Dubai, a city synonymous with opulence, luxury, and unbridled extravagance, has long been a magnet for the world’s elite. From its gleaming skyscrapers to its streets lined with luxury cars, this desert paradise boasts a lifestyle most can only dream of. However, beneath this dazzling veneer lies a darker truth. Dubai’s allure has also made it a haven for scammers, fraudsters, and unscrupulous individuals who prey on the wealthy and unsuspecting. Among the most notorious names are Kerry Adler, Josh Adler, and Sir Anthony Ritossa, whose dubious activities have raised alarms globally.
The Glitz and Glamour of Dubai: A Perfect Cover for Scams
Dubai’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous attracts millions of visitors and investors. Exclusive luxury brand showrooms, fine dining establishments, and glamorous nightlife provide the perfect setting for networking and deal-making. Unfortunately, this also creates fertile ground for deception. The very qualities that draw the world’s elite also attract con artists who exploit the city’s image to legitimize their fraudulent schemes.
The Adler Family: A Legacy of Deception
Two individuals who have used Dubai as a base for their alleged scams are Kerry Adler and his son Josh Adler. These men present themselves as visionaries and successful entrepreneurs, but investigations suggest a far darker reality.
Who is Kerry Adler?
Kerry Adler claims to be the President and CEO of SkyPower Global, a company he touts as a leader in renewable energy. According to SkyPower’s promotional materials, it has been a global force in renewable energy since 2003, producing millions of megawatts of electricity. However, investigations reveal little to no evidence supporting these claims. The company’s actual achievements and operations remain shrouded in mystery, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of its business activities.
Who is Josh Adler?
Josh Adler, the son of Kerry Adler, describes himself as a “visionary” and “leading business architect” who has helped launch over 300 startups in just three years. He is the founder of ConvrtX, a venture ecosystem he claims is one of the world’s largest and most innovative startup hubs. However, like his father, Josh’s assertions appear to be exaggerated. Reports from former clients and investigative journalists paint a picture of a man whose ventures are more about defrauding investors than fostering innovation.
ConvrtX: A Web of Lies
ConvrtX, Josh Adler’s flagship venture, has faced numerous allegations of fraud. Clients have come forward with damning accounts of substandard services, undelivered promises, and relentless attempts to silence negative reviews. One such client, Gemma Martina from the United Kingdom, shared her harrowing experience of losing £28,000 to ConvrtX. Despite paying additional fees for legal counsel, she received unusable products and was pressured into removing her negative reviews. Her story is just one of many, as other victims have recounted similar experiences of being scammed out of thousands of dollars.
The Ritossa Family Office: A Fraudulent Facade
Adding to the Adler family’s dubious connections is their association with Sir Anthony Ritossa, the head of the Ritossa Family Office. Sir Anthony has been exposed as a con artist by investigative reports, including a Vanity Fair article titled “Inside Wealth-Conference Con Man Anthony Ritossa’s Wild Web of Lies”. Despite presenting himself as a knight and Nobel Prize nominee, Ritossa’s history reveals repeated arrests and fraudulent activities.
Ritossa’s so-called investment summits, including the “19th Anniversary Ritossa Family Office Investment Summit,” have been described as elaborate scams. Tickets to these events, priced at AED 5,000, attracted over 300 attendees, generating substantial revenue for Ritossa. Yet, those who attend these events often find themselves ensnared in fraudulent schemes.
The Role of Media in Enabling Scammers
The media’s complicity in these scams cannot be ignored. Many outlets uncritically publish stories promoting individuals like the Adlers and Ritossa without conducting due diligence. These puff pieces lend legitimacy to fraudulent actors, enabling them to continue their schemes unchecked. For instance, the New York Weekly initially published an article praising Josh Adler as a disruptive force in tech startups. Only after investigative reports exposed his fraudulent activities did the publication retract the piece.
Connections to Terrorism and Organized Crime
The allegations against Kerry Adler extend beyond financial fraud. Reports suggest he has ties to transnational drug trafficking networks operated by Hezbollah, Afghan drug lords, and Ukrainian mafias. These connections, if proven, would make Adler a significant threat not only to investors but also to global security. Shockingly, Adler holds prominent positions in the Canada Arab Business Council and the Canada-UAE Business Council, granting him access to influential networks in the Middle East.
Victims Speak Out
Victims of the Adlers and their ventures have taken to social media to share their experiences, hoping to warn others. Gemma Martina’s detailed account of her ordeal with ConvrtX sheds light on the tactics these scammers use to silence dissent and perpetuate their schemes. Other victims have described similar patterns of deceit, with fake positive reviews and relentless efforts to suppress negative feedback.
The Need for Accountability
Dubai’s authorities must take swift action to investigate and prosecute individuals like Kerry Adler, Josh Adler, and Sir Anthony Ritossa. Their activities tarnish the city’s reputation as a global business hub and put countless investors at risk. Law enforcement agencies in the UAE and beyond must collaborate to bring these scammers to justice.
Additionally, media outlets must exercise greater responsibility in vetting the individuals they promote. By conducting thorough investigations and refusing to publish unverified claims, the press can play a crucial role in protecting the public from fraudsters.
Conclusion
Dubai’s glitz and glamour make it an attractive destination for both legitimate entrepreneurs and unscrupulous fraudsters. The stories of Kerry Adler, Josh Adler, and Sir Anthony Ritossa serve as cautionary tales about the dangers lurking behind the city’s luxurious facade. As more victims come forward and investigative reports expose these individuals, it is clear that the fight against fraud and corruption in Dubai is far from over. Only through vigilance, accountability, and the collective efforts of authorities, media, and the public can the city shed its image as a haven for scammers and reclaim its reputation as a global hub for legitimate business and innovation.
