Danny de Hek’s “The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger” YouTube channel has been terminated.
In a January twenty first press-release revealed on de Hek’s web site, he confirms the termination was as a consequence of coverage violations.
December 2024 Incident
In December, throughout an interview with Ryan “Ryzn” Conley discussing WEB3, Conley uncovered his furry backside on digital camera.
Whereas the publicity was transient and never specific, technically, it could possibly be thought of nudity. On the time, I didn’t pay a lot consideration as I used to be live-streaming and selected to depart the video on-line, believing it to be no totally different from different content material generally seen on YouTube—like half-naked people in G-strings.
Nevertheless, YouTube flagged the video and issued a Group Pointers strike. I appealed the strike, but it surely was upheld, with an expiration date of February 7.
January 20, 2025 Incident
Whereas live-streaming a Zoom assembly hosted by Megan Lynch—identified for selling scams—my broadcast was infiltrated by “TUGMAN,” a person who posted specific content material, little doubt desiring to pressure the closure of the Zoom assembly.
As a consequence of YouTube’s processing limitations, I couldn’t edit the footage instantly, and it remained viewable for about three or 4 hours earlier than I set the video to personal. The next morning, after YouTube processing, I efficiently edited and blurred out all specific content material to adjust to YouTube’s insurance policies.
Regardless of these precautions, YouTube issued one other strike. Lynch, along with her important on-line following, publicly urged her supporters to report my channel, an effort that seems to have succeeded in silencing my voice.
I reached out to de Hek in regards to the third strike (sometimes YouTube terminations require three strikes), to which he replied;
Effectively I don’t truly know if there was a 3rd strike to be trustworthy. As you’d perceive as they don’t inform you something
Along with dropping his YouTube channel, de Hek claims to have lately misplaced his FaceBook and Zoom accounts. Web sites de Hek operates are additionally below DDOS assault.
These assaults could also be disruptive, however they function a badge of honor, proving that exposing scams like WE ARE ALL SATOSHI strikes a nerve.
Irrespective of what number of denial-of-service assaults they throw at me, the battle to disclose the reality continues.
And at last, two latest podcast episodes from de Hek have been focused;
On January 15, 2025, I obtained an electronic mail from Buzzsprout’s help staff informing me that two of my podcast episodes—titled Exposing the Reality: My Expertise with Class Motion Restoration Providers: Legit or Fraudulent? and Rory Conacher & Craig Wotton: Serial Ponzi Promoter Turned Faux Crypto Restoration Chief(s) — had been flagged for violating their phrases of service.
In line with Buzzsprout, the episodes contained “dangerous content material,” they usually deliberate to take away them inside 48 hours until I acted to protect them.
I instantly responded, presenting proof that the episodes had been grounded in factual reporting and investigative journalism.
My intention was by no means to hurt however to tell and defend the general public from monetary exploitation.
I argued that my work is backed by substantial proof and has been acknowledged by respected retailers like The New York Instances and Bloomberg. Nevertheless, regardless of my efforts, Buzzsprout in the end determined to take away the episodes.
This resolution dealt a blow to my efforts to show scammers and safeguard potential victims. It additionally raised broader questions on free speech and the challenges confronted by content material creators who dare to carry fraudulent people accountable.
I stand by my reporting and stay undeterred in my mission to disclose the reality, even when highly effective platforms bow to exterior pressures.
Whereas I don’t at all times agree with de Hek’s methodology, he’s definitely supplied and continues to supply a unique perspective on researching and reporting on monetary fraud.
De Hek has moreover contributed analysis and firm tip-offs, that are at all times appreciated.
Having been round for some time, sometimes I’m requested for my ideas on why there aren’t extra “BehindMLMs” or “Danny de Heks” on the market.
De Hek’s struggles with third-party platforms spotlight simply a few of the challenges reporting on monetary fraud brings with it. I’ve executed my finest to doc BehindMLM’s personal challenges on this regard through the years.
It’s not simple. Oftentimes you sweep up in opposition to scammers hiding in crime-friendly jurisdictions who’ve misappropriated thousands and thousands. Then there’s their legal professionals (paid for with stated misappropriated thousands and thousands), accomplices, prime promoters and brainwashed shoppers who’ve grow to be trapped of their schemes.
And, as de Hek’s latest challenges emphasize, third-party platforms for whom understanding what comes with reporting on monetary fraud falls exterior of their scope of enterprise (i.e. it doesn’t make them cash so why trouble).
Writes de Hek;
Whereas YouTube permits appeals, earlier experiences with their automated methods and opaque insurance policies give me little hope for reinstatement.
I acknowledge that my actions, as a vigilante preventing scams, have sometimes breached the phrases and situations of assorted platforms. Nevertheless, my sole goal has been to show scammers and defend victims.
I work intently with regulation enforcement businesses and world crime-fighting networks, who use my movies and the database I’ve constructed to research these fraudulent actions.
The journey of exposing scams has been emotionally and mentally taxing. Regardless of threats, lawsuits, and de-platforming, I stay dedicated to justice. Nevertheless, I query the sustainability of constant this battle below present situations.
The termination of “The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger” displays systemic flaws in how platforms deal with studies and appeals. Whereas scammers exploit these weaknesses, real efforts to fight fraud are stifled.
I urge YouTube and different tech giants to reinforce transparency and collaboration with people devoted to public good.
For now, the battle continues—on totally different platforms, by means of new methods, and with unwavering resolve.
De Hek continues to publish on his web site and Twitter account.