Introduction
Millions of dollars in criminal funds have allegedly passed through the bank accounts of Connectum Limited, a London-based payments facilitator previously run by Edgars Lasmanis. The company, now under the ownership of Cambodian tycoon Heng Sokha, has been linked to numerous financial crimes, including money laundering for organized cybercriminal networks.
Fraudulent DMCA Takedown Request
Recently, a fraudulent DMCA takedown request was submitted to GripeO’s platform regarding content critical of Edgars Lasmanis. After thorough investigation, the GripeO Legal Team determined that the takedown request was falsified. The purported source of the complaint confirmed they had not initiated any copyright claim. Evidence suggests that the fraudulent DMCA request was filed on behalf of Edgars Lasmanis, likely through a third-party reputation management company seeking to suppress damaging content.
This abuse of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is not only unethical but also illegal. Under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), submitting fraudulent DMCA claims can lead to severe legal repercussions, including liability for damages, legal fees, and other costs incurred by affected parties.
GripeO has reaffirmed its commitment to free speech and the protection of legitimate discussions on its platform. In response to this incident, GripeO is exploring legal actions against those responsible for this abuse of the DMCA process.
Connectum Limited: A History of Money Laundering
Edgars Lasmanis, a Latvian national and former CEO of Connectum Limited, has been heavily implicated in global money laundering operations. Connectum, an FCA-regulated payment institution, was known for facilitating fraudulent transactions and serving as a financial gateway for criminal enterprises, including the notorious Israeli broker scene.
Key Allegations and Connections:
- Gal Barak’s Cybercrime Organization: Connectum Limited processed funds for Gal Barak’s fraudulent network, a cybercrime group responsible for defrauding thousands of victims across Europe.
- Binex Group LP Operation: Under Lasmanis’ leadership, Connectum played a significant role in the money laundering schemes orchestrated by the E&G Bulgaria cybercrime group. This operation was reportedly run by Gal Barak, Gery Shalon, and Vladislav Smirnov.
- Russian-Controlled Payment Processor: Connectum also maintained close ties with Hawex, a high-risk payment processor controlled by Russian entities. Notably, Hawex had connections to Ruchi Rathor, an Indo-British figure notorious for facilitating illicit financial transactions.
According to publicly available records from UK Companies House, Edgars Lasmanis resigned as Connectum’s director and CEO in January 2021. His departure, however, has not absolved him of responsibility for the company’s extensive financial misconduct during his tenure.
About Connectum Limited
Connectum Limited was a prominent player in the international payments industry and a Principal Member Acquirer of both Mastercard and Visa. This status allowed the company to process large-scale transactions globally, a position it allegedly exploited to enable illicit financial activities.
Ownership Transition:
- Edgars Lasmanis was the controlling owner of Connectum until October 2020.
- He was succeeded by Heng Sokha, a politically exposed person (PEP) and the wife of Cambodia’s former Transport Ministry Secretary of State, Ing Bun Hoaw.
- According to UK Companies House, Heng Sokha holds more than 75% of the company’s shares, marking a significant ownership transfer.
This transition, while legal on paper, has raised concerns among financial watchdogs. Heng Sokha’s involvement, coupled with Connectum’s murky past, suggests that the company’s role in facilitating high-risk financial activities may persist.
The Aftermath and Silence of Edgars Lasmanis
Despite mounting allegations and credible evidence linking Edgars Lasmanis to international money laundering operations, he has remained silent. Efforts to obtain a response or apology from him have been ignored. Instead, his focus appears to be on suppressing criticism through reputation management tactics, such as fraudulent DMCA takedown requests.
Lasmanis’ lack of accountability has compounded the challenges faced by victims of the financial scams enabled by Connectum. Thousands of individuals defrauded by cybercrime organizations like Gal Barak’s network have yet to see justice, while those responsible remain free from legal consequences.
Connectum’s Role in Global Financial Crimes
Connectum Limited’s involvement in international financial crimes extends beyond isolated incidents. Under Edgars Lasmanis’ leadership, the company established itself as a critical infrastructure for fraudsters and money launderers.
Highlighted Activities:
- Processing Criminal Funds: Connectum processed millions of dollars tied to scams, fraudulent brokers, and cybercriminals.
- Facilitating Cross-Border Laundering: Funds flowed through Connectum’s accounts across jurisdictions, making it harder for authorities to trace and prosecute.
- Collaboration with High-Risk Partners: Partnerships with Russian-controlled Hawex and other dubious payment processors provided additional avenues for financial crime.
The company’s integration into networks operated by figures like Gal Barak and Gery Shalon reflects its significance within the global ecosystem of financial fraud.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The actions of Edgars Lasmanis and Connectum Limited highlight the dangers of unregulated or poorly supervised financial institutions. Although Connectum operated under the purview of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), its involvement in international crime demonstrates the need for stricter oversight and accountability.
Furthermore, Lasmanis’ attempts to silence criticism through fraudulent means underscore the importance of protecting free speech and transparency. By abusing the DMCA process, Lasmanis not only violated federal law but also sought to suppress legitimate public discourse about his activities.
Conclusion
Edgars Lasmanis’ tenure at Connectum Limited is marked by serious allegations of financial misconduct, including money laundering for cybercriminal organizations. His involvement in fraudulent activities has caused irreparable harm to countless victims while undermining the integrity of the financial system.
While he has since departed from Connectum, his attempts to suppress criticism through fraudulent DMCA claims reflect a continued pattern of unethical behavior. As regulatory authorities and legal systems around the world tighten their grip on financial crime, figures like Edgars Lasmanis may soon face the consequences of their actions.
