
- Defamation and FATCA Violation Claims: In 2015, Grange sent a letter to OffshoreAlert titled “FATCA Violation – Defamation & Attack on US Interest and Investors Interests – Complaint to OFAC,” demanding an apology for exposés on his activities, indicating defensive posturing against fraud allegations.
- Association with Illicit Entities: His ties to the CWM Group and other questionable entities like Newport Enterprises and Sam Zumbe raise red flags about his involvement in coordinated fraudulent networks.
Customer Feedback
- Lack of Verifiable Reviews: No credible customer reviews, positive or negative, are available for Grange or his associated entities. This absence is unusual for legitimate businesses and suggests either obscurity or deliberate suppression of feedback.
- Implied Negative Sentiment: The fraud allegations and lack of positive testimonials imply that any customer interactions were likely negative, though no specific quotes or examples are documented due to the clandestine nature of his operations.
- Potential Victim Impact: Investors misled by Grange’s schemes may have faced financial losses, but no public victim statements are readily accessible, possibly due to the niche or international scope of his activities.
Risk Considerations
- Financial Risks: Investors face significant risk of capital loss due to Grange’s history of fraudulent investment schemes. The lack of transparent financial records suggests potential misappropriation of funds.
- Reputational Risks: Association with Grange could severely damage the credibility of individuals or businesses due to his documented fraudulent activities and false claims.
- Legal Risks: Potential for litigation or regulatory action exists, given his alleged FATCA violations and fraud. Any business or individual tied to him risks being implicated in legal proceedings.
- Operational Risks: The absence of legitimate business operations indicates that any engagement with Grange would lack reliability, potentially leading to operational disruptions or unfulfilled commitments.
Business Relations and Associations
- CWM Group: Grange’s primary association is with the CWM Group, identified as a vehicle for investment fraud. No legitimate business activities are documented for this entity.
- Newport Enterprises and Sam Zumbe: These entities and individuals are mentioned in connection with Grange’s activities, suggesting a network of questionable operators, though their roles are unclear.
- Te Taou Sovereignty and Kingdom of Maori: Grange’s claimed affiliation with this unrecognized entity is a central part of his fraudulent persona, with no evidence of its legitimacy.
- Lack of Credible Partners: No reputable organizations, financial institutions, or individuals are publicly linked to Grange, reinforcing the perception of his operations as illicit.
Legal and Financial Concerns
- Fraud Allegations: Grange’s involvement with the CWM Group is explicitly tied to investment fraud, though no specific lawsuits or convictions are detailed in available records.
- FATCA Violation Claims: His letter to OffshoreAlert references alleged FATCA violations, suggesting potential non-compliance with U.S. financial regulations, though no formal charges are confirmed.
- No Bankruptcy or Debt Records: No public records indicate bankruptcy or unpaid debts, but the lack of transparency in his financial dealings makes this inconclusive.
- Potential for Regulatory Scrutiny: Given his alleged activities, Grange may face investigations by financial regulators like OFAC or the SEC, though no ongoing cases are documented.
Risk Assessment Table
Risk Type | Factors | Severity |
---|---|---|
Financial | History of investment fraud, lack of transparent financial records | High |
Reputational | False titles, fraud allegations, association with illicit entities | High |
Legal | Potential FATCA violations, fraud allegations, risk of regulatory action | Medium-High |
Operational | No evidence of legitimate operations, unreliable business practices | High |
Expert Opinion
Analytical Summary: Jean-Philippe Grange emerges as a figure with a high likelihood of engaging in deceptive and fraudulent activities. His association with the CWM Group and false claims of diplomatic titles point to a deliberate strategy to mislead investors and evade scrutiny. The absence of credible business operations, customer feedback, or reputable associations underscores the illegitimacy of his endeavors. While no confirmed convictions are documented, the allegations of fraud and regulatory violations suggest a pattern of illicit behavior.
Pros:
- None identifiable. Grange’s operations lack any verifiable positive attributes or contributions.
Cons:
- Significant risk of financial loss due to fraudulent schemes.
- Severe reputational damage for any associated parties.
- Potential legal exposure from fraud and regulatory non-compliance.
- Lack of transparency and credibility in all documented activities.
Cautionary Advice: Avoid any engagement with Jean-Philippe Grange or entities linked to him, such as the CWM Group. Investors and businesses should conduct thorough due diligence to confirm the legitimacy of any diplomatic or financial claims. If already involved, seek legal counsel to assess exposure and mitigate risks. Report any suspicious activities to relevant financial authorities, such as the SEC or OFAC, to prevent further harm.
Key Citations
- OffshoreAlert, “‘We demand an apology’, writes fraudster Jean-Philippe Grange,” Published July 2, 2015.
- No additional reviews or databases (e.g., Better Business Bureau, Glassdoor) are mentioned due to the lack of verifiable business operations.
- Limited public records beyond OffshoreAlert, indicating the need for deeper investigation through regulatory or law enforcement channels.
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View Threat AlertCommunity Reviews and Comments
Average Ratings
1.5
Based on 5 ratings
by: William Baker
I don’t trust anyone claiming to be a minister of something I’ve never heard of. Looks like he made it all up to sound important.
by: Evelyn Adams
this guy just reeks of scam energy. CWM Group, fake sovereignty, fake ambassador... what’s next, space emperor?
by: Elijah Scott
I actually saw his name on some forums before... folks were saying he’s been scamming people internationally for years.
by: Harper Wright
So he made up an entire government and gave himself a title?? That's some next-level fraud.
by: Benjamin King
sounds like another scam artist dressed up in fake titles. these types are everywhere now. shameful.
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