Case Studies
The following case studies are indicative of how Cobra AI can be applied to resolve client-specific challenges.
Case study type
Cryptocurrency | Funds Recovery
IYE Global helps clients stay one step ahead of cryptocurrency scams. Through forensic analysis, investigative expertise, and legal action, we uncover fraud, recover lost funds, and hold negligent parties accountable. Our work safeguards both financial assets and reputations in the complex world of digital finance.
Recovering Funds from a Cryptocurrency Staking Scam
United Kingdom | Client Loss: £61,000
The Situation
A client invested in a “Locked Staking” proposal with an entity presenting as Anola AI Trading Ltd, based in the Isle of Man. The company had cloned a legitimate, dormant Isle of Man business, ‘Anola Trading Limited’. Initially, the client could make periodic withdrawals, but access to funds soon ceased, raising suspicions of fraud.
The Investigation
IYE conducted a thorough investigation into the cryptocurrency-linked scheme, uncovering the roles of financial institutions that facilitated fund transfers, including the client’s bank and cryptocurrency exchanges Kucoin and Binance. Unique evidence collected by IYE established the entity’s culpability.
The Outcome
IYE’s legal team successfully recovered the client’s funds in full, along with 8% interest, ensuring full restitution.
Challenging a Bank Over a Digital Investment Scam
Australia | Client Loss: $214,000
The Situation
A client invested his life savings and pension in digitalminers.com. Funds were transferred from a bank account via Binance, and the client, inexperienced with cryptocurrency, allowed scammers remote access to set up his Binance account. As the account appeared to accrue $750,000 in profits, attempts to withdraw funds were blocked by a $47,000 “release fee.”
The Investigation
IYE investigated the sophisticated scam and, with support from law enforcement and financial regulators, mounted a legal challenge against the client’s bank. The investigation demonstrated that the client had been the victim of criminal deception and that the bank had been negligent in its duty of care.
The Outcome
The bank refunded $214,000 to the client, plus 8% interest, recognising both the scam and the bank’s lapses in duty.
Recovering Cryptocurrency Investments from Bexstock
Germany | Client Loss: €61,000
The Situation
A client invested funds with Bexstock, which claimed to conduct trades on behalf of clients. Funds were transferred from the client’s bank account to a Binance wallet and then into the Bexstock platform.
The Investigation
IYE lawyers analysed the transfers and identified that the transfers lacked sufficient due diligence by the client’s bank, establishing the bank’s liability rather than Binance’s.
The Outcome
As a result of IYE’s intervention, the client’s funds were returned in full, plus 8% interest, mitigating the financial loss entirely.
Case study type
Background Checks
Case study type
Investments & Financial Instruments
At IYE, we help individuals and organisations stay one step ahead of fraud. From complex investment scams to sophisticated global schemes, our investigations combine on-the-ground intelligence, forensic analysis, and predictive insights to uncover the truth and protect our clients. These case studies highlight how our expertise has prevented financial loss, safeguarded reputations, and recovered substantial funds.
Pre-Investment Verification
North America
Protecting a UK Corporate from International Fraud
The Situation
A well-established UK corporate had been engaged for nearly two years with an individual in the US, who claimed to represent a reputable company with a diverse business portfolio. The client sought IYE’s expertise to assess a proposed investment opportunity.
The Investigation
Our investigations, including on-the-ground enquiries in the US, revealed clear evidence of fraud. Falsified financial instruments and contracts posed serious risks. Further checks showed links to organised crime, including high-value vehicle theft, narcotics, and financial fraud. Algorithmic predictive analysis confirmed the scheme was fraudulent.
The Outcome
IYE’s intervention prevented the client from committing substantial funds, safeguarding them from significant financial and reputational harm.
Pre-Investment Verification
North America | Client Funds Protected £650,000
Protecting a Private Investor from Global Fraud
The Situation
A private client approached IYE before investing £650,000 with an individual he had met in person in the US. The individual presented as a skilled trader and wealth manager, with professional credentials and a credible online presence.
The Investigation
Investigations revealed the individual was a career criminal with no legitimate assets, working with a corrupt bank officer to divert victims’ funds. Forensic IT analysis uncovered over 200 interconnected websites used in a coordinated global investment fraud.
The Outcome
IYE’s work with authorities led to the arrest of two individuals and the dismantling of the operation, with further arrests expected. The client’s £650,000 investment was fully protected.
Investment Fraud
International | Client Loss £254,000
Recovering Losses from an Online Investment Scam
The Situation
A client responded to an online advert promoting Intrabroker (IB), a company claiming to provide stock trading services, endorsed by a celebrity. Using the MetaTrader4 platform, the client saw apparent profits and, after successful small withdrawals, invested substantial sums. Soon, he was asked to pay “taxes” and “release fees” to access his funds — a classic scam tactic.
The Investigation
IYE employed specialist techniques to gather intelligence on the perpetrators. We presented evidence to the client’s bank showing the investment exhibited clear indicators of fraud, and that the transactions were inconsistent with the client’s usual financial behaviour.
The Outcome
Thanks to IYE’s investigation, the client recovered £254,000, plus 8% interest, with the bank acknowledging the fraudulent nature of the scheme.
Investment Fraud
Europe | Client Loss Undisclosed
Investigating a Multi-Jurisdiction Investment Fraud
The Situation
An ex-professional footballer had been defrauded of a substantial sum several years prior, and despite repeated assurances from the perpetrator, the matter remained unresolved. The client became aware of other individuals who had suffered similar losses and engaged IYE to investigate.
The Investigation
IYE uncovered a multi-million-pound fraud spanning three jurisdictions. Further enquiries revealed ongoing criminal activity involving car theft, credit card fraud, and a fraudulent carbon credit scheme operating in South America.
The Outcome
IYE is collaborating with US and UK law enforcement agencies to pursue justice against the individual, aiming to hold him accountable for his criminal actions and prevent further victimisation.
Case study type
Special Projects
Working with Law Enforcement
United Kingdom
IYE has gained significant success working with law enforcement to identify an individual involved in criminality against our client and others, involving multi-million-pound property deals.
The individual evaded the consequences of his actions for a number of years, by constructing a complex web of corporate entities which appeared to enter liquidation, giving the appearance of a failed investment. The truth was very different.
Our investigations uncovered a series of criminal connections between the individual and other interested parties, some in local government, which formed a case for law enforcement agencies to investigate.
As a result of excellent police work, using evidence provided by IYE, a number of individuals have been arrested and charged with criminal offences.
Our tenacity, and zero tolerance approach to crime provided a springboard to a police investigation which we are confident will result in successful prosecutions and the prospect of recovery of significant funds for our client.
Case study type
Cybercrime
Reputational Damage
North America
Identifying an Anonymous Online Author
The Situation
IYE was engaged by a business associate of an individual named on the exposé forum CheaterLand. The client sought to identify the author of a post that could cause reputational harm. This proved to be a particularly challenging case due to the extreme measures the site’s owners take to preserve the anonymity of their contributors.
The Investigation
Our investigators followed over 160 leads, systematically narrowing them down to six high-probability candidates. Through careful analysis and cross-referencing, IYE successfully identified the author as an individual residing in California, USA.
The Outcome
The case demonstrated IYE’s ability to uncover key information even in highly anonymised online environments. Further enquiries into the individual can be undertaken if required, providing the client with a clearer understanding of the author’s intentions. This work underscores the importance of protecting reputation, which can often be more critical than financial loss.
Let’s talk!
We welcome enquiries from organisations looking to enhance existing capabilities, or build new strategies across risk and investigations.
Our clients benefit from direct access to IYE Global’s board members, legal advisors, and senior executives – offering expert insight and strategic guidance to help develop tailored, outcome-focused solutions aligned with their market approach.