International Investment Scam Linked to Israeli Network Defrauds Thousands Across Continents

An investigative report by ABC has uncovered a vast international investment scam allegedly operated from Israel, which defrauded over 4,000 Australians of hundreds of millions of dollars. The scam typically began with a small initial payment of about 365 Australian dollars disguised as an online leadership course, funneled through an Australian-registered company called Trigo XO. Concerned, the company’s accountant severed ties and reported the suspicious activity to the Australian anti-money laundering authority, which declined to comment on ongoing investigations.

The Israeli connection centers on Shafi Goldberg, who is reportedly linked to the fraudulent network through multiple business ventures. Goldberg is a co-manager of GoBe Marketing, whose South African branch was identified in 2021 as processing payments for investment scams. Goldberg denied involvement in such payment processing. Internal documents revealed that victim payments were also transferred to an Israeli company, USC Market Place, where a GoBe Marketing employee serves as a director. Goldberg claimed ignorance of these details.

Further evidence emerged from leaked videos exposing the financial infrastructure of the scam, which relied on a payment processing service called Smart Pay. The parent company, Allegiant Holdings Ltd, registered in Cyprus, is solely owned by Goldberg. He stated that his role was limited to company registration and that he was not involved in daily operations.

Victims like Roger and Toby have suffered significant losses, with Roger giving up hope of recovering his funds and Toby still grappling with the deception and a loss of approximately half a million dollars. The investigation highlights the complex, multi-jurisdictional nature of the scam and the challenges victims face in seeking restitution.