Originally Syndicated on April 6, 2024 @ 3:51 pm
Tom Fraser- Introduction
Thomas William Fraser, commonly known as Tom Fraser, has made a name for himself in the world of multi-level marketing (MLM) and cryptocurrency schemes. Operating primarily out of the USA, Fraser’s activities have been linked to several high-profile and contentious ventures. This article delves into his associations, key involvements, and the schemes that have marked his career, highlighting his significant but controversial role in these enterprises.
Tom Fraser- Early Involvements and Initial Schemes
Before becoming a prominent figure in Mirror Trading International (MTI), Tom Fraser was involved in a number of other ventures, which set the stage for his future activities. Among these were:
- Income Builder Portal:
- This scheme promised substantial returns through various investment strategies. Fraser’s involvement here marked one of his early forays into the MLM world, where the allure of high earnings through recruitment and investment was a central theme.
- BTC Pro Mining:
- Capitalizing on the burgeoning interest in cryptocurrency mining, this venture attracted investors with promises of profitable returns from Bitcoin mining activities. Fraser’s role in BTC Pro Mining showcased his ability to tap into the cryptocurrency trend, a skill he would later leverage in MTI.
Tom Fraser- Association with Johann Steynberg
Tom Fraser’s most significant and controversial partnership was with Johann Steynberg, a relationship that would see both men embroiled in one of the most notorious schemes of recent years—Mirror Trading International (MTI).
Tom Fraser- Mirror Trading International (MTI)
MTI was a cryptocurrency investment platform that promised investors substantial returns through automated trading. The scheme, however, was later revealed to be a massive fraud, with losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. Fraser’s involvement in MTI was multifaceted and crucial:
- Advisor to Steynberg:
- Fraser was identified as a valued advisor to Johann Steynberg, playing a significant role in the operations of MTI. His advice and strategic input were instrumental in the scheme’s functioning and its ability to attract a large number of investors.
- Document Metadata:
- Analysis of metadata from various documents connected to MTI revealed Fraser’s name, indicating his deep involvement in the scheme’s administrative and operational aspects. This digital footprint provided concrete evidence of his role behind the scenes.
- Certification of Documents:
- Fraser was responsible for certifying documents for Johann Steynberg, including those related to an MTI meeting with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This role further highlighted his importance in the inner workings of MTI and his involvement in key organizational processes.
Tom Fraser- Impact and Legal Consequences
The unraveling of MTI had significant repercussions, both for its victims and those involved in its operation. As the scheme collapsed, legal actions and investigations ensued, aiming to hold those responsible accountable for the massive financial losses incurred by investors. While Steynberg was the primary focus, Fraser’s involvement also attracted scrutiny, given his advisory role and the evidence linking him to the scheme’s core activities.
Is Tom Fraser 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.
Tom Fraser- Conclusion
Tom Fraser’s career in MLM and cryptocurrency schemes is marked by a series of high-stakes ventures that have left a trail of controversy and legal issues. From his early involvements in Income Builder Portal and BTC Pro Mining to his significant role in Mirror Trading International, Fraser’s activities have drawn both attention and criticism. His partnership with Johann Steynberg in MTI, in particular, underscores his deep engagement in schemes that promise high returns but ultimately result in significant financial harm to investors. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, Fraser’s actions and their consequences remain a cautionary tale in the world of MLM and cryptocurrency investments.
