Jose Gordo

Key Points

• Association with WeWe Global and Ponzi Schemes: José Gordo is prominently linked to WeWe Global, a company identified by multiple sources as operating Ponzi schemes through its WEWEX, LyoFI, LyoPay, and The Blockchain Era iterations, with repeated collapses and relaunches.

• Previous Involvement in OneCoin: Gordo was a top promoter in the notorious OneCoin Ponzi scheme, facing criminal fraud charges in Argentina in 2020, which raises significant concerns about his credibility.

• Lack of Transparency: Gordo operates from Spain and Dubai, promoting WeWe Global and its associated platforms, but there is no verifiable evidence of legitimate business operations or regulatory compliance.

• Regulatory Warnings: New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) issued fraud warnings against WeWe Global and its subsidiaries, including LyoPay, for operating unregistered financial services.

• Reputation Management Attempts: Gordo and WeWe Global have been implicated in fraudulent DMCA takedown notices to censor negative reviews, indicating efforts to obscure their questionable activities.

• Financial Risks for Investors: The Ponzi nature of WeWe Global’s operations, coupled with Gordo’s history, suggests a high risk of financial loss for investors, with reported losses in the millions for some victims.

Overview

José Gordo is an individual heavily involved in the promotion of multi-level marketing (MLM) and cryptocurrency ventures, most notably WeWe Global and its associated platforms, LyoFI, LyoPay, and The Blockchain Era. Based primarily in Spain, with activities extending to Dubai, Gordo has positioned himself as a charismatic entrepreneur and international speaker, focusing on fintech and cryptocurrency projects. His public persona, as seen on platforms like YouTube, portrays him as a coach and author of self-help and entrepreneurial books, emphasizing innovation and social impact. However, his professional history is marred by allegations of involvement in Ponzi schemes, notably through WeWe Global and the earlier OneCoin scam.

WeWe Global, launched around 2020, initially operated as an MLM crypto Ponzi scheme centered around WEWEX tokens, promising high returns through a “cloud minting” program. After the collapse of WEWEX in mid-2021, the company pivoted to LyoFI and LyoPay, introducing LYO tokens with claims of up to 300% ROI over 900 days. These ventures were followed by further relaunches, including L-Finance (LFI token) and The Blockchain Era, each collapsing in turn, with the latter failing by January 2024 and rebooting as Xera. Gordo’s role appears to be that of a top promoter, actively marketing these schemes in regions like South America, Europe, and the Middle East, often through webinars, hotel presentations, and social media platforms like Telegram and Facebook.

Gordo’s earlier involvement with OneCoin, a well-documented Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors globally, significantly taints his reputation. Charged with criminal fraud in Argentina in 2020 for his role in OneCoin, Gordo has since aligned himself with WeWe Global, which shares similar characteristics of promising unrealistic returns without verifiable revenue sources. His operations in Dubai, a hub for MLM scams, and the use of shell companies in jurisdictions like the British Virgin Islands (BVI) further raise red flags about the legitimacy of his ventures.

Allegations and Concerns

José Gordo’s activities have drawn significant scrutiny, primarily due to his association with WeWe Global and its alleged Ponzi schemes. The following are the major allegations and concerns:

1. Ponzi Scheme Involvement:

   • WeWe Global Operations: Multiple sources, including BehindMLM and New Zealand’s FMA, label WeWe Global as a Ponzi scheme with no verifiable external revenue source. The company’s business model relies on new investor funds to pay returns to earlier investors, a hallmark of Ponzi schemes. After the WEWEX token collapse in 2021, WeWe Global introduced LyoFI and LyoPay, followed by L-Finance and The Blockchain Era, each collapsing within months to a year.

   • OneCoin Fraud: Gordo was a top net-winner in OneCoin, a notorious Ponzi scheme that collapsed after defrauding investors of billions. In late 2020, he faced criminal fraud charges in Argentina related to his promotional activities for OneCoin, indicating a pattern of involvement in fraudulent schemes.

2. Regulatory Non-Compliance:

   • New Zealand’s FMA issued a warning in February 2023, stating that WeWe Global and LyoPay were offering unregistered cryptocurrency products and services in New Zealand, violating the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Act 2008 and Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. This lack of registration is a significant red flag, as it suggests WeWe Global operates without oversight in multiple jurisdictions.

   • BrokerChooser’s analysis in 2025 further confirmed that WeWe Global and The Blockchain Era lack regulation by any top-tier financial authority, making them unsafe for investors.

3. Fraudulent Reputation Management:

   • WeWe Global, with Gordo’s involvement, has been implicated in submitting fake DMCA takedown notices to remove negative reviews from Google’s search index. This tactic involves creating backdated articles to falsely claim copyright infringement, a practice described as perjury and fraud by Gripeo. Such actions indicate a deliberate attempt to suppress criticism and obscure the company’s shady past.

4. Promotion in Scam-Friendly Jurisdictions:

   • Gordo operates out of Dubai, described by BehindMLM as the “MLM crime capital of the world,” and uses shell companies in the BVI, a jurisdiction known for lax regulations and scam-friendly environments. These associations raise concerns about the legitimacy and transparency of his ventures.

5. Misleading Marketing Practices:

   • Gordo and WeWe Global have been criticized for using misleading terminology like “cloud minting” and “vesting” to disguise staking scams. These terms obscure the Ponzi nature of the schemes, which promise high returns (e.g., 2857.14% annually for L-Finance) without a sustainable business model.

6. Association with Known Scammers:

   • Gordo is linked to other individuals with questionable reputations, such as Luiz Goes (CEO of LyoPay), Kalpesh Patel, and Diego Endrizzi, all of whom have been flagged for promoting Ponzi schemes. His collaboration with these figures, particularly in the context of WeWe Global and OneCoin, amplifies concerns about his credibility.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback on José Gordo and WeWe Global is polarized, with some praising the promised returns and others reporting significant financial losses. Below is a summary of positive and negative reviews, drawn from sources like Trustpilot and comments on BehindMLM:

Positive Feedback

• High Returns and Enthusiasm: Some customers express enthusiasm for WeWe Global’s offerings, particularly the promise of passive income. A Trustpilot review states, “I highly highly recommend WEWE Global as your next best passive income stream. My hubby and I have been so impressed with the amazing returns we have received from WEWE Global. I am letting all my friends and relatives know about this amazing forward-thinking company!!! What an awesome awesome company!!!!”

• Transparency Claims: A commenter on BehindMLM defends WeWe Global, stating, “It’s amazing how much nonsense you can write. I have been participating in the wewe project for some time and they always offer projects in the fintech and crypto world in a transparent and valid way.”

• Withdrawal Success: Another user noted, “I have some money in the minting machines which I am getting a return on and am able to withdraw into my Binance account.”

Negative Feedback

• Significant Financial Losses: Many customers report substantial losses, with one Trustpilot reviewer stating, “I invested nearly 30k on September 2022… after a few months They started ‘changing platforms’ ever since then I have not received a single cent, PLEASE BE AWARE !! HUGE SCAM. They keep changing names that is Their MO.”

• Frozen Funds and KYC Issues: Another reviewer complained, “Wewe Global has changed name it is called The Blockchain Era now and since they have changed the platform name 4 months ago all my money asset I had on Wewe Global should have migrated to the new platform, The Blockchain Era, but after 4 months from the migration my money are still frozen, the minting production wallet have disappeared, the smartstake wallet have disappeared I can’t withdraw anymore.”

• Scam Allegations: A Greek reviewer warned, “SCAM ALERT IN GREECE! PONZI SCHEME SCAM BY CRYPTO BROKER KAROLINA STRAPATSAKI AND OTHERS. ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ ΑΠΑΤΕΩΝΕΣ ΜΑΔΑΝΕ ΤΟΝ ΚΟΣΜΟ.”

• Personal Impact Stories: A BehindMLM commenter shared, “I get messages every day from people telling me they have lost thousands and thousands of dollars to Ponzi schemes… one guy told me he had lost $5 million worth of family money, now the family wants to take legal action against him he’s concerned he will lose his house which is his only asset left.”

Analysis

The positive feedback often comes from early investors who may have benefited from initial payouts, a common trait in Ponzi schemes where early participants are paid with later investors’ funds. Negative reviews, however, highlight a pattern of platform changes, frozen funds, and inability to withdraw, consistent with Ponzi scheme collapses. The Trustpilot rating of 3.2/5 reflects this divide, with 2,089 reviews showing a mix of satisfaction and frustration.

Risk Considerations

José Gordo’s involvement with WeWe Global and its associated ventures presents multiple risks for investors and associates:

1. Financial Risks:

   • Loss of Investment: The Ponzi nature of WeWe Global’s schemes (WEWEX, LYO, LFI, The Blockchain Era) ensures that most investors lose money when recruitment slows, and the scheme collapses. Reported losses range from thousands to millions of dollars.

   • Unrealistic Returns: Promises of 300% ROI over 900 days or 2857.14% annually are mathematically unsustainable without new investor funds, indicating a high likelihood of financial loss.

   • Frozen Funds: Investors report inability to withdraw funds, especially after platform changes or KYC requirements, which often require additional payments (e.g., €110-€220 licenses).

2. Reputational Risks:

   • Association with Scams: Gordo’s history with OneCoin and WeWe Global ties him to fraudulent activities, damaging his credibility and that of anyone associated with him. His attempts to censor negative reviews further erode trust.

   • Public Backlash: Victims and scam-watchers, such as Danny de Hek, actively campaign against Gordo and WeWe Global, increasing public awareness of their questionable practices.

3. Legal Risks:

   • Regulatory Violations: Operating unregistered financial services in jurisdictions like New Zealand violates financial regulations, exposing Gordo and WeWe Global to potential legal action.

   • Criminal Charges: Jose Gordo ’s 2020 fraud charges in Argentina for OneCoin activities suggest a risk of further legal scrutiny, particularly as WeWe Global faces similar accusations.

   • Fraudulent DMCA Notices: Submitting fake DMCA takedown notices constitutes perjury and fraud, potentially leading to legal consequences if pursued by affected parties.

4. Operational Risks:

   • Frequent Collapses: WeWe Global’s multiple collapses (WEWEX in 2021, LYO in 2022, LFI in 2023, The Blockchain Era in 2024) indicate operational instability and a pattern of relaunching to attract new victims.

   • Shell Companies: The use of BVI and Dubai-based shell companies (e.g., DigiFi Group LTD, DigiTech Services LTD) suggests a lack of transparency and accountability, increasing the risk of sudden disappearance or asset seizure.

Business Relations and Associations

José Gordo’s business activities are closely tied to WeWe Global and its ecosystem, involving several key figures and entities:

1. WeWe Global and Subsidiaries:

   • LyoFI and LyoPay: Launched in late 2021 after the WEWEX collapse, these platforms are part of WeWe Global’s Ponzi scheme ecosystem, offering “cloud minting” and staking programs with LYO tokens.

   • L-Finance (LFI): Introduced in 2022, this platform promised up to 2857.14% annual returns through a “vesting” scheme, but collapsed by August 2023.

   • The Blockchain Era: The fourth reboot of WeWe Global, launched in 2023 and collapsed by January 2024, led by Luiz Goes and promoted by Gordo.

   • Xera: The latest reboot following The Blockchain Era’s collapse, indicating a pattern of rebranding to sustain the scheme.

2. Key Individuals:

   • Luiz Goes: CEO of LyoPay and suspected mastermind behind WeWe Global’s operations, based in Dubai. Goes is linked to multiple shell companies (DigiFi Group LTD, DigiTech Services LTD) and has a history of failed crypto projects.

   • Kalpesh Patel: A promoter of WeWe Global, previously involved with Hyperverse and other scams, actively pushing WeWe Global in the UK, Nigeria, India, and South Africa.

   • Diego Endrizzi: A top Italian promoter and “Presidential Ambassador” for WeWe Global, based in Dubai, who fled to avoid scrutiny during the Oceania Tour in 2023.

   • Alessio Vinassa: Alleged to be the real founder of WeWe Global, The Blockchain Era, and Xera, with Gordo and others acting as marketing faces.

   • Other Promoters: Individuals like Simon Hardy, Mateusz Guzda, Frankie Lawlor, and Karolina Strapatsaki have been linked to WeWe Global’s promotional efforts, often with histories in other MLM scams.

3. Shell Companies:

   • DigiFi Group LTD: A BVI-based shell company owning LyoFI, part of WeWe Global’s network.

   • DigiTech Services LTD: Another BVI shell company linked to WeWe Global, indicating a pattern of using offshore entities to obscure ownership.

   • DigiLYO App LTD: A UK-based shell company associated with LyoPay, further complicating the corporate structure.

4. Geographic Focus:

   • WeWe Global and Jose Gordo have targeted regions like Italy (39% of website traffic), Greece (15%), Germany (6%), Bulgaria (6%), Peru (6%), Argentina, and New Zealand for recruitment, often through in-person events and webinars.

Legal and Financial Concerns

Jose Gordo and WeWe Global face several legal and financial concerns:

1. Criminal Fraud Charges:

   • In late 2020, Jose Gordo was charged with criminal fraud in Argentina for his role in promoting OneCoin, a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors globally. This legal action highlights his history of engaging in fraudulent activities.

2. Regulatory Violations:

   • New Zealand’s FMA issued a fraud warning in February 2023 against WeWe Global and LyoPay for offering unregistered financial services, violating local regulations. This lack of registration extends to other jurisdictions, as no evidence of compliance with financial regulators has been found.

   • BrokerChooser’s 2025 analysis confirms that WeWe Global and The Blockchain Era are not regulated by any top-tier financial authority, increasing the risk of legal action against promoters like Gordo.

3. Fraudulent DMCA Notices:

   • WeWe Global, with Gordo’s involvement, sent fake DMCA takedown notices to Google to remove negative reviews, a practice that constitutes perjury and fraud. This could lead to legal repercussions if pursued by affected parties.

4. Investor Losses and Complaints:

   • Investors report significant losses, with one claiming a $5 million loss of family money and others unable to withdraw funds due to platform changes and KYC requirements. These complaints could escalate into lawsuits, especially in regions like the EU where victims have expressed intent to take legal action.

5. Cease and Desist Actions:

   • Jose Gordo issued a cease-and-desist notice to a Mexican YouTuber, “Mejorando tu Futuro,” for labeling The Blockchain Era as a scam, indicating efforts to silence critics through legal intimidation.

6. Financial Instability:

   • WeWe Global’s repeated collapses (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and reliance on new investor funds suggest financial instability. The suspension of withdrawals in August 2023 and the introduction of KYC requirements as an exit strategy further indicate a lack of liquidity.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

José Gordo’s involvement with WeWe Global and its associated platforms presents a clear pattern of promoting high-risk, fraudulent schemes disguised as legitimate cryptocurrency and fintech ventures. His history with OneCoin, a globally recognized Ponzi scheme, and subsequent activities with WeWe Global, LyoFI, LyoPay, and The Blockchain Era indicate a deliberate focus on MLM Ponzi schemes that exploit investors’ desire for passive income. The repeated collapses of these platforms, coupled with regulatory warnings and victim complaints, underscore the unsustainable and fraudulent nature of these operations.

Pros

• Charismatic Promotion: Gordo’s ability to market himself as a coach and speaker, combined with his use of webinars and in-person events, attracts investors seeking high returns.

• Early Investor Payouts: Some early participants report successful withdrawals, which fuels initial enthusiasm and recruitment, a common tactic in Ponzi schemes.

• Social Media Presence: WeWe Global’s strong Telegram (91,000+ subscribers) and Facebook presence (6,000+ likes) create an illusion of legitimacy and community support.

Cons

• Proven Ponzi Scheme Structure: The reliance on new investor funds to pay returns, lack of verifiable revenue, and repeated collapses confirm the Ponzi nature of Gordo’s ventures.

• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Operating without registration in jurisdictions like New Zealand and lack of oversight by top-tier regulators expose investors to significant risks.

• History of Fraud: Gordo’s OneCoin involvement and criminal charges in Argentina suggest a pattern of fraudulent behavior, undermining trust in his current activities.

• Victim Losses: Reports of frozen funds, inability to withdraw, and losses in the millions highlight the severe financial impact on investors.

• Reputation Management Fraud: The use of fake DMCA notices to censor criticism indicates a lack of transparency and willingness to engage in illegal tactics to protect a tainted reputation.

Cautionary Advice

Investors and associates should exercise extreme caution when dealing with Jose Gordo or any ventures linked to WeWe Global, LyoFI, LyoPay, or The Blockchain Era. The lack of regulatory oversight, history of collapses, and Gordo’s prior involvement in OneCoin strongly suggest that these operations are fraudulent. Potential investors should:

• Verify Regulatory Compliance: Only engage with platforms registered with top-tier financial regulators, such as the SEC, FCA, or ASIC.

• Avoid Unrealistic Promises: Be wary of claims offering 300% ROI or similar high returns, as these are unsustainable without legitimate revenue sources.

• Conduct Due Diligence: Research the backgrounds of promoters and the corporate structure of any investment platform, avoiding those tied to offshore jurisdictions like the BVI or Dubai.

• Seek Legal Recourse: Victims of WeWe Global or related schemes should consult lawyers to explore recovery options, particularly in jurisdictions where legal action has been initiated (e.g., Argentina, EU).

Given the high financial, reputational, and legal risks, involvement with Gordo or his ventures is strongly discouraged. Those already invested should attempt to withdraw funds immediately, though success is unlikely given reported withdrawal restrictions.

Key Citations

• WeWe Global launches LFI as LYO Ponzi token collapses

• WeWe Global collapses (again), withdrawals suspended

• The Blockchain Era: Fourth WeWe Global Ponzi reboot

• WeWe Global came up with Ponzi LyoFI and LyoPay – Dirty Scam

• Suspected Ponzi and pyramid scheme WEWE Global or The Blockchain Era promoting LYOPAY

• Is Suspected Ponzi and pyramid scheme WEWE Global or The Blockchain Era promoting LYOPAY safe or a scam broker?

• Wewe Global scam: who is behind the most dangerous Ponzi in 2023

• WeWe Global’s Oceania marketing tour was a disaster

• WEWE Global is rated “Average” with 3.2 / 5 on Trustpilot – www.trustpilot.com

• WeWe Global Review: WEWEX Ponzi points scheme – behindmlm.com

• WeWe Global Scam: The Review Unveiled – gripeo.com

• WeWe Global Attempts To Censor Shady Past: Exposing Copyright Takedown Scam 2024 – gripeo.com

• WeWe World & LyoPay Ponzi fraud warning from NZ – www.makemoney2retire.com