Originally Syndicated on April 6, 2024 @ 3:48 pm
Vincent Ward- Introduction
Early Life and Background
Name: Vincent “Vince” Ward
Date of Birth: May 28, 1990
Location: South Africa
Current Role: Head of International Expansion at Mirror Trading International (MTI)
Family: Cheri Ward (Sister)
Vincent Ward, born on May 28, 1990, in South Africa, has long been an intriguing figure in the world of multilevel marketing and investment schemes. He is currently the Head of International Expansion at Mirror Trading International (MTI), a role that places him at the center of one of the most controversial investment platforms in recent history. His sister, Cheri Ward, is also a notable figure within the same circles, sharing a penchant for luxurious living and a short fuse when questioned about their financial dealings.
Vincent Ward- Career and Involvement with MTI
Before joining MTI, Vincent Ward had an active role in Syntek3, another multilevel marketing endeavor. His transition to MTI saw him climb the ranks to become a key player in the company’s international expansion efforts. MTI marketed itself as a cutting-edge investment platform, promising significant returns through cryptocurrency trading.
Vincent’s role was crucial in attracting international investors, a testament to his persuasive abilities and deep understanding of the multilevel marketing landscape. However, as MTI’s operations came under scrutiny, Vincent’s actions began to draw significant attention and criticism.
Vincent Ward- The Luxurious Lifestyle and Questionable Finances
One of the most glaring controversies surrounding Vincent Ward is his purchase of a R1.7 million Range Rover Sport. This purchase, made with funds allegedly obtained illegally from MTI, showcased Vincent’s lavish lifestyle, akin to his sister Cheri’s. The luxury vehicle not only symbolized his financial success but also became a focal point for accusations of misusing investor funds.
The situation escalated when Vincent responded with profanity to a bystander questioning the source of his funding for the car. This reaction highlighted not just his short temper but also his apparent disregard for the serious allegations against him and MTI.
Vincent Ward- The Disappearance of Johann Steynberg
In December 2020, Johann Steynberg, the founder of MTI, mysteriously disappeared. This event marked a turning point in the narrative surrounding MTI. Instead of joining the search efforts or expressing concern, Vincent and other MTI directors exhibited suspicious behavior. Notably, Vincent deleted all MTI-related content from his Facebook page, a move often seen as an attempt to distance oneself from a collapsing scheme.
This deletion of content is a common tactic among promoters and shills of fraudulent schemes. By “washing” their social media profiles, they aim to erase any evidence of their involvement, thereby attempting to absolve themselves of any guilt or legal repercussions. However, such actions often have the opposite effect, suggesting that these individuals were aware of the fraudulent nature of the operations from the outset.
Vincent Ward- The Implications of Vincent Ward’s Actions
Vincent Ward’s behavior following the disappearance of Steynberg and the subsequent collapse of MTI paints a concerning picture. His swift attempt to erase his digital footprint indicates a premeditated strategy to distance himself from the fraudulent activities of MTI. This, in turn, raises significant questions about his integrity and the ethics behind his involvement with MTI.
Furthermore, Vincent’s actions give the impression that he, along with other promoters, knowingly participated in a fraudulent scheme purely for personal gain. The luxurious lifestyle funded by allegedly illicit means and the attempt to cover up his involvement post-collapse suggest a deeper awareness and complicity in the fraudulent activities.
Is Vincent Ward Attempting a Reputation Cleanup?
As I highlighted before, if you’d look him up, you’ll find a plethora of PR and promotional material. What he’s doing is a typical attempt of reputation laundering.
Reputation laundering is the practice of covering up or erasing misdeeds, negative business practices, or illegal actions of a company or individual. The key aspects of reputation laundering are:
- It is a niche industry that has grown up around the need for companies and individuals to change public perception of their actions. This includes PR firms, lawyers, lobbyists, and other “fixers” that help clients portray themselves in a more positive light.
- Tactics used include making donations to universities, charities, and other institutions, aligning with sports teams, and using disinformation and “astroturfing” (creating fake grassroots movements) to obscure the truth.
- Reputation laundering is different from legitimate reputation repair, which involves fixing real problems within a company and developing a positive image based on their actions. Laundering seeks to cover up illegal activities and bad practices.
- Reputation laundering allows kleptocrats, oligarchs, and politically exposed persons to distance themselves from the illicit source of their wealth and transform their public image, making it difficult for compliance and law enforcement to detect any wrongdoing.
- This practice undermines democratic institutions and norms by manipulating public perception and enabling the flow of tainted money into Western economies. Governments have been slow to address the “enablers” that facilitate reputation laundering.
In summary, reputation laundering is an unethical industry that allows companies and individuals to cover up misdeeds and present a false positive image to the public.
A popular example of reputation laundering is Israel’s PR on Gaza.
I recommend you read up on how Israel’s propaganda machine works and how it painted innocent Palestinians as terrorists.
Vincent Ward- Conclusion
Vincent Ward’s story is a stark reminder of the risks and ethical dilemmas inherent in the world of multilevel marketing and high-yield investment programs. His involvement with MTI, coupled with his suspicious actions following the company’s downfall, serve as a cautionary tale for investors and participants in similar schemes.
The narrative of Vincent Ward is not just about a single individual but reflects a broader pattern of behavior among promoters of dubious investment schemes. It underscores the importance of due diligence, ethical conduct, and the need for greater regulatory oversight in the financial markets to protect investors from potential fraud. As investigations into MTI and its key figures continue, the full extent of Vincent Ward’s role and the repercussions of his actions will likely come to light, offering further lessons for the investment community.
