In this post I share the aftermath of a recent death, most likely a suicide, concluding that the permanent solution to a temporary situation simply transfers the pain one is experiencing to others. I try to warn others by explaining that the process of dying is just that - a process. Enjoy! … [Read more...] about Suicide – Sick & Tired: of Pain
RIP: Declan Curran, September 2022
Declan Curran (aka Agent Kiwi) went to meet his Maker last week. His body was cremated by Dil Funeral Services on the North Shore and his sister Joanne has taken over his affairs as his NOK. I am his editor and publisher and we agreed that in the event of his 'demise' the project to publish his book Deception would be done posthumously. That will now occur in due course. This … [Read more...] about RIP: Declan Curran, September 2022
MESSY! 8.Authorities: Upping the Ante
The essence of this short post is that New Zealand's Commerce Commission will be provided sufficient information to investigate the BBX operations in New Zealand taking into account two factors: 1. The devaluation of the BBX currency (currently backed by less than 1c in the trade dollar) and 2. Misrepresentation of the BBX membership and the BBX organisation in New … [Read more...] about MESSY! 8.Authorities: Upping the Ante
MESSY! 7.Getting Hidden Help
This post is one of a series exposing Australian fraudster Caroline Macdonald, CEO of BBX International, a commercial barter scam. In it I show how the crooked deceive others using what we call ad hominem attacks garnered from hidden helpers to show others up in the hope that attention can be taken off their own sins. Enjoy! … [Read more...] about MESSY! 7.Getting Hidden Help
MESSY! 6.Dealing With the Devil
This post is one in a series exposing an Australian business woman Caroline Macdonald. In this post I try to explain how the perception game differs from reality and how crooks, crims and crazies live, work and play in the murky area, before I give advice on how to deal with "the devil". Enjoy this one and hopefully there will be enough understanding from you to justify the … [Read more...] about MESSY! 6.Dealing With the Devil
MESSY! 5.Analysing the Conflict
This post is one in a series which exposes fraudster-ess Caroline Macdonald and her shonky deals using the fraudulent BBX brand and now a failed Aussie crypto company Black Tie Holdings (BT). Central to this recent drama has been a rather nasty scrap between Caroline and a fellow Australian 'betting dude' Robert Tidy. In this post I share what I've learned from digesting some … [Read more...] about MESSY! 5.Analysing the Conflict
MESSY! 4.IRTA’s 2022 Shame
Caroline Macdonald is the guest of honour at this year's IRTA conference. Shame IRTA! Shame! In this post I get down and dirty real with an organisation struggling for relevance in 2022, along with a dying membership and credibility problems. I know the people and the organisation VERY well, and believe me this year will be nothing more than previous years, except that perhaps … [Read more...] about MESSY! 4.IRTA’s 2022 Shame
MESSY! 3. The Blackmail Conversation
This post is one of a series exposing the real Caroline Macdonald. In it I give commentary on the dynamics at play for those new to the personality and voice of a woman that has been the butt of many a barb given to me over the years - from dozens of really angry and upset people, mainly BBX and ex-BBX megamblmbers from Australia and New Zealand. Caroline's true nature can be … [Read more...] about MESSY! 3. The Blackmail Conversation
MESSY! 2. The REAL Caroline Macdonald
This post is one of a series exposing the real Caroline Macdonald, CEO of BBX International, a fraudulent commercial barter company that I investigated thoroughly in February 2017. The series will become a book - called "Messy" a direct quote from a woman who will mo doubt need a 'nappy change'. It will be warning the world of the things that she (and her fellow criminals) do … [Read more...] about MESSY! 2. The REAL Caroline Macdonald
MESSY! 1. Introduction
"MESSY! The Caroline Macdonald Backstory" is a book and website designed to inform the public about the REAL Caroline Macdonald, an Australian commercial barter con-artist currently CEO of the BBX International con job. The book is being published along with the entire massive research entitled "The BBX Investigation" written in 2017. It is published by my New Zealand licensed … [Read more...] about MESSY! 1. Introduction
38. The BBX Investigation Final Comments
The BBX Investigation has closed. The book is being collated and the last words are written here for the puppetmeister (mistress really) Carolin McDonald, CEO (by hook or by crook) of BBX International, a conglomerate of companies that I’ve shown to have stolen from their members for decades and who lie through their teeth at every conceivable possibility. I have nothing but … [Read more...] about 38. The BBX Investigation Final Comments
37. BBX Whistleblower: Cameron McKean
In this interview, I give opportunity for the BBX Whistleblower. Cameron McKean to speak. He has a lot at stake, first pulling out of BBX, then doing it the way he did, and then his questions getting out and The BBX Investigation following. His answers to my questions are very similar in style to those we had engaging during my investigation. I think it helps to see … [Read more...] about 37. BBX Whistleblower: Cameron McKean
36. MEDIA RELEASE: Barter Tax Avoidance Warning
[ORIGINALLY POSTED in March 2017 at http://www.dennis.co.nz/2017/03/36-media-release-barter-tax-avoidance-warning/index.html] Media Release FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: 8 March 2017 FROM: DENNIS A. SMITH, INVESTIGATIVE BLOGGER SUBJECT: BARTER COMPANY DATA BREACH CAUSES TAX AVOIDANCE WARNING CONTACT: www.dennis.co.nz, … [Read more...] about 36. MEDIA RELEASE: Barter Tax Avoidance Warning
35. BBX Rips Open the Barter Industry
The BBX Investigation has ripped open the Commercial Barter industry and this will have global ramifications. Michael Touma, founder of BBX, while he was alive had an aura of invincibility, but with his passing, the demise of his business has now shown all the scam it truly was. Despite the desperate efforts of IRTA to cover it all up, as the authorities investigate, first … [Read more...] about 35. BBX Rips Open the Barter Industry
34. BBX Devaluation Helps With Tax Losses
The publication of actual BBX figures, showing massive currency debasement is a two-edged sword. First and most obviously when reality hits home that we’ve been defrauded, it hurts, but there is an upside to this. We can now legitimately claim huge tax losses with a devalued currency. Furthermore for those who have kept business transactions within the BBX system hidden out of … [Read more...] about 34. BBX Devaluation Helps With Tax Losses
33. Warning to BBX Staff & Associates
This is a formal warning to BBX staff, franchisees, sub-contractors, members and associated parties that their/your involvement in perpetuating a fraudulent barter operation (BBX) may place themselves at risk of aiding and abetting criminal activity, and if it is in New Zealand or associated with NZ following midnight 31st March 2017, will result in criminal charges. … [Read more...] about 33. Warning to BBX Staff & Associates
32. BBX and Issues of Morality
I address here, the issues of morality, using a communication received from an angry BBX Member not only showing him up for the hypocrite that he is, but how immorality takes over when we blame others for what is our failing. BBX International blames the whistleblower; then BBX members blame me, the messenger and everybody wants somebody else to pay for their mistakes and … [Read more...] about 32. BBX and Issues of Morality
31. BBX Members React – It’s War
BBX Members across the globe have and are continuing to rise up against Aussie Barter company BBX International. Reeling from The BBX Investigation, BBX staff and franchises are desperate to stem the leaks. The raw data is out and getting seen; court actions are commencing and the PR spin is that all is good and golden at BBX. It’s not! I share some of the things that have … [Read more...] about 31. BBX Members React – It’s War
30. The Raw BBX Data
In this post I share an email from John Attridge, CEO, BBX UK in which among other things he challenges me and my credibility. I also describe communications from IRTA’s Ron Whitney and activities from BBX’s Carolin MacDonald to undermine my credibility. I warned all that I would release the entire data set that I received via my Tipline should any challenge to my credibility … [Read more...] about 30. The Raw BBX Data
29. BBX International in a Nutshell
This is a summary of the failed BBX International barter exchange, which (apart from release of the core data) wraps up The BBX Investigation. … [Read more...] about 29. BBX International in a Nutshell
28. The BBX People
I list here the key people involved in the BBX operations and The BBX Investigation. Some I have known for years. Some I’ve never met. Some are complicit from the outset. Others have got conned themselves and there are victims all over the globe. Enjoy my take on the various characters caught up in my investigation. [ORIGINALLY POSTED in February 2017 at … [Read more...] about 28. The BBX People
27. BBX Minor Countries Analysis
I finish my analysis of BBX memberships analysing Malaysia, Singapore, India, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Hong Kong (BBX’s supposed home) and China. Excepting perhaps the last one, it’s bad, more bad, even more bad and worse still. As previously reported I have taken the actual members with actual balances, totaled them to get the balance/ratio of debts and credits; picked out any … [Read more...] about 27. BBX Minor Countries Analysis
26. BBX – Thailand Member Analysis
BBX Thailand has had real problems since its inception. Going through multiple owners under founder Michael Touma’s direct care, it eventually ended up with Cameron McKean who resigned after the founder’s death and a string of unresolved issues that destroyed his confidence with the founder’s daughter who was running the show. His resignation letter was basically the … [Read more...] about 26. BBX – Thailand Member Analysis
25. BBX NZ – Serious Fraud Office
I post here the complaint lodged with NZ’s Serious Fraud Office today 27 February 2017. SFO handles all fraud over $2m and with my exposure of a $6.9m deficit within the BBX NZ trading platform this more than qualifies for the ‘heavies’ to get involved. Multiple crimes going back years have occurred. I have made my research available to them today. Due process will occur and … [Read more...] about 25. BBX NZ – Serious Fraud Office
24. BBX UK Membership Analysis
[ORIGINALLY POSTED in February 2017 at http://www.dennis.co.nz/2017/02/24-bbx-uk-membership-analysis/index.html] Here are the statistics for BBX UK, based on actual membership data. BBX UK is the healthiest of all the BBX exchanges in the sense that there are members trading, equal numbers of members in debt and credit but claimed membership numbers are grossly exaggerated … [Read more...] about 24. BBX UK Membership Analysis
23. BBX New Zealand Analysis
The BBX New Zealand membership and account analysis presents a remarkably simple picture, with real figures, of what happens when a barter exchange owner debases the currency. Grid-lock occurs, as the currency becomes less and less of value, down, in this case to 1.7c in the dollar and probably less. They also show the extraordinary lengths that deceivers go to when hiding … [Read more...] about 23. BBX New Zealand Analysis
22. BBX – Winding Down/Winding Up
In this 22nd post of The BBX Investigation I use six examples of barter exchange failures to describe the process and reasons for failure. … [Read more...] about 22. BBX – Winding Down/Winding Up
21. How BBX Did It – Lies & Theft
In The BBX Investigation, I’ve hinted at bigger things happening behind the scenes. In this post I describe the sorts of things that occur in crooked barter exchanges and detail how the puppeteers pull the strings for personal enrichment. They deceive . . . then steal. There’s nothing new under the sun. I apply this understanding to the BBX business and make estimates on the … [Read more...] about 21. How BBX Did It – Lies & Theft
20. More Words from BBX People
This [long] post shares the second set of feedback from BBX members following my first email asking for feedback. I asked these two questions: Are you happy as a BBX member? Can you spend your credits effectively? The responses paint a very clear picture of serious problems for the failing exchange. … [Read more...] about 20. More Words from BBX People
19. The BBX People Speak
I’ve said a lot and there’s heaps more to come but in this post I . . . Let the People Speak . . . I will update this page as I process an flurry of spiking traffic & emails that has literally brought my server to its knees! … [Read more...] about 19. The BBX People Speak
18. BBX Currency Analysis – 10c/$1.00
BBX International is a company in crisis. In previous posts I have shown that the company has been mismanaged (for years); has high Franchisee turnover and huge member dissatisfaction that stem from the owners raping and pillaging the credit of their members. In this post I analyse and explain the significance of debasing a currency, and in this case the BBX trade … [Read more...] about 18. BBX Currency Analysis – 10c/$1.00
17. OPEN LETTER 1 – BBX Members
This is OPEN LETTER is the first I send to BBX members. It invites them to come forward. I introduce myself, identify two concerns and ask two questions. I will share the results collated here in due course. … [Read more...] about 17. OPEN LETTER 1 – BBX Members
16. BBX UK & The Franchise Show
BBX in the UK is currently attempting to franchise across the United Kingdom and has booked a stand at The Franchise Show in London. Coming right in the middle of my revelations in The BBX Investigation, this business expansion move is destined for disaster in more ways than one. It has the potential to put new BBX business owners at risk, it has the potential to … [Read more...] about 16. BBX UK & The Franchise Show
15. BBX Memberships – Names in a Database
In The BBX Investigation thus far I have shown immorality and incompetence within the BBX International management. I have stated broadly that membership numbers as claimed are inflated. I now give evidence [proof] of the extent of this deception, which is in the order of a factor of 10. Some entire countries within the BBX operations are essentially simply names in a … [Read more...] about 15. BBX Memberships – Names in a Database
14 The BBX Knives Are Coming Out
The only thing darkness fears is the light. With The BBX Investigation the knives are coming out as word gets out there and the light is shining right into the cracks of the BBX story-telling. Here are a few of the comments received recently from the Tipline relating to my recent investigation into BBX, starting with some of the tools I use to ferret out the truth . . . … [Read more...] about 14 The BBX Knives Are Coming Out
13. BBX Threatens – Sue Me PLEASE!
BBX International CEO Carolin MacDonald has issued me with a NOTICE TO CEASE AND DESIST PUBLICATION OF DEFAMATORY MATERIAL, and threatened to take me to court. Talk about being away with the fairies! Here is a copy of the warning notice and my commentary. Sadly, this will yet be more BS talk from the masters of . . . well you get the picture! Grab a beer … [Read more...] about 13. BBX Threatens – Sue Me PLEASE!
12. BBX Data Security Breach
During my investigation into BBX I established that a security problem existed in the storage and access of critical financial and personal information within the company management systems. I advised the public by way of my blogs, and other key people and entities, alerting them to the issues involved. These issues are at a criminal negligence level, depending on the … [Read more...] about 12. BBX Data Security Breach
11. BBX: Rats Off a Sinking Ship
In this post I give examples of feedback received from those watching events unfold with BBX. I observe a trade exchange’s demise as it is happening and I use real comments (and my responses) so that you too can see what I see, reality from the inside. The key take-home is that a barter business of the traditional model, built around a privately created … [Read more...] about 11. BBX: Rats Off a Sinking Ship
10. BBX Causes Problems for IRTA
In recent posts I have explained how my investigations into BBX, a Hong Kong-based, Australian run barter business have revealed criminal conduct on the part of BBX management. I have also alluded to the challenges that those who are involved have in being associated with the ailing (and I posit), dead and dying brand. I now discuss the issues that IRTA face in dealing … [Read more...] about 10. BBX Causes Problems for IRTA
9. BBX Crimes – The Significance
BBX is a criminal organisation. Management has knowingly flouted the laws in more than one country and for a long time, even going back to the days of the Founder, Michael Touma. In this post, the ninth in a series investigating BBX, I explain the enormous significance for those involved and associated with BBX now that matters are clearly criminal. It’s serious and scary, best … [Read more...] about 9. BBX Crimes – The Significance
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