BehindMLM, a platform dedicated to investigating and reporting on MLM schemes, is currently embroiled in a legal struggle with Josip Heit, the mastermind behind the MLM scheme GSPartners. The investor protection platform has been a vigilant watchdog for nearly fifteen years, calling out fraudulent activities in the MLM space. Their latest report outlines the ongoing SLAPP attack against BehindMLM.
A Decade of Diligence
BehindMLM began as a project to inform and protect consumers from MLM-related financial fraud. Over the years, it has published over 9,000 articles, emerging as a significant repository of written MLM content on the internet. The platform’s commitment to raising awareness about the increasing threat of cryptocurrency fraud has often placed it ahead of law enforcement and regulators, navigating through uncharted legal and investigative territories.
BehindMLM presents the details of the SLAPP attack by GSPartners and Josip Heit in a detailed statement on its website. It also refers to Heit’s relationship with masterminds of criminal organizations.
The Legal Labyrinth with Josip Heit
BehindMLM’s coverage of GSPartners, particularly their sixty-two articles documenting ongoing fraudulent activities, attracted Josip Heit‘s attention, leading to a series of legal actions against them.
Through the Berlin law firm IrleMoser, Heit has launched a large-scale SLAPP campaign with the aim of silencing BehindMLM. In the platform’s statement, the lawyers are referred to as “partners in crime”, which is a very bold formulation. Even if it is entirely accurate according to the presentation.
Heit’s approach began with obtaining an ex-parte order in Ukraine, followed by a similar motion in Germany targeting Google, and finally extending his legal pursuit to the New York Supreme Court. These actions have notably lacked due process, as BehindMLM was never a party to these proceedings nor given a chance to present its case.
Challenging Freedom of Speech
This legal tussle transcends a mere dispute between a watchdog and an MLM operator; it challenges the very essence of freedom of speech and consumer protection. The German court order, obtained without BehindMLM‘s participation, resulted in restrictions on the website’s content in Germany. This move was a direct hit on the right to access consumer awareness information, a cornerstone of democratic societies.
The Threat of Organized Crime
The battle takes a darker turn with the revelation of Heit’s connections to organized crime figures in Europe. Josip Heit‘s association with Alex Bodi, a known figure in the Romanian underworld, adds a layer of complexity and danger to BehindMLM’s investigative journalism.
Bodi is a well-known Romanian underworld crime figure. His father is Adrian Tamplaru, the former lieutenant of Romanian mafia don Ion Clămparu. In Romania, Bodi and Tamplaru were charged with and arrested for similar crimes in 2020. Bodi was arrested and later released into house arrest.
This crime connection raises concerns about the safety and security of those behind BehindMLM, especially as they continue to expose fraudulent activities within GSPartners and other MLM schemes.
BehindMLM’s Resilience and Future Plans
Despite these challenges, BehindMLM remains steadfast in its mission. The website continues to operate with a focus on providing accurate and timely information to its readers, a testament to its dedication to consumer protection. In response to the growing threats, the platform has implemented several initiatives to safeguard its operations and ensure continued service to its audience.
I’m in direct contact with federal US law enforcement and they are aware and have been briefed on the matter. As have both the SEC and CFTC. Generally speaking targeting consumer awareness publications has been frowned upon by US regulators.
BehindMLM statement
A Critical Juncture for Consumer Advocacy
BehindMLM’s ongoing legal battle with Josip Heit and GSPartners is more than just a fight for one website’s survival; it’s a fight for the right to protect consumers from fraud. This case underscores the importance of supporting independent platforms like BehindMLM that dare to expose the dark underbelly of MLM schemes. It’s a reminder that in the world of high-stakes MLM fraud, the truth can sometimes come at a hefty price.
For more details on this intricate legal battle and its implications for consumer protection and freedom of speech, readers are encouraged to visit the original text on BehindMLM.com.
Share Information
If you have any information about GSPartners, Josip Heit, and their activities, please let us know via our whistleblowing system, Whistle42.