A World Apart, Now Under Threat

While most historic castle and towns in Europe have long since surrendered to modern development, Monemvasia remains an extraordinary exception, a place where time has quite literally stood still. Shielded for centuries by its dramatic geography, this fortified medieval settlement was carved into a massive rock off Greece’s southeastern coast, invisible from the mainland and virtually unreachable to invaders. It was built for secrecy and for survival.

Today, that same geography continues to protect Monemvasia. From within its stone walls, the modern world vanishes. But this final sanctuary will now disappear, the very isolation that safeguarded Monemvasia for more than a millennium is beginning to unravel. Not because of war or weather, but because of neglect, poor planning, and the unchecked prioritization of tourism over preservation. Ill-conceived developments, cultural disregard, and a growing appetite for “accessibility upgrades” are placing the town’s unique authenticity in real danger.

Crucially, Monemvasia’s value lies not just in its architecture, but in its undisturbed context. It is not a museum piece frozen behind velvet ropes; it is a living community, a breathing relic of the Byzantine Middle Ages. To alter its geography, to impose modern infrastructure for convenience or spectacle, is to break the very spell that makes Monemvasia unlike any other place on Earth.

If its isolation is breached, Monemvasia loses far more than its quiet, it loses its soul. And with it, the world loses the last remaining chance to walk through history untouched, a crisis of global heritage, one that raises urgent questions about how we value the past, and whether we are willing to let it vanish in the name of progress.

A Dying Cat Population Left to Rot

Among the most heartbreaking and visible signs of Monemvasia’s neglect is its growing population of sick, injured, and dying cats. Once symbols of charm in this byzantine city, these very necessary residents now roam the alleys of Monemvasia in a state of profound suffering, many blind, others missing ears, tails, or limping from untreated injuries. With no vaccination programs, no access to veterinary care, and no municipal neutering initiative, the cat population has grown unchecked, spiraling into a tragic cycle of disease, injury, starvation, and death.

Local residents and business owners, moved by compassion, attempt to feed and care for these animals. But without professional intervention, their efforts are overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. What they witness daily is not just suffering — it is slow-motion mass neglect, playing out in full view of tourists and children.

The consequences go beyond animal welfare. When requested for comment, the Resident and Owners Association reported that it spent just in 2025 a staggering 6,800 EUR of their own resources attempting to control an increased infestation of cockroaches and other vermin within the Kastro further underscoring the severity of the town’s collapsing environmental health infrastructure. Still, authorities remain absent, and no organized municipal or veterinary support has been implemented, despite the visibility and urgency of the problem.

The “Funicular” That Will Ruin the last remaining treasure in Greece.

But the spark that ignited outrage by both residents and business operators in the kastro is the construction of the cable car, a contemporary mechanical lift that would shuttle tourists from the lower town to the Acropolis above within the same protected island. Proponents argue it’s for inclusivity, yet the narrow, carless streets of Monemvasia are already inaccessible by design. The proposed funicular, far from democratizing access, would shatter the only thing that has preserved the town for centuries: its topographical isolation.

Residents argue that hidden behind the curtain of accessibility is a shadowy economic motive. The lift would be operated privately, monetizing the only surviving aspect of Monemvasia that remains untouched, its inaccessibility. Residents warn that once that barrier is broken, Monemvasia will become just another “medieval theme park”  no longer a miracle of time, but a simulation of one.

They destroyed Santorini, then they destroyed Mykonos, now Monemvasia is next. : Monemvasia Resident

Noti.Group found that 86% of those interviewed are against this project. In their view, the funds for this initiative should be used to restore the seawall, provide safe drinking water, maintain the historic trails, implement humane animal control programs, and protect the night sky from light pollution by updating lighting to international sky-preservation standards. Instead, the money is being spent on what residents consider a vanity project that caters to destructive tourism, benefiting only a handful of contractors and operators.

Monemvasia Friends Association“We are watching in disbelief the excavation works in Monemvasia for the construction of the cable car”

A Crisis of Heritage, and of Priorities

Monemvasia is a global heritage site in every way but official designation. There’s no comparable living medieval town isolated in both time and space. Its preservation should be a European and international concern.

In an era where historic towns are swallowed by modern development, Monemvasia stands as the last of its kind. But if its defining isolation., its silence, purity and authenticity, will be breached, and it will never be restored. Once that boundary is crossed, the magic vanishes forever.

As of early 2025, the proposed €6.8 million aerial funicular (cable car/lift) was fully approved by Greece’s Central Archaeological Council and funded via the EU Recovery & Resilience Facility https://www.monemvasiasociety.com/press-release-on-the-controversial-cable-car-project-for-the-archaeological-site-of-monemvasia-greece

The Greek section of ICOMOS, the Association of Greek Archaeologists (SEA), the Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET), Monumenta, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), Callisto, MEDASSET, the Ecological Recycling Society, Organisation Earth, and the Society of Cultural Heritage Management Consultants (ESDIAPOK) have all expressed opposition or concern regarding the project.

In addition, numerous academics, particularly archaeologists and architects, have publicly voiced strong objections, a significant portion of the local community, regardless of political affiliation, is also deeply concerned.

However, the Greek Council of State rejected two appeals filed by the Hellenic Society for Environment and Culture (ELLET), the Friends of Monemvasia Association, and local residents, approving the construction of the cable car, citing the need to improve access to the monument’s Upper Town.

This decision raises serious concerns about the balance between accessibility and the preservation of cultural heritage. The court justified its ruling by stating that monuments fulfill their cultural role through collective memory and should be accessible to all, including people with disabilities. Yet, this argument fails to address the irreversible damage that modern constructions such as the proposed cable car stations and related infrastructure is visibly inflicting on the archaeological integrity of Monemvasia, a site that has stood untouched for centuries.

Furthermore, the terrain in Monemvasia is naturally highly unstable, a condition that is exacerbated when subjected to vibrations. A study conducted by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) has identified extensive unstable zones within the rock mass of the Rock. Current drilling activities, which involve heavy machinery, are taking place just meters away from these precarious areas, posing a significant risk of a landslide. The area beneath these zones is densely populated, with houses, hotels, and Airbnbs situated just below the cliff face. Any substantial rock dislodged from the cliffs could pose a catastrophic threat to both residents and visitors. Alarmingly, this drilling process is artificially introducing the same geological forces that once caused the collapse of the terrain, the very event that allowed the lower town to exist in the first place. The ongoing activity risks not only the safety of those living and working in the area but also the preservation of this historically significant site.

Heritage sites, especially those with substantial archaeological value, should remain free from contemporary developments that threaten to destroy or alter their historical features. The construction of the cable car, while framed as an effort to improve access, represents a violation of the core principle of safeguarding such sites for future generations. This is not merely about improving accessibility; it is about protecting the very essence of the heritage that defines these places.

Monemvasia’s inclusion as one of Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites underscores the serious threats posed by the ongoing changes to the island. The cable car construction risks damaging the delicate historical fabric, irreparably altering its visual and physical character in favor of a modern tourism infrastructure that prioritizes short-term financial gains over the long-term preservation of the town. The goal appears to be to attract mass tourism, particularly from the cruise industry, without regard for the lasting damage that such a flood of visitors could bring.

A comparable situation occurred with the 182-meter glass elevator on the cliffside of Kelingking Beach in Bali, Indonesia. The project, which sought to improve access to the beach under the same pretence, was eventually canceled after significant public outcry over its environmental and aesthetic impact. The “glass lift” was part of a broader effort to capitalize on tourism by creating a new visitor attraction, but it faced criticism for its intrusive design and its negative environmental consequences. While that project was halted, Monemvasia’s cable car proposal has not stirred such widespread international concern, largely because the plan is proceeding with minimal public awareness. Despite the potential consequences for the site, there has been little global outcry or formal campaigns from heritage advocates.

“From the moment the project was announced, both the international and domestic scientific community raised serious concerns, among other things, about the technical suitability of the choice and its impact on the monument. Unfortunately, these concerns were ignored. The result today is that the reality surpasses imagination, as the works began with unprecedented haste and sloppiness, without transparency and accountability, in a space designated as archaeological and a place of unparalleled natural beauty.”

Destined to Fade in Silence

Social media occasionally buzzes with hashtags like #SaveMonemvasia and #NoFunicular, but no major digital movement has gained significant traction. Legally, the funicular project has not attracted any formal interventions from UNESCO, nor have expert legal briefs been made public. Ironically, Monemvasia’s absence from the UNESCO World Heritage List may have contributed to this lack of attention. Once wary of the potential impacts that such a designation might bring, locals now find themselves in a situation where that very fear may be contributing to the destruction of the town’s future.

At the European and national policy levels, no substantial efforts have been made to protect Monemvasia, nor has there been any clear lobbying for preservation initiatives. Without strong advocacy or a redirection of resources toward conservation, this once-pristine archaeological site faces the very real danger of losing its charm and its history, forever.

A Medieval Masterpiece Survived 1,000 Years, Until Now

Monemvasia isn’t just a medieval town, it’s the last of its kind in the entire world. A time capsule frozen in the heart of the Aegean, where every cobblestone and shadow carries centuries of untarnished history. Here, visitors wander streets untouched by modern life, beneath a sky so dark and clear the stars blaze like a celestial spotlight, illuminating a world that has all but vanished elsewhere. This fortress, carved from rugged rock and layered with history, stands alone as one of the last pure medieval towns, a living sanctuary where the past still breathes freely, unbroken by contemporary intrusion.

The stakes could not be higher. Monemvasia is not merely a European treasure; it is a beacon for all humanity, a rare, irreplaceable link to our collective heritage. It represents a chapter of human history that, if lost, cannot be rewritten or recovered. Yet today, this extraordinary relic teeters on the brink, threatened by choices that prioritize short-term profit over preservation, and by developments that risk erasing the very soul that makes it unique.

The coming months will decide whether Monemvasia continues to offer the world a glimpse into an ancient past, or if it becomes yet another silent victim of modern neglect. This is a moment for all of us citizen of humanity to reflect: preserving Monemvasia is preserving a part of ourselves, a shared legacy that transcends borders and generations. Because when the last town like Monemvasia disappears, a piece of humanity’s story disappears with it.. forever.

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The Last Byzantine Medieval Town on Earth Is Being Destroyed, and It’s Too Late

Noti Group: https://noti.group/this-ancient-greek-town-is-scheduled-for-destruction-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

There are no cars, no visible signs of modern infrastructure, no concrete scars from contemporary development. Transport of goods and materials is still carried out manually or with donkeys, just as it was in centuries past. There is no urban sprawl, no visible contemporary buildings, no LED or neon lighting or signage. Enclosed by walls that once repelled empires, Monemvasia shows you only herself and the sea she’s leaned on for a thousand years.

It is an unbroken immersion into the Middle Ages — a living museum, not curated, but inhabited. The only remaining european town with a night sky, without the interference of modern city lights, the milky-way opens above the Myrtoan sea in a breathtaking celestial panorama. The stars here are as they were a thousand years ago — clear, brilliant, and uninterrupted.

And yet, this last living relic of untouched history is being eroded — not by time, nor by war, but by the very entitites entrusted with its preservation.

A World Apart — And Now Under Threat.

Unlike most historic towns in Europe, swallowed whole by the tide of modern development, Monemvasia’s uniqueness springs from its rugged geology—steep cliffs and surrounding sea—that have shielded it through the centuries. It remains not just a monument, but a living, breathing medieval town.

Originally designed for concealment, the city was strategically built to be invisible from the mainland, shielded behind the towering cliff to protect it from invaders. Even today, this geography protects it — or rather, it should. From within the walled settlement, there are still no modern structures in sight — no antennas, high-rises, cars, traffic lights, motorcycles, no external noise, nothing…

But even this last rare sanctuary is beginning to slip away. Ill-conceived interventions, cultural ignorance, neglect, and the prioritization of tourist profits over cultural preservation are putting this irreplaceable town at risk. The authenticity that has made Monemvasia a global treasure is now endangered.

If Monemvasia loses its isolation, it loses its soul — and the world loses its last chance to walk, unspoiled, through the Byzantine Middle Ages.

A Town Neglected, Not Preserved

From broken, faded plastic signage to centuries-old trails left to erode, Monemvasia is not being preserved — it is being abandoned by the very institutions responsible for its protection. Tourists wander aimlessly through its narrow, winding passages, often confused and disoriented, with no visible wayfinding, no historical context, and with non-existent official information panels to guide them. Where official efforts have been limited, the quiet dedication of residents and business owners, crafting their own maps and guides for its visitors, small acts of care and dedication that keep Monemvasia’s story alive.

Meanwhile, modern infrastructure continues to intrude on this ancient landscape. Plastic piping and cables are visibly strung along medieval stone facades, and inappropriate modern trash bins — the kind you might expect in a suburban shopping center — have been placed throughout courtyards and alleyways that once echoed with Byzantine footsteps. These thoughtless additions shatter the immersive historical experience that Monemvasia uniquely offers.

But the most alarming neglect lies beneath the surface and along the heavily plastic-infested sea.

A recent inspection revealed that the town’s ancient seawall is suffering from severe structural damage, the sea moss and salt have corroded and weakened the early hydraulic binder, leading to the severe erosion and structural issues now observed in the seawall’s original amoloi or concrete core. This centuries-old material, once celebrated for its durability, is now at its sea-side heavily degraded, cracking, crumbling, and flaking away. Left unrepaired, this erosion threatens the stability of the lower town itself, especially in the face of increasingly volatile weather of the area and rising sea levels.

Likewise, the stairs leading to the Acropolis, once the beating heart of Monemvasia’s fortress, exhibit a large structural crack and have become dangerous for tourists, uneven, and in some areas with partially collapsed walls. With no clear maintenance, signage, or lighting, these ancient routes — vital both to tourism and to the city’s identity — are literally falling apart.

And yet, residents criticise the fact that public funds are not being directed toward these urgent problems. Instead, resources are diverted to what they qualify as “ill-advised projects”, such as a 21st-century cable car to be built directly on the historic site, over the archaeological area and next to the centuries-old protective wall, which, they argue, undermines the town’s authenticity. The proposed funicular, a modern cable car intrusion cloaked in the language of accessibility, is a prime example.

Water That Shouldn’t Be Drunk

Despite receiving thousands of visitors each year, Monemvasia has no access to potable water — a shocking and unacceptable reality in a European Union member state in 2025. The water supplied throughout the town is not only unfiltered and untreated but, according to independent tests conducted by Noti.Group, it is dangerously unsafe.

Laboratory analysis revealed electrical conductivity levels exceeding 10,000 µS/cm, which is more than four times the accepted threshold for safe human consumption. Chloride levels were measured at ten times above safety limits, and sulfate concentrations were found to be more than double the maximum allowed under EU drinking water standards. These values are consistent with significant seawater infiltration, making the water toxic, corrosive, and unfit for any form of human use.

And yet, this same water must be used daily by residents, restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses — all of whom have no choice but to haul plastic bottled water of every shape and size through Monemvasia’s narrow, stepped streets. In what is not just a breach of public health regulations but a violation of a basic human right.

Imposing significant financial and logistical burdens on the town’s hospitality sector. Hotels and restaurants face ongoing damage to plumbing systems and appliances. Showers often sputter a harsh, briny mist, leaving behind rust stains, a pungent seawater odor, and, as some visitors report, a burning sensation on the skin. At times, water fails to flow at all — turning something as simple as a shower into a gamble, “if and when the water it’s even available”.

In a town so dependent on tourism, serving visitors unsafe water is not only a public health risk, it reveals the unsettling reality that Monemvasia is being neglected at the most essential level. Over a thousand years ago, the town’s inhabitants engineered sophisticated cisterns and rainwater storage systems to ensure potable supply of water all year round. Today, in the first quarter of the 21st century and in the European Union, the municipality can’t even provide water that is safe to drink to its residents and visitors.

“How can millions be spent on a tourist funicular, while the people who live and work here — and the guests they welcome — are left without access to one of life’s most basic necessities, water.”Resident of Monemvasia

Light That Dims History

Lighting in Monemvasia has been applied sparingly and without harmony, its inconsistent hues—from harsh cold whites to softer warm glows—revealing a gap in the cultural understanding of its local authorities.

This discord fractures the town’s historic atmosphere, creating a visual jolt where there should be quiet reverence. In most well-preserved and culturally cherished cities like Prague and Florence, warm amber light is the sole standard—carefully chosen to cradle ancient stone and preserve the integrity of time. Yet in Monemvasia, the cold absence of a strong preservation ethos and cohesive aesthetic vision has allowed careless inconsistency to creep in, unsettling the fragile balance that makes this town so uniquely timeless.

Compounding this issue, plastic tubing and modern energy infrastructure are left fully exposed, snaking across ancient stone walls and winding visibly through alleyways. Maintenance drain covers bear crude, finger-inscribed markings — “DEH,” the initials of Greece’s public power company — etched directly onto the cement covers, a glaring modern intrusion into a medieval environment. Contemporary color paint in metal elements, incompatible materials, and a lack of understanding of their cultural significance further degrade the town’s authenticity.

The bright green-painted public lighting fixtures, many of them damaged or corroded, installed at the beginning of the last century are entirely incompatible with the aesthetics and historical period of Monemvasia. Their appearance evokes a suburban park more than a Byzantine stronghold. And while these unsightly fixtures exist, many areas of the town — including walkways, alleys, and the path leading to the Acropolis — remain completely unlit. After sunset, tourists must use their own lamps or mobile phones to navigate safely.

Cradled by its unique and isolated geography, Monemvasia stands as one of the last medieval towns in Europe untouched by the creeping veil of light pollution—a rare sanctuary where the night sky still unfurls in all its ancient, celestial glory. Beneath the watchful gaze of its acropolis, stars shimmer unbound, gifting both residents and visitors a precious communion with the heavens once known by the older inhabitants of one of the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited fortified towns. Yet even this fragile jewel is under silent threat.

A lingering ignorance of light pollution has allowed harsh, unshielded fixtures to scar the night, dimming a treasure that is among Europe’s rarest—the dark, star-studded skies that Monemvasia alone still claims. Meanwhile, the town’s lighting infrastructure suffers neglect; corroded and loosened by salt and time, its lamps cast uneven, flickering pools of cold LED white light or fail entirely. These silent signs whisper of a deeper disregard—or ignorance—about indirect lighting and the cultural and environmental heritage that makes this place extraordinary. Here, where darkness weaves its own kind of magic, the wrong light—or the absence of light—speaks louder than words.

One cannot help but wonder: If UNESCO officials were to walk Monemvasia’s darkened alleys and gaze upon the modern debris clinging to its medieval bones — what would they say?

In our next article. Monemvasia, A World Apart — Now Under Threat.

Sources:

The proposed €6.8 million cable car project in Monemvasia, intended to improve access for tourists and people with mobility challenges, has sparked widespread controversy. Critics—including preservationists, local residents, and archaeologists—warn that it threatens the town’s medieval authenticity, structural integrity, and fragile environment. Despite opposition, the plan has received approval and EU funding, raising concerns about prioritizing tourism over heritage protection. New York Times, May 27, 2025

Monemvasia was named one of Europe’s seven most endangered heritage sites in 2025 due to the planned cable car. Experts argue that the project endangers the site’s visual and cultural integrity, noting a lack of comprehensive environmental assessment and alternatives like a lift being ignored. Conservation bodies demand its immediate reconsideration. To Vima, March 2025

Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute listed Monemvasia among Europe’s most endangered cultural landmarks, citing the cable car project as a major threat. Opponents stress that it will disrupt the unique topography and propose using a discreet elevator system as a more appropriate solution. Greek City Times, February 19, 2025

The historic community of Monemvasia is deeply divided over the cable car project. Proponents see it as a modernization step, while opponents see it as a destructive vanity project that risks transforming the site into a tourist theme park. Critics emphasize the absence of public consultation and call for restoration of basic infrastructure instead. Vema News, 2025

The €5.6 million cable car initiative in Monemvasia has triggered backlash across Europe, with accusations of cultural vandalism. Local residents and environmental groups fear it will permanently damage the cliffside and medieval structures, while tourism officials defend it as an accessibility improvement. The project is being legally challenged. The Mirror, 2025

Monemvasia’s cable car plan has generated controversy in Greece and abroad, with heritage advocates criticizing the lack of preservation ethics and transparency. The project is viewed as inconsistent with the town’s medieval character and risks undermining its authenticity. Residents demand restoration and humane infrastructure instead. Greek Herald, 2025

Europa Nostra experts, after a site visit, expressed alarm over the project's excessive scale, environmental risk, and lack of transparency. They argue it could damage the cliff, archaeological remnants, and the town’s potential UNESCO World Heritage candidacy. The group urged postponement until full impact studies and public consultation are completed. Ekathimerini, July 25, 2025

Monemvasia’s listing as one of Europe’s most endangered sites is linked to the threat posed by the cable car, with multiple heritage organizations voicing strong objections. Concerns focus on irreversible visual damage, disruption to the medieval setting, and prioritization of profit over preservation. A growing movement urges withdrawal of the plan. Greek Herald, March 2025

International media report that French and Greek heritage organizations strongly oppose the proposed Monemvasia cable car. The concerns include degradation of the landscape, visual pollution, and insufficient environmental review. The project is seen as incompatible with the preservation of one of Greece’s most unique and ancient towns. Libération, Le Journal des Arts, Headtopics

The cable car debate in Monemvasia continues to intensify, with legal, environmental, and cultural objections mounting. Critics argue the initiative risks turning the last living Byzantine town into a commercialized tourist attraction, urging the government and EU to redirect funding to preservation rather than disruption. Ekathimerini, February 15, 2025

The Central Archaeological Council has approved final technical studies for a cable‑car‑style passenger lift system connecting the Upper and Lower Towns. The plan features low‑visibility stations, two cabins, and aims for completion by end of 2025. However, critics—including the Friends of Monemvasia Association and the Association of Greek Archaeologists—warn it may compromise the town’s cultural and environmental value. eRed

Noti Group: https://noti.group/the-last-byzantine-medieval-town-on-earth-is-being-destroyed-and-its-too-late/

While countries like France, Spain, and Italy continue to lower speed thresholds under the belief that slower is safer, Germany stands out as a beacon of road safety that directly challenges this narrative. With over 60% of the country’s motorway network free of speed limits, Germany provides a unique case study in the advantages of high-speed driving. So, what’s the secret to Germany’s success in managing high-speed roads? The statistics speak for themselves.

The Statistics Behind Germany’s Safety Record

At first glance, Germany’s road safety record might seem counterintuitive. According to the European Commission’s 2020 Road Safety Data, Germany consistently ranks among the safest countries in the EU, with only 3.9 fatalities per 1 million inhabitants—a figure well below the EU average of 5.4. In fact, the mortality rate on the German Autobahn is 1.9 fatalities per billion vehicle kilometers, significantly lower than countries like France (2.4 fatalities per billion kilometers) and Italy (2.6 fatalities per billion kilometers), which impose strict speed limits.

Moreover, Germany’s Autobahns are known for their superior design, with extensive safety features that are simply not found on many other EU roadways. The fact that there are no mandatory speed limits on roughly 60% of the country’s motorway network doesn’t correlate with higher accident rates; it correlates with higher standards of infrastructure and driver discipline.

A Culture of Responsibility: Why German Drivers Are More Careful

One of the key factors in the success of the no-speed-limit zones is the culture of responsibility that German drivers have developed over decades. While many assume that allowing drivers to go as fast as they wish would lead to reckless behavior, the opposite is true in Germany. Drivers on the Autobahn are well-trained, highly disciplined, and have a deep respect for road safety.

The driving test in Germany is notoriously thorough, focusing not only on basic skills but also on road etiquette and defensive driving. This results in a population of drivers who are more likely to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Furthermore, the German system places a strong emphasis on continuous education for drivers, with courses and evaluations that encourage responsible driving behavior at all speeds.

Infrastructure and Technology: Supporting Safe High-Speed Travel

Germany’s motorway system is built to accommodate high-speed travel safely, with wide lanes, high-quality road surfaces, and smooth curves. These design choices are specifically made to handle high volumes of traffic at high speeds, ensuring that the infrastructure itself minimizes the risks associated with faster travel.

In addition, Germany invests heavily in modern technology to further improve safety. Dynamic traffic control systems, real-time monitoring, and intelligent traffic management ensure that road conditions are always optimized. Speed limits, when imposed, are typically variable and based on real-time conditions like weather, construction, or heavy traffic. This flexibility allows for a system that adapts to the moment, rather than relying on static rules that may not always be appropriate.

The Impact on Driver Behavior: No Limits, More Caution!

One of the often-overlooked benefits of unrestricted speed zones is that they force drivers to be more vigilant. On roads where speed limits are in place, there’s a tendency for drivers to focus primarily on not exceeding the limit, which may encourage complacency. In contrast, drivers on Germany’s Autobahns must constantly assess their speed relative to road conditions, traffic flow, and their own capabilities. This heightened awareness, in turn, leads to more careful and defensive driving behavior.

A study conducted by the German Institute for Traffic Safety (DVR) in 2019 showed that the vast majority of Autobahn drivers—about 85%—drive at speeds that feel comfortable to them given the traffic and weather conditions. Most drivers opt for speeds well below the maximum possible, typically ranging from 130 to 150 km/h (80 to 93 mph), even in unrestricted zones. This cautious approach has contributed to Germany’s reputation for safer high-speed driving.

Economic Benefits: High-Speed Travel Promotes Efficiency

Germany’s success with high-speed driving goes beyond safety—it also brings economic benefits. The lack of speed limits allows for faster travel times, which is essential for a thriving economy, especially in a country with a highly developed industrial and export-driven sector. The ability to move goods and people quickly across long distances boosts productivity, cuts down on logistical costs, and enhances overall economic efficiency.

By contrast, countries with lower speed limits often see longer travel times and more congestion, which can stifle economic activity. In countries like the UK, France, and Italy, slower speeds on highways increase the cost of transportation and reduce the competitiveness of businesses that rely on fast-moving supply chains.

Higher Speeds Don’t Necessarily Lead to More Accidents

A significant myth surrounding speed limits is that they directly correlate with accident rates. In reality, it’s not speed itself but inappropriate speed for conditions that increases the likelihood of accidents. A driver traveling at 130 km/h on a dry, clear day in an unrestricted zone may be far safer than a driver traveling at 80 km/h in heavy rain or fog in a restricted zone.

Germany’s extensive research into road safety has shown that the primary causes of accidents are not speeding on the Autobahn but factors like driver distraction, alcohol, and failing to follow basic road rules. According to the 2021 Road Safety Report by the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), only 3.5% of all traffic accidents in Germany involve speeding above the posted limits, and these incidents are often linked to isolated human error rather than a systemic issue with the lack of speed restrictions.

A Roadmap for the EU?

The evidence is clear: Germany’s system of unrestricted speed zones on its Autobahns has proven to be effective in maintaining road safety while also fostering a culture of responsible, high-speed driving. Far from being a dangerous policy, Germany’s approach demonstrates that speed limits are not a universal solution to road safety and that the focus should be on creating well-designed roads, educating drivers, and ensuring that safety measures are proportionate to the actual risks.

As the EU continues to grapple with the best approach to road safety, it may be time to reconsider the blanket application of speed limits across all member states. The success of Germany’s no-speed-limit zones provides valuable insight: with the right infrastructure, education, and technology, high-speed travel can coexist with safety and efficiency. It’s time for the EU to embrace a more nuanced approach to road safety—one that goes beyond speed limits and instead focuses on the factors that truly reduce accidents and improve the driving experience for all.

Noti Group: https://noti.group/rethinking-speed-limits-in-the-eu-the-case-for-unrestricted-roads-in-germany/

It all changed last year when the administration decided to dissolve a key component of its brand and its business that includes traditional French values with more than a century of history.

Part of French culture and a source of pride, Michelin is surely disappointing it users with the unfortunate decisions made by its managers.

Michelin is famous for two activities other than tires, it has published for many years guides that are internationally recognized throughout the world, the Michelin restaurant guide (the red guide) and the Michelin travel guide (the green guide or guide vert).

Michelin as a brand is recognized for the quality of the content and curation of both guides and especially for the quality of the recommendations of the points of interest of the vert guide.

Despite this the company decided in what some media outlets are describing as an obscure and secret move to eliminate all the online content of the green guide in systemic way and without notifying no one.

Noti.group reach out Michelin to comment on the matter but we did not receive an answer to our multiple contact request.

We have also been unable to find any statement on this regard. You would think that Michelin Group would address the situation publicly, being a public company, it is in the interest of shareholders to know why a decision like this was taken.

The administration of the subsidiary took a stand against its brand and made a decision that seems at first sight to be against the interest of its shareholders and its loyal users. In the eyes of its readers and users there is mismanagement internally, “being unable to capitalize on something as important as the Michelin Travel business unit tells you allot about who is behind the management of the company.”

We have been following the public attention to this matter (about the removal of the travel app and the travel information on their website) for several months now, however the measures have intensified, could it be that Michelin ran out of new ideas on how to capitalize one of the largest branches of its business risking damaging its reputation?

“How can you decide to remove what was believed to be the for so many years, best tourist guide in the world.”

So with the disappearance of the Voyage application that had an impressive use internationally and the removal of the travel information from its website a chapter on the history of French management has been recorded for future generations.

After removing its travel app a year later Michelin under the cover of new year removed from it website all that Michelin Vert Guide had from the internet, some users and related touristic companies were very disappointed.

Michelin has not been without controversy and in the past it has not been able to manage things as smoothy as a well run company.

Earlier the case of the French chef Marc Veyrat who took Michelin Guide to court for the way it affected his business was an international news story.

Maybe things are changing since as of now no one is aware of the disappearance of the green app, Michelin has been very careful that the news of the elimination of the green guide to the online world is done quietly and unnoticed by the press.

For now, the international travel scene will be attentive to what may happen in this new controversial decision that have directly impacted the brand of this iconic publication, a decision that is clearly harmful to the Michelin name and to the detriment of the principles of the Michelin Group.

MICHELIN GUIDE – Travel segment is secretly removed

Noti Group: https://noti.group/michelin-green-guide-dissapeared/

Today we will take the public hand in hand into an investigation of illegal databases being sold on the internet, and how your stolen data is sold to almost anyone.

A source provided Noti.Group’s investigative team with unprecedented access to an ongoing criminal investigation of entities operating behind the scenes, creating a world that seeks to separate their victims from their money, who without suspicion unwillingly provide their information, credit card and their personal data on sites that at first glance seem legitimate, today we will discover how and where these databases and financial information is being sold on the internet.

Ghost Financial Companies

In our investigation regarding Illegal Financial Entities Noti.Group uncovered four allegedly illegal financial companies that claim to engage in Foreign Exchange or Trading activities, however, as we revealed in our investigation, these unregulated companies are engaged in allegedly criminal activities.

The financial regulator in London confirmed Noti.Group that none of the companies referred to in our article were part of the Financial Services Register (FSR) nor that they were authorized to do business, the regulator also confirmed that the companies information is currently in the  Unauthorized Businesses Department (UBD) suggesting a possible investigation on the case, Noti.Group found that the French Financial Market Authority AMF issued a warning on one of the companies after the publication of our article regarding Illegal Financial Entities.

Our editorial research team went depth into the Internet by doing an independent investigation jointly with a security research firm to verify what real use is given to the personal data collected by these criminal groups. After weeks of research, we found that the data illegally collected by Financial Intermediaries is for sale on specialized internet sites.

The Database intermediation website written in English and Russian, any buyer can access the different offers available, including an offer to buy the information of the more than 1,300 “clients” of the CFDs and binary options Broker, which includes the database of clients of these brokers located throughout Europe and in Russia.

The same happens with the clients of the Forex companies, the complete database can be purchased for only $ 50 U.S. Dollars, the Criminal Group also sells a Master database that includes 700 million Contacts obtained from Shopping, Trading, Games and Online Stores.

The Noti.Group investigative team also found sites dedicated to the illegal sale of Government databases, Driver’s licenses, and Passports as seen in the images, these sites promise to create a good fake copy of a Passport for only $ 899.00 U.S. dollars

Cloned Credit Cards

Carding is the activity of obtaining credit card numbers at ATMs and POS (points of sale) using a technique known as Skimming, or by incorporating a keyboard that attaches on top of the factory keyboard on the ATM and a card reader that attaches to the slot where users feed their card into the machine.

The system copies the data from the original card and saves it into identical copies of the original called cloned cards. Once the card numbers have been obtained, they are concentrated in a database and the new cards are printed using blank plastic cards.

Noti.Group found the sites specialized in cloned credit cards where the sale is made, the site that our team had access to even offers to personalize the cloned cards by reprinting the new cards with the image of the original bank card on it and will include the name of the fraudster in the print so that when the fraudster appears in the store the falsification may be undetected by store personnel, even in cases where an official identification is requested.

The site offers Visa, Master Card and American Express cards conceited that their business partners are located all over the world and warn possible buyers that they are “only interested in large operations”, the site explains how to operate the fraud locally .

“You can cash out by yourself or re-sell the cards locally or you can hire some dudes to cash it out for you for a small fee. “

Mexico and the Philippines

According to the information from the investigation to which Noti.Group had access, the criminal group is related with theft and redistribution of government property (databases) including the Pilipino Comelec Electoral Database (the Philippines country’s electoral commission).

It is estimated that almost 55 million Filipinos are at risk of identity theft and impersonation, the Database being sold online contains more than 50 million individual registries according to security researchers at Trend Micro. That Database contains a huge amount of very sensitive personal data, including the fingerprints of 15.8 million individuals, passport numbers and expiry dates of 1.3 million overseas voters.

In Mexico, the criminal group have access to multiple government databases and private entities, the databases of the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit also called Hacienda (SHCP), the user base of the largest fixed telephony operator in the country Telmex, and a complete copy of the Mexican voter registry containing more 87 million of Mexican voters cards (INE Cards) are all offered for sale by the criminal group.

According to the investigation, illegal data extraction activities in Mexico have occurred since 2012 and had impacted almost 87% of the Mexican population, the dabase version currently being sold by the criminal group is an updated voters registry from January 15th 2015, Mexican authorties have been unable to arrest the individuals responsible, in October 2018 they issued a statement informing the public that they were only able to recover three computers a celphone and a hard drive linked to this data breach.

Card Cloning Activitites

The Group is also related with Carding activities, In the site simply named “Wallstret” hosted in a PHP BB forum, we found an exchange between dealers and potential business partners, the member of the criminal organization tells potential buyers that they sell 25,000 cloned Mexican credit and debit cards for only 4,000 Mexican pesos (the equivalent of $ 180 U.S. Dollars), if this is not enough, you can choose the next larger package including 60,000 cards for only 7,000 Mexican pesos (the equivalent of $ 350 U.S. Dollars). The packages for sale include the complete information of the cardholder, his address, telephone numbers, date of birth, gender and the security code of the card.

As per the site screenshot, the seller claims that interested buyers should contact an email *****@sigaint.org to enquiry on regards to the Databases, the member of the organization indicates that they will only accept serious offers.

According to the information to which we had access, the email controlled by the website http://siguint.org belongs to Fastmail Pty Ltd a company registered in Victoria Australia under a P.O. Box (PO Box 234 Collins St West 8007 Victoria Australia) the sigaint.org domain was sold by the company Namecheap, Inc. in Arizona in the United States.

Once the offer is made, the buyers offer to pay with deposits via Western Union and Bitcoin, the seller replies that it is possible to receive deposits in a mexican bank account, if they are made within that Country.

Among the potential business partners that respond, the user Mrjjblack expresses his interest by offering, among other things, to help the “provider” to become a “trusted” person and grow within the illicit business of credit card sales if of course “all goes well [with the deal]”.

Other criminal activities found by our team include the distribution and sale of Amazon Mexico Prepaid Cards which are offered for only a quarter of the price of the card.

Cards being sold are available for $100, $200 and $400 Mexican Pesos.

The Greek Case

Back in 2012 in Greek authorities discovered that a 35-year-old hacker gained access to a rough nine million data files according to Reuters, including addresses, ID card data, tax ID numbers and even license plate numbers the suspect had access for almost 83% of Greece’s entire population. The police was able to trace and caught the individual behind the hack which is now serving time behind bars.

However, such as in the Mexican and the Philippines case, it will be in the end, hard to estimate the damage to all victims as identities are being used every day for illegal purposes, identifying exactly how many persons will be affected is a matter of waiting a long time. There is no way of knowing exactly what the specifics damages will be until criminals use that information. Nevertheless, all these stolen records, such as national identity cards, passports, credit cards, tax records and personal information is as of today currently being sold on the web which will surely impact all affected individuals.

If you have information about this article or the subjects related, please contact us at [email protected]

[This article may have been written with information from various sources.]

Credit: Notigroup Newsroom.

Noti Group: https://noti.group/how-your-data-becomes-gold-for-criminals/

Another unfortunately controversial management decision by its directors sent the company stock to a free fall this month after the unit managing its travel guide decided to wipe out a segment worth millions of Euros. Michelin company has suffered multiple changes in the past few months and has now decided to close one of the most important components, the Green Travel Guide.

Noti Group has been investigating the way Michelin is managing this controversial decisions without intervention of the market, the famous brand founded by two French brothers Édouard and André Michelin on 1889 that is reshaping the company and destroying its legacy.

The guide was, up to last year, synonymous of assertiveness and long term corporate planning but It all changed when the administration decided to dissolve a key component of its brand and its business that included traditional French values with more than a century of history.

The Green Guide

Noti.group reached out Michelin to comment on the matter but we have not received an answer to our multiple contact requests, we are receiving multiple reports from users and shareholders affected.

If you have been affected as a shareholder or as a user of the Green Guide or the Via Michelin Travel App please reach out to Noti Group.

Noti Group: https://noti.group/michelin-guide-on-how-to-destroy-a-100-year-old-business/

Noti.Group had access to specifics of an ongoing investigation and was able to examine dozens of illegal websites targeted at public individuals in an effort to extort money against them, four cloned or illegal financial intermediaries and forex brokers, an Illuminati group that offers financial freedom in exchange for a subscription fee, the illegal sale of private and government databases which include the Mexican Federal Electoral Database.

One of the victims of these attacks, is now bringing forward a multimillion-dollar lawsuit targeted against the Criminal Group and other co-responsible parties in various countries.

Entrepreneur and Activist Teodoro Ernesto Lavin Sodi has long been victim of extortion attempts and the illegal use of his personal information, including identity theft by a criminal group with a cloned copy of his Mexican voting card that was “illegally extracted from the Mexican electoral register”, an action which was later confirmed by Noti.Group and that according to our investigation occurred in February of 2017.

Earlier last year, Mr. Lavin Sodi’s lawyers, published various documents in which they condemn the use of their client’s name, clarifying that the information previously circulated was materially false.

Noti.Group reported in previous articles related with criminal actions made by the same group specifically regarding the theft and illegal sale of various Mexican databases such as the whole user base of the Mexican fixed phone operator “Telmex” and other various government databases that include; the databases of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit or “Hacienda”, and a complete copy of the Mexico voter’s registry containing more than 87 million Mexican voters’ cards, all of which are offered for sale by the criminal group.

Mexican Government Data Breach

Noti.Group approached an Authority familiarized with the database cases which confirmed to us that they have been tracking the use of the Electoral Databases and that the Mexican National Electoral Institute or Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) issued in October 2018 a press release informing the public that they were acting against the illegal distribution and use of the Mexican Electoral Registry, events also covered by the local media.

According to the investigation, illegal data extraction activities in Mexico have occurred since 2012 and had impacted almost 87% of the Mexican population. Mexican Authorities confirmed that the database version currently being sold by these criminal groups is an updated voters registry from January 15th 2015.

Mexican authorities have been unable to arrest the individuals responsible, previously in October 2018 they issued a statement informing the public that they were only able to recover three computers a cell phone and a hard drive linked to this data breach.

If you have information related to the contents of this note, please contact the investigative team at Noti.Group at [email protected]

[This article may have been written with information from various sources.]

Credit: Notigroup Newsroom.

Noti Group: https://noti.group/teodoro-ernesto-lavin-sodi-sues-back/

A source provided Noti.Group’s investigative team with unprecedented access to an ongoing investigation of entities operating behind the scenes, creating a world that seeks to separate their victims from their money, who unwillingly and without suspicion provide their documents, credit cards and their personal data on sites that at first glance seem legitimate.

Today we are going to dig deeper into the activities of this criminal group that manages multiple extortion and defamation schemes against public figures, we will explore the use given to some of the stolen data in order to better understand their modus operandi and get a glimpse into a world that we rarely have access to.

Extortion against Public Figures.

The Noti.Group investigation team was able to review dozens of illegal websites being investigated by authorities and controlled by the criminal group, we previously reported a website specifically related with a fake “fan club” of the Mexican singer “Thalia” which was built to appear legitimate with similar graphic design, sections of the code and various details that were copied from the official Thalia’s website.

The website was specifically designed to mislead fans into registering into what is an apparent elaborated phishing scheme while appearing to be the legitimate fan club.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission issued a warning regarding scammers impersonating Artists in social media, previusly the Australian Competition and Consumer Comission also issued a similar notice warning Australian consumers to be wary of these activities.

Among the extorsion sites that are part of the investigation, our team found other six additional websites related with the fan club that were designed for extortion and defamation activities specifically directed against Mexican Entrepreneur and Activist Teodoro Ernesto Lavin Sodi one of the Artist’s nephews with residence in Mexico City.

The sites were quickly taken down shortly after we published our article Phishing, Extortion and Defamation, however Noti.Group was able to obtain electronic copies of its content in cooperation with authorities close to the case.

Following the money trail.

According to the investigation documents, the sites were hosted in two different groups of servers in Hosts mainly doing business with bitcoin, trading under the names of Bitcoin Webhosting and Domains4Bitcoins. In our previous investigation we uncovered how these entities operate and we delved into more than 54 sites hosted in both locations all engaging in criminal activities.

Noti.Group found that the seven related domains were all linked by transactions made in Bitcoin and by the digital fingerprint found on the images used.

According to the investigation, the sites were deployed in two distinct dates ( June 6th and 7th 2018 and in October 2020) using different providers with independent Bitcoin transfers during the registration process as to try to obscure the origin of the funds.

Cloned Websites.

The first batch of sites investigated include the domains http://denunciasmexico.com, http://teodorolavinsodi.net, http://denunciasbancarias.net, and http://apestan.net, documents show that all of them were registered using the same computer which paid a shared subscription on a server that is controlled by a subsidiary of the company PDR Solutions (US) LLC registered in Massachusetts USA.

The company in question is the parent company of the website selling the services and is doing business as “Public Domain Registry”, the subsidiary reselling the domains and hosting the sites is a company named “75 Global LLC”, which sold the websites using their e-commerce site https://www.domains4bitcoins.com/ which as their name suggests only accepts bitcoins for payment, the company also provides its users with a privacy solution as to avoid the client’s data being “disclosed”. This company is included on the investigation the Trail of Illegality published by Noti.Group in recent weeks.

The sites were registered in June 2018 simulating or copying real complaint sites on the internet; the site denunciasmexico.com was registered on June 6th 2018 using a first bitcoin payment, later three other domains were registered; teodorolavinsodi.net, denunciasbancarias.net, and apestan.net, all three registered on June 7th 2018 using a second Bitcoin payment that is included in the details of the investigation.

The 2nd batch of sites investigated http://lavidadeteodorolavin.com/ http://mexicotopceo.com/ and the fraudulent fan club https://clubdefansdethalia.com/ were registered on the same day (2020-10-09), the three domains were configured for use on October 11th using the same computer and the Bitcoin Webhosting infrastructure, all three were sold by the same company with a single Bitcoin payment.

Ghost Hosting Company.

“Bitcoin Webhosting” also under investigation sells sites in exchange for various Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin since April 25, 2013, as per our previous report the website openly allows illegal content to be hosted on their servers.

According to the information that Noti.Group had access to Bitcoin Webhosting is registered under an alias, the registration information shows an address at 1712 Pioneer Ave. St 1774 in the city of Cheyenne in the State of Wyoming and provides the telephone number that routes to a third party, Noti.Group found that the address was not in use and that the organization was in fact a branch of US based entity.

Furthermore the investigation shows that the website https://apestan.net is an apparent clone of the real site with the address https://www.apestan.com  dedicated to posting and publication of comments in Spanish about complaints against cell phone operators, cable companies and local supermarkets.

Identity Theft

Mr. Lavin Sodi’s lawyers, published three independent documents in which they condemn the use of their client’s name, clarifying that the information disclosed is false, adding that:

“there is currently no investigation against our Client” … “nor any of [our Client’s] Companies”

Although the Entrepreneur’s press offices seems to have prioritized other activities such as the launching of an international radio station, on his official website https://teodorolavin.com Noti.Group collected documents claiming that an identity theft case against his Client was identified using a cloned Mexican voting card that was “illegally extracted from the Mexican electoral register”, which was later confirmed by Noti.Group and that according to our investigation occurred in February of 2017.

Noti.Group reported in previous articles related with criminal actions made by the same group specifically regarding the theft and illegal sale of various Mexican databases such as the whole user base of the Mexican fixed phone operator “Telmex”, we also reported the commercialization of various government databases that include; the databases of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit or “Hacienda”, and a complete copy of the Mexico voter’s registry containing more than 87 million Mexican voters’ cards, all of which are offered for sale by the criminal group.

Mexican Government Data Breach

Noti.Group approached an Authority familiarized with the database cases which informed us that they have been tracking the use of the Electoral Databases and that the Mexican National Electoral Institute or Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) issued in October 2018 a press release informing the public that they were acting against the illegal distribution and use of the Mexican Electoral Registry, events also covered by the local media.

In our next instalment..

We will delve into how fake customer service sites and false service policies are sold on the web, we will see unprecedented information from this criminal sphere that has created websites with the sole objective of separating you from your money.

You can read our next delivery on this subject here

We continue to receive information on regards to this case, if you have information related to the contents of this note, please contact the investigative team at Noti.Group at [email protected]

[This article may have been written with information from various sources.]

Credit: Notigroup Newsroom.

Noti Group: https://noti.group/how-criminals-target-public-individuals/

A source provided the investigative team of Noti.Group with unprecedented access to an active investigation of criminal entities that operating behind the scenes have created a world that seeks to separate their victims from their money, who without suspicion spill their information, their credit card credit and their personal data on sites that at first glance seem legitimate and real.

Today we will take the public by the hand on the offer of 14 Sites administered by this criminal group that promise the public financial freedom by joining the brotherhood of the Illuminati, we will further explore the set of activities of this criminal ring belonging to a world to the that we rarely have access to.

A Group of Illuminati.

“Beyonce and Jay Z are Illuminati” reads the title of one of the 14 illuminati 666 sites, http://illuminati666root.com/ clarifying that our world is at the feet of the Illuminati in a grammatically incorrect English contributing clues to the location of the criminal group that controls the websites.

According to the data of the investigation to which Noti.Group had access to, the telephones offered on the site were bought with a reseller of numbers in the USA, the number +12678667666 is advertised as a customer service center for possible ” members ” interested in belonging to the select “Brotherhood ”of the Illuminati.

Photographs with blocks of dollars in cash fill the pages of the sites of this group who also provides a screenshot of a WhatsApp chat where a user named “Queen Veronica Hail” is warned with a wad of one hundred 100 bills Dollars spread out like a fan.

Membership Fees.

Frauds of this nature commonly promise “members” a change in their lives for a small membership fee, however, the interest of these criminal groups is to gain access to the victim’s personal information, specifically access to a copy of their identifications and credit cards. In order to be able to commit other frauds in their name in an endless cycle of deception, fraud and exploitation.

The Criminal Spheres

It is often said that the Internet consists of three parts: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web. The surface web is what most of us use every day and where Noti.Group is hosted. It is accessible through normal browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. This same article is part of this website, which can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, as long as you have an Internet connection and a browser.

The deep web is the part of the internet that is found within private servers, such as universities or any company that has an internal network.

Finally, there is what we call “dark web” It is more difficult to reach than the superficial or even the deep web, since it is only accessible through special browsers such as the Tor browser. The dark web is the unregulated part of the Internet. No organization, company or government is in charge of it until recently, anonymity is exactly why the dark web is commonly associated with illegal practices however the dark web is funded by a branch of the US Goverment.

The criminal group behind these sites who carry out these criminal activities are hosted there, on the “dark web”, unfortunatly for years users wrongly believed that websites hosted within the TOR network were completely untraceable and unreachable by authorities, however the successful prosecution of multiple individuals including the remarkable case of the drug-dealing site “Silk Road” that was founded by Ross William Ulbricht and the seizing of all the illegal proceedings of that site on Bitcoin proved the network is easily traceable by authorities.

In our next instalment..

We will delve into how multiple copies of the bank phishing site’s information and Tax and Electoral Databases are being trafficked on the web, we will see unprecedented information from this criminal sphere that has created these websites with the sole objective of separating you from your money.

You can access our next installment here

If you have information related to this note, please contact us at [email protected]

[This article may have been written with information from various sources.]

Credit: Notigroup Newsroom.

Noti Group: https://noti.group/the-secrets-of-the-illuminati/

Today we will discover how fake phishing websites are structured and how these groups replicate entire websites to defraud their clients, we will show you how these criminal groups use targeted websites to extort and defame public figures around the world. Acts that are executed outside the reach of authorities and which are rarely seen, join us in an extraordinary investigation to discover the inner workings of these criminal groups.

A source provided the Investigative team of Noti.Group with unprecedented access to an active investigation of these criminal rings that operating behind the scenes and that have created a world that seeks to separate their victims from their money, who without suspicion involuntarily provide their information, credit card credit and personal data on sites that at first glance seem legitimate and genuine.

Secret Extortion and Defamation websites

In the information related to the investigation to which Noti.Group had access to, multiple sites maintained by this criminal group that were dedicated specifically for defamation and extortion.

One of the sites written in Arabic under the URL https://anjomanjadid.com/  includes the legend “Secret Association” featured in that language as a title with the character showing his middle finger, includes a descriptive text that clarifies that the “leader” in the photograph “has stolen all the money” without including any reliable source, verifiable information, proof or names, however the group includes a Telegram contact to coordinate activities against the featured individual, the contact under the Telegram user @AnjomanM_Admin appears to control a group of members.

Telegram is a semi-secure message platform that promises its users confidentiality in communications with secret point-to-point keys, however, only certain types of conversations enjoy this type of protection within the Telegram application. A search carried out by Noti.Group revealed that there are several sites created by the same criminal organization under the same theme.

Noti.Group also found seven sites associated with extortion and identity theft that are related to the Mexican singer Thalia, including a fake fan club.

The sites are part of a current extortion investigation in Latin America involving individuals in Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and Eastern Europe, the websites were designed to appear to be legitimate sites, however investigation documents show that all four were registered on the same day (2020-10-09) by the same member of the criminal group using the eNom registrar via Bitcoin Web Hosting.

A sea of fraudulent websites

Within the information that Noti.Group had access to, we found both in the investigation documents, as well on the audit we conducted of the servers, exact copies of support pages copied out from real companies which at first glance are used to steal the information of its users.

The term Phishing is used to refer to one of the most used methods by cyber criminals to scam and fraudulently obtain confidential information such as a password or detailed private details that include credit cards or other banking information of the victim.

The scammer, known as a phisher, uses social engineering techniques, posing as a trusted person or company in an apparent official electronic communication; usually an email or an instant messaging system, SMS / MMS social networks, following a malware or even using phone calls.

For example, the sites operated on that server with the URLs http://utente-online.com and http://supporto-cliente-online.com/ redirect to the “BNL” bank, an Italian Bank member of the BNP Paribas Group. Both domains presumably are used exclusively for a customer service scam to obtain access to the Bank’s clients credentials illegally.

Our team also found https://chimenumber.org/ a ghost support page that replicates the colours of the original Chime website, which provides “help” to customers of the a legitimate bank in the US registered as “The Bancorp Bank” which also operates under the brand name “Stride Bank , NA ” and “Chime”; the real bank’s website is accessible at https://www.chime.com/.

Noti.Group found multiple complaints of lost money from customer service fraud on internet forums related to the real Chime company. We approached Chime in the United States and BNL in Italy to know their opinion on the matter, however, both banks did not respond to Noti.Group’s requests for comment on this matter.

Fake Google Store.

Last year Quick Heal Security Lab identified 27 malicious apps on the official Google Play store that prompted users to install a fake Google Play Store application, even when the official Play Store already existed. Google has now removed these 27 apps from their Play Store.

The fake Google Play Store remained on the device even after uninstalling its main app and keeps showing full screen ads at random time intervals. These apps were uploaded by the developer named “AFAD Drift Racer” and belong to the category of free car racing games. Some of the names include; Clio Car Drift, Supra Car Drift, F500 Car Drift, and some other.

Noti.Group found on the servers related to the Investigation a site operated with the URL http://googleappsplaystore.com/  which is not routed to google servers and its effectively outside of googles infrastructure, the site is presumably being designed to steal Google accounts, personal data from users phones and financial information, we ask readers to double check with google any sites that you may be redirected to and act with extreme care.

In our next deliveries

We will explore 14 websites run by this criminal group that promise the public financial freedom by joining the brotherhood of the Illuminati with unprecedented information from the criminal sphere that has created these sites with the sole objective of separating you from your money.

You can read our next delivery on this subject here

We continue to receive information on regards to this case, if you have information related to the contents of this note, please contact the investigative team at Noti.Group at [email protected]

[This article may have been written with information from various sources.]

Credit: Notigroup Newsroom.

Noti Group: https://noti.group/phishing-extortion-and-defamation/

Today we will take the public into the world of promises for an illegal and unrestricted driving license in Europe, we will show you how allegedly ghosts financial entities are created and how these criminal groups copy legitimate entities to deceive their victims.

A source provided the Noti.Group investigative journalism team, with unprecedented access to an active investigation of criminal entities, which operating behind the scenes, have created a world that seeks to separate their victims from their hard gained money and who without suspicion, unwillingly surrender their credit card and their personal data, collected by sites that at first glance seem legitimate.

Intermediaries and Bogus Currency Companies

All companies that intend to raise or broker funds within the European Union and specifically in the United Kingdom, have to be supervised and regulated by the relevant financial regulator of the place where they are doing business in.

According to the information from the investigation to which Noti.Group had access to, the criminal rings operating the same server contain four financial companies which promise clients to a greater extent to carry out Currency Exchange or Trading activities for them and that according to the FCA in London, operate without any official authorization from that authority.

The sites https://argustrade24.com/de/ with an address in Luxembourg and doing business as “Argus Stockbrokers LTD”, allegedly performs trading activities apparently under impersonation of a licensed site in Cyprus http://argus.com.cy/. The alleged fraudulent website uses the logos of the world’s major financial exchanges including the NYSE, the Nasdaq, the London Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

The Noti.Group research team conducted a search to verify if the company is really associated with these Exchanges, however there is no public information that links it to the said Exchanges.

The site declares an address at 70 Route d’Esch, 1470 in Luxembourg, however at this address we only found the company One Luxembourg. The company business model is renting its address to third parties who need a local representation office oneluxembourg.lu/ action that flagrantly violates Luxembourg law.

The website is written and aimed at the German-speaking population, there is no information on the entity on any site regarding the regulatory status of such entity that could be verified by the Noti.Group team.

The site http://axaimarketfx.com/ also on the same server acting as a digital currency exchange brokerage Firm, has been changing websites an domains to avoid authorities, on November 9th after Noti.Group made this case public the Autorite des Marches Financiers the Financial Regulator in France issued a warning against Axai for impersonation following an earlier warning on the 29th of October. The Regulator advises french citizens to be wary of impersonation websites.

According to the regulator in the UK, Axai works without registration in London, the site is drawn up in French, however it states an address in 7 Newgate Street in London EC1A 7HD at its website, the site curiously does not maintain an English Version.

According to its website, it has been authorized since 1999-29-03, however Noti.Group was able to verify, thanks to an IT audit carried out on it, that the website only exists since 2021-09-08.

On the same server is http://ebitfxtrade.com another unlicensed financial intermediation site using the name of a regulated broker https://www.e-bitfx.com/.

The company Trade Atomic also exists on the same server, under the site https://tradeatomic.com which is under construction.

Noti.Group has been in contact with the financial regulator responsible for supervising these financial Institutions in the United Kingdom. The FCA or Financial Conduct Authority, informed us that those four companies are not authorized to operate:

“.. the four Firms .. none of them appear on the Financial Services Register (FSR) as either [an] Authorized or registered Firm under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)”

Robert Anderson, informed the Noti Group investigation team that the details of these firms are currently with the Unauthorized Business Department (UBD) within the Regulator.

Fast and Easy Driver’s License, no questions asked.

Imagine that you are a Citizen in the United Kingdom or reside within the European Union and want to avoid the headache of enrolling into a driving school to obtain your driving permit. This will require you to attend theoretical and practical classes for a period over 3 months, you will need to get exanimated by a traffic office agent which throughout the European Union is compulsory, without mentioning the two exams both theoretical and practical that are necessary to obtain the permit. For only 700 Euros it is possible to avoid all this, as part of the offer of the French site https://acheterpermisdeconduire.com/

Czech Republic Influences

Thanks to a “close relationship” with a school in the Czech Republic it will not be necessary to go to the Classes or the required exams, and it is only necessary to send an email with a colour copy of your identification (in high resolution) of your European identity Card or your Passport, your payment however, must be made with a PCS prepaid Mastercard card that can be obtained with cash and without identification at any gas station in France and the Czech Republic.

Once the card is purchased, it is only necessary to send all your documents to a yahoo.com address, and you are on your way to having one or event two physical licenses (provided you pay the upgraded additional amount), all of this without having to appear in front of any traffic authority of the European Union.

The site clarifies in a section to the public interested in the offer that the “scanned copy” of the used Passport or European identification card must be of “good quality”, a situation that would put your most valuable personal data at risk, which will now be in the hands of this alleged Criminal group.

Identity theft is a serious crime, it occurs when a third party uses the personally identifiable information, such as your name, your social security number or credit card number without permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

Identity thieves use someone else’s personal information for many reasons, such as to make untraceable purchases with your credit card, subscribe to services, rent an address, or open accounts in your name.

Often times, victims find out that someone else is using their identity when it is already too late, such as when they receive a call from a debt collector or when they discover unauthorized accounts under their name or bad credit in their credit report.

The consequences can be devastating, a negative credit history is extremely difficult to clarify, severely impacting its victims in their ability to finance anything.

In our next instalment..

We will delve into the operation of an Internet organized crime network that manages a ring of extortion sites, we will discover the inside of Phising websites, we will learn how Tax and Electoral Databases are being trafficked on the web and we will see unprecedented information from this criminal sphere that has created these websites with the sole objective of separating you from your money.

Click here to continue reading Phishing, Extortion and Defamation

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[This article may have been written with information from various sources.]

Credit: Notigroup Newsroom.

Noti Group: https://noti.group/illegal-driver-licenses-and-ghost-financial-entities/

Fake customer service sites, four unregistered financial intermediaries and forex brokers, an Illuminati group offering financial freedom in exchange for a subscription, an offer to obtain an illegal driver’s license with no restrictions for the European Union without any exam or qualification, a fake fan club of a Mexican singer, multiple copies of bank phishing websites and Tax and Electoral Databases that are being trafficked on the web; all this describes the activities of a group dedicated to fraud, extortion, deception and identity theft, dark facts that provide Noti.Group readers a window into the insides of a criminal group with international reach.

A source provided the Investigative news team of Noti.Group with unprecedented access to an ongoing investigation of a criminal network that involves individuals based in Europe, Asia and America, that operate behind the scenes creating a world parallel to our daily reality and that attempts to separate victims from their hard earned money, who without suspicion and unwillingly give away their data, their credit card and their personal information on sites that at first glance seem legitimate.

After analysing all the information contained in the investigation and after a careful editorial examination that included endless chat sessions, interviews, information exchanges with authorities and a careful and thorough technological audit, Noti.Group reveals to the public, in several articles a world rarely seen from the inside, revealing the internal operation of these criminal groups.

It is not strange to read the incessant phishing warnings from our banks, or the identity theft warnings that Noti.Group has covered in the past, but it is very rarely possible to have access the interior of these criminal organizations to understand how they operate, understanding their modus operandi will reduce our readers’ risk of becoming one more victim of these organized crime groups.

Every website needs to be hosted on a server to be seen on the Internet, every server has to be connected to a business Backbone and belong to a registered and regulated company in order to connect and offer its services to those who need to host a web page.

In theory this is done closely following the letter of the law on countries such as the United States or those within the European Union which are regulated extensively, however, there are sites on the Internet that promise to provide hosting services for any page without asking questions.

The structuring of these frauds and scams starts with two hosting companies located in the US that relate to the investigation to which Noti.Group had access to, the hostings offer a service beyond reach that is difficult to track by authorities, the Hosts called Bitcoin Webhosting and Domains4Bitcoins promises their clients absolute confidentiality and services within the dark web.

The entire transaction is made in exchange for Bitcoins, an anonymous digital cryptocurrency with which you can buy a “dedicated” hosting Service or a shared hosting services in 10 different locations within the United States and the European Union without the need to provide any identification or data that links it to you.

Our journalistic investigation team contacted the Bitcoin Web hosting site posing as a client, to obtain information about the company and understand the services they offer online, we were informed in the online chat that the “official” name of the company is bitcoinwebhosting, and the chat agent indicated that it was registered in Los Angeles, California.

The Noti.Group investigation team searched the company in the California Business Registry without identifying any firm with this name, Noti.Group also found no data on the company’s location in open sources and the phone number used is apparently an Internet Number in the United States +14055090775 is seemingly registered by a third party.

Our team expressly asked after a long exchange if it was possible to host illegal content on their servers, specifically copyright infringing content, the “agent” on the other side of the chat confirmed that “Yes” this is possible as long as child pornography is not included within the server.

The investigation identifies more than 50 sites running on a single Server, a server divided with special software so that customers who have purchased the service may perceive that it is independent and that access to the servers is only possible by the client, however, the company does have full access to them, information that was knowingly omitted to us in multiple Chat sessions.

The Agent also informed that no identification is needed to hire any of their services.

According to the information that Noti.Group had access to, the website is registered under an alias, the domain is registered at 1712 Pioneer Ave. Ste 1774 in the city of Cheyenne in the State of Wyoming and provides the telephone number above aforementioned. This organization is in fact a branch of US based entity.

Based on the information that the editorial team had access to, the server is actually owned by a third party who hires it using a false identity with an Irish company named Digiweb Ltd. that publishes its address in the IDA Business & Technology Park, in the community of Dundalk, Co. Louth, in Ireland.

Digiweb was previously involved in massive copyright infringement of movie and TV content on an enormous scale as per reports from several media outlets.

We reached to the IDA in order to confirm if Digiweb was in fact based there since the information available at google maps we had acess to doesn’t provide a clear view of their office or Computing Centers, we received no response from the Developers nor from Digiweb.

The Domain was sold by the company NetEarth One, Inc. Located in Suite 5, 7th Floor, at 5 Greenwich View Place, Millharbour, in London, E14 9NN, United Kingdom which runs the website https://netearthone.com

“Bitcoin Webhosting” sells sites in exchange for various Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin since April 25, 2013, its helping expand Cryptocurrency adoption, however by doing so these Criminal groups benefit from the business model.

Digiweb in Ireland supplies one of the largest Criminal groups in the world by providing hosting services to a multitude of Criminal business managed all under “Bitcoin Webhosting” servers. The information we had access to suggests that Digiweb is aware of the illegal activity happening within those servers.

We will take the public into the incredible world of the Iluminati brotherhood, in total more than 14 Sites run by this criminal ring that promise the public financial freedom, we will show you how it is possible to obtain a false ID in the European Union, we will allow you to explore four unauthorized financial intermediaries and forex brokers and we will explore phishing and extortion sites created for the sole purpose of separating you from your money.

Read the next instalment here

[This article may have been written with information from various sources.]

Noti Group: https://noti.group/the-trail-of-illegality/