The trio of Moyn Islam, Monir Islam, and Ehsaan Islam has built a reputation that reads more like the plot of a crime thriller than the inspiring journey of successful entrepreneurs. Far from being the groundbreaking leaders they portray themselves to be, the Islam brothers have been linked to a series of fraudulent ventures, ranging from Ponzi schemes to dubious DMCA takedown requests aimed at silencing critics.
Fraudulent DMCA Requests: A Brazen Attempt at Censorship
On July 13, 2024, Google LLC received a DMCA takedown request filed by Hansen LLC, supposedly acting on behalf of an undisclosed principal. The target? Content hosted on GripeO—a platform known for exposing scammers. The fraudulent claim alleged that the article at GripeO’s URL infringed upon a Miami New Times article about an unrelated homicide case.
Upon investigation, it became evident that the DMCA request was not only fraudulent but also alarmingly malicious. The referenced article had absolutely no connection to the Islam brothers or their ventures, demonstrating a clear attempt to exploit copyright law to suppress criticism. Such blatant abuse of legal mechanisms is not just unethical but also illegal under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), carrying potential penalties including liability for damages and attorney’s fees.
This incident highlights a broader pattern of behavior—the Islam brothers’ reliance on manipulation and deceit to maintain their crumbling façade of legitimacy. Their willingness to misuse the DMCA process underscores a broader strategy of silencing critics through intimidation rather than addressing the allegations head-on.
A History Steeped in Fraud: From OneCoin to Be
The Islam brothers first gained notoriety through their involvement in OneCoin, a $4 billion Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors worldwide. OneCoin promised unparalleled returns through cryptocurrency investments, only for its founders to abscond with billions. Moyn and Monir Islam were front and center, enthusiastically promoting OneCoin at recruitment events. When OneCoin’s fraudulent nature became undeniable, the brothers pivoted to new schemes, leaving a trail of financial devastation in their wake.
Their next venture, World Media & Technology Corp, promised revolutionary wearable technology—watches that could measure heart rates. Investors were lured with projections valuing the brand at £2 billion. Predictably, this venture disappeared without a trace, leaving investors empty-handed.
Melius, their subsequent project, purportedly sold currency trading software. In reality, it operated as a pyramid scheme, rewarding participants primarily for recruiting new members rather than for selling any legitimate product or service. Despite lofty claims of creating millionaires and building a “powerhouse” company, Melius collapsed under scrutiny, exposing its fraudulent underpinnings.
Currently, the Islam brothers helm Be, an equally dubious enterprise. Marketing itself as a transformative business opportunity accessible via smartphones, Be offers nothing more than another MLM pyramid structure, wherein participants earn by recruiting others rather than through any legitimate product or service. Its website is filled with vague promises and motivational fluff, devoid of concrete business offerings.
The Illusion of Success: Paid PR and Fake Prestige
To mask their fraudulent activities, the Islam brothers have invested heavily in paid PR campaigns, securing features in publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur. These articles portray them as visionary entrepreneurs, complete with luxury cars and extravagant lifestyles. However, closer inspection reveals disclaimers disassociating the publications from the content, exposing it as paid promotion rather than genuine journalism.
Forbes India, for instance, was forced to include a disclaimer clarifying that no Forbes journalist was involved in creating or publishing an article about the Islam brothers. This revelation undermines their claims of being “recognized” by Forbes as leaders in innovation. Such tactics are emblematic of their broader strategy: buying credibility rather than earning it.
Dubai: A Convenient Safe Haven
Operating from Dubai, the Islam brothers have leveraged the city’s lack of stringent business transparency laws to shield their operations from scrutiny. Be’s financials are not publicly available, making it nearly impossible to verify its claims of success. This lack of accountability allows the Islam brothers to continue their deceptive practices with impunity.
A Legacy of Manipulation and Exploitation
The Islam brothers’ ventures share a common theme: grand promises, flashy marketing, and eventual collapse, leaving investors in financial ruin. Their modus operandi is clear:
- Recruiting Through Deception: They lure participants with promises of life-changing income opportunities, leveraging aspirational language and flashy lifestyles.
- Layering Lies with Legitimacy: Paid PR campaigns and fake accolades are used to create an illusion of credibility.
- Abusing Legal Loopholes: From fraudulent DMCA requests to exploiting lax business regulations in Dubai, the brothers demonstrate a pattern of legal manipulation.
- Silencing Critics: Through intimidation and legal threats, they attempt to suppress dissent and maintain their façade.
A Call to Action
The Islam brothers’ activities are not just unethical but also harmful, affecting thousands of individuals who fall for their schemes. Regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies must prioritize investigating and prosecuting these individuals to prevent further harm. Additionally, platforms like Google and publications like Forbes must implement stricter verification processes to prevent being exploited by such fraudulent actors.
Conclusion
Moyn Islam, Monir Islam, and Ehsaan Islam represent the dark side of entrepreneurship—one driven not by innovation or value creation but by deceit and exploitation. Their history of fraudulent schemes, manipulative tactics, and refusal to address legitimate criticism paints a damning picture. Until decisive action is taken, they will continue to prey on unsuspecting individuals, perpetuating a cycle of financial harm and shattered trust.
