Major Payment Processor Linked to Large-Scale Scam Operation
Scandinavian Consumers at Risk from Fraudulent Sites
In a disturbing development, an expansive financial network allegedly orchestrated by Kristian Møller is reportedly targeting consumers in Scandinavia through a series of fraudulent online platforms, including the controversial jukebux.com. This website, under the ownership of Janibank Investment Ltd, a Cyprus-based entity, has been under scrutiny due to a 2015 advisory from regulators warning that it was not licensed to operate in Cyprus.
Connections to Previous Fraudulent Activities
An investigative report from The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) has revealed troubling overlaps between jukebux.com and earlier scam sites linked to Aether Group. The origins of this web of deceit trace back to 2015, the same year that Møller’s predecessor entity, Linkmedia, was established. Documents reviewed indicate that Aether Group has been functioning since then with a significant digital footprint, employing a considerable workforce and operating thousands of websites from offices in Dubai.
Payment Processor Under Fire for Compliance Failures
A key player enabling Møller’s alleged financial schemes is Worldline, a prominent payment processing firm generating nearly £4 billion in annual revenue. The company has reportedly facilitated millions of transactions for Aether Group, amounting to nearly £50 million in just one year. However, internal investigations show that Worldline’s compliance teams raised concerns about Aether’s operations, only to be consistently overruled.
Documents obtained during the investigation reveal a troubling relationship between Worldline and another UK-based payment service provider (PSP), eMerchantPay. This relationship has allowed Aether to prosper, despite heightened concerns over fraudulent activity associated with their accounts. In minutes from a 2020 meeting, Worldline representatives discussed strategies to improve their fraud metrics by utilizing eMerchantPay for “cleaner transactions,” a move that raises ethical questions about prioritizing profits over consumer protection.
The Implications of a Compromised System
This developing story highlights a critical question: How did a major payment processor continue to enable fraudulent activities against consumers? As the situation unfolds, scrutiny of Worldline’s practices and its partnerships—particularly with high-risk merchants like Aether Group—will likely intensify.
Update pending on regulatory responses and further statements from Worldline and eMerchantPay as investigations continue.
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