Panther Trading International Investigation Findings & Settlement Offer 5 Sided Square
Online:
Brisbane
pathfinder6@5sidedsquare.com
Australia
www.5sidedsquare.com
Date
13 December 2023
Investigation Contents
Table of Contents Representation
03
Companies
05
Fraudulant Loan Agreement
10
Fraudulant Letter To Lawyer
13
Covert Operation
15
Settlement
17
02 | Panther Trading International
Representation Statement We are 5 Sided Square Pty Ltd, a private intelligence agency comprised of a team of former and current intelligence agents from around the globe. Our expertise lies in providing solutions to complex legal challenges faced by individuals and corporations. Our services have been engaged by 16 distinct groups of clients associated with Panther Trading International (PTI). Our primary objective in this engagement was to conduct a thorough investigation into PTI's operations. The aim of our inquiry is not only to unravel the operational intricacies of PTI but also to facilitate the negotiation for the closure and settlement of our clients' accounts with PTI. A unique aspect of our service, in this case, is the offer to destroy the investigative findings we have unearthed, contingent upon the successful resolution and settlement of these accounts. In our professional conduct, we maintain a stance of impartiality and non-judgment. Our focus is solely on delivering the services we are tasked with, aligning with the specific needs and situations of our clients. Notably, our agency maintains direct connections with relevant authorities, and we have been instrumental in achieving convictions in both high-profile cases and those less publicised. The subsequent pages will detail the findings of our investigation into PTI. This will include an in-depth analysis of the operational anomalies and irregularities we have identified. Following the presentation of these findings, we will outline the proposed steps forward for the settlement of our clients’ accounts with PTI, aiming to reach a resolution that is both satisfactory and conclusive.
03 | Panther Trading International
Panther Trading International Client representation and balances owed
04 | Panther Trading International
Companies
05 | Panther Trading International
Panther Trading International United Kingdom Company
Since its incorporation in 2020, Panther Trading Interna-
compliance and legitimacy that the company does not
tional (UK) has been registered as an active entity but
possess.
has not engaged in actual trading activities. The company's director, Phillip Crane, has consistently filed annual
Registered Office and Staffing Claims: The compa-
notices indicating that the company is dormant. Despite
ny’s registered office in the UK is only a fiduciary office
this, several activities and representations by the com-
and does not serve as an operational base. Moreover,
pany raise substantial concerns:
Panther Trading International claims to have staff in Singapore, Switzerland, and Spain, but there is no evidence
Filing as a Dormant Company: Phillip Crane has been
to substantiate these claims. These unfounded claims
declaring Panther Trading International as a dormant
could be part of a strategy to falsely portray a global
company in its annual filings. This is a significant point,
presence.
as a dormant company is typically one that has not had any significant accounting transactions during the finan-
Use of Australian Bank Account: The company has
cial year. The discrepancy between its filing status and
been utilising a bank account in Australia previously as-
its active engagement in certain activities is concerning.
sociated with Avatar International Business Consultants Pty Ltd, a company that is now deregistered. The use of
Client Acquisition Activities: Despite its dormant
a bank account linked to a defunct entity raises serious
status, Panther Trading International has been actively
questions about financial management and regulatory
grooming new clients. This involves reaching out and
compliance.
engaging with prospective clients, which contradicts its dormant status as filed.
In summary, the operations of Panther Trading International from 2020 to the present involve a series of
Misleading Operational Claims: The company has
questionable practices, including misrepresenting its
made claims to potential clients that it has been oper-
operational status, making false claims about its history
ating for 20 years. This statement is misleading, con-
and licensing, and using banking resources linked to a
sidering the company was incorporated in 2020. Such
deregistered company. These actions could potentially
misrepresentations can be considered deceptive and
draw the attention of regulatory authorities in the UK,
may constitute fraudulent business practices.
Hong Kong, and Australia and may lead to investigations and legal actions for possible fraud, misrepresentation,
False Licensing Advertising: Panther Trading Inter-
and breach of financial regulations. The discrepancies
national has been advertising a financial license that
between the company’s declared dormant status and
actually belongs to Monex Boom, a company based in
its active client engagement efforts necessitate care-
Hong Kong. This misrepresentation of licensing status
ful scrutiny to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory
is particularly problematic, as it suggests regulatory
standards.
06 | Panther Trading International
Panther Trading International Hong Kong Company
Between 2005 and 2016, Panther Trading International,
ants Pty Ltd – a company that was deregistered. The
operating in Hong Kong, experienced several significant
use of a bank account linked to a defunct entity raises
events leading to its eventual strike-off:
questions about the financial management practices of Panther Trading International. It could also suggest an
6WULNH 2σ LQ +RQJ .RQJ Panther Trading International
attempt to bypass regulatory scrutiny, given the compli-
faced a strike-off during this period, a process typically
cations associated with tracing financial transactions to
initiated when a company fails to comply with statutory
a deregistered company.
filing requirements, or ceases its business operations. Being struck off is a formal removal of the company's
These aspects of Panther Trading International's opera-
registration by the Hong Kong Companies Registry, in-
tions in Hong Kong from 2005 to 2016 indicate a com-
dicating that the company is no longer in legal existence.
plex scenario involving potential regulatory breaches, financial mismanagement, and misleading business
/LFHQVH 0LVUHSUHVHQWDWLRQ A notable issue was the
practices. The discrepancies and irregularities in their
company's misleading advertisement of a license be-
operations, especially in terms of licensing and financial
longing to Monex Boom, another Hong Kong-based
transactions, necessitate a closer examination under
company. This misrepresentation could have significant
the legal and regulatory frameworks of both Hong Kong
legal implications, as falsely claiming to hold a financial
and Australia.
license constitutes deceptive business practices. It potentially violates regulatory standards set by financial authorities in Hong Kong, such as the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). 5HJLVWHUHG 2τFH DV )LGXFLDU\ 2τFH 2QO\ The registered office of Panther Trading International in Hong Kong was merely a fiduciary office, suggesting it did not serve as an active operational base for the company. A fiduciary office typically functions as a legal address for administrative purposes and does not indicate substantial business activities or operations. 8VH RI $XVWUDOLDQ %DQN $FFRXQW /LQNHG WR 'HUHJLVWHUHG &RPSDQ\ Panther Trading International used a bank account located in Australia, which was previously associated with Avatar International Business Consult-
07 | Panther Trading International
Avatar International Business Consultants Pty Ltd Australia Avatar International Business Consultants Pty Ltd, iden-
tably linked to the financial activities of clients of Panther
tified by its Australian Company Number (ACN) 113 581
Trading International.
141, has a detailed corporate history outlined as follows: This bank account is not officially associated with any of Registration and Deregistration: The company was
the Panther Trading International entities.
registered on 30 March 2005. It was subsequently deregistered on 16 August 2020.
Control of this account is reportedly under Phillip Crane, which is significant given its use by clients of Panther
Directorship: The company was directed by Phillip
Trading International. This raises concerns about the fi-
Crane during its period of operation.
nancial management and transparency of transactions between these two separate entities.
Shareholders: Neil Beaven (deceased 2023), Phillip Garry Crane, Avatar International Business Consultants
In summary, Avatar International Business Consultants
Pty Ltd and Samantha Kathleen Townsend.
Pty Ltd, under the directorship of Phillip Crane and with its specific shareholders, has experienced significant
Significant Company Events:
corporate events, including a winding-up notice and changes to company details. The use of its bank ac-
16 October 2009: A Notice of Application to Wind Up
count by clients of Panther Trading International, despite
the Company under Section 459P, 462, or 464 was filed.
no official association between the two entities, and the
This indicates legal proceedings were initiated for the
control of this account by Phillip Crane, are key points
winding up of the company, typically due to insolvency
of interest, particularly in understanding the financial
or other significant corporate governance issues.
transactions and relationships involved.
9 May 2016: There was a recorded change to the company’s details. The nature of this change is unspecified but indicates an amendment in the company's official records. Bank Account and Association with Panther Trading International: A bank account associated with Avatar International Business Consultants Pty Ltd, bearing the BSB number 016281 and account number 497362348, has been no-
08 | Panther Trading International
Secure Finance & Investment Services (Australia) Pty Ltd Australia Secure Finance & Investment Services (Australia) Pty
Allegations and Regulatory Actions by ASIC: In 2002,
Ltd, a company with Phillip Crane as both its director
Secure Finance & Investment Services faced allegations
and shareholder, underwent several significant legal and
from ASIC that it was operating an unregistered man-
regulatory events during its operational period:
agement investment scheme. Operating such a scheme without registration is a serious regulatory breach, as it
Company Registration and Deregistration: The com-
implies the company was managing investments with-
pany was registered on 16 August 2000. It was subse-
out the necessary legal approvals or oversight.
quently deregistered on 18 March 2011. Following these allegations, ASIC took decisive action Directorship and Shareholding: Phillip Crane held the
by appointing receivers and moving to wind up the com-
positions of both director and sole shareholder, indicat-
pany. This reflects the regulatory body's concerns about
ing his complete control and responsibility for the com-
the company's adherence to financial regulations and
pany's operations.
the protection of investor interests.
Key Legal and Regulatory Events:
The legal proceedings initiated by ASIC were settled without an admission of liability from Phillip Crane. In-
27 May 2002: ASIC (Australian Securities and Invest-
stead, Crane provided an undertaking to ASIC, a formal
ments Commission) issued a notification of the appoint-
agreement to comply with specific terms or conditions
ment of a receiver and manager for the company. This
laid out by the regulatory authority.
action usually indicates significant financial or compliance issues that necessitate external management in-
In summary, Secure Finance & Investment Services
tervention.
(Australia) Pty Ltd faced serious allegations of regulatory non-compliance and financial mismanagement dur-
13 September 2007: A court order was issued for the
ing its operation. The appointment of receivers and the
winding up of the company and the appointment of a
winding-up order, followed by a settlement without an
liquidator. This legal step is often taken in response to
admission of liability, highlight the gravity of the issues
insolvency, non-compliance, or other serious corporate
encountered by the company under Phillip Crane's di-
issues necessitating the company's dissolution.
rectorship and ownership. The sequence of these events underscores potential concerns about the company’s fi-
14 January 2011: The final accounts and statement regarding the winding up of the company by the court were presented. This is a standard procedure in the liquidation process, involving the finalization of the company's financial matters and asset distribution.
09 | Panther Trading International
nancial practices and regulatory adherence.
Fraudulent Loan Agreement
010 | Panther Trading International
Avatar Investment Management Ltd Debenture Loan Agreement
The Debenture Loan Agreement dated 1st July 2015, list-
Metadata Evidence of Document Modification: An
ing Avatar Investment Management Ltd as the borrower
examination of the document’s metadata reveals that it
and H&D Melachroinos and Livin on a Prayer Supannua-
was a modified version of an agreement from Panther
tion Fund as the lender for an amount of $135,000 AUD,
Trading, which itself was derived from a loan agreement
exhibits several indicators of forgery. A detailed analysis
of another company, Purewater. This chain of document
of the document reveals various irregularities and poten-
alterations strongly points to deliberate forgery.
tial legal issues: Possible Legal Issues Arising from the Document: Misuse of Logo on Letterhead: The letterhead of the loan document employs the logo of Avatar Publishing.
Fraud and Misrepresentation: The various incon-
This misappropriation of branding and identity could be
sistencies and deliberate false representations in the
indicative of an intent to deceive or mislead.
document, especially the unauthorised signature of Phillip Crane, could lead to charges of fraud and mis-
False Representation of Association: Avatar Invest-
representation.
ment Management Ltd is represented in the document as having an association with Phillip Crane and Panther
Forgery and Criminal Liability: Knowingly modifying
Trading International. However, it is confirmed that there
and using a forged document for financial transactions
is no such association. This misrepresentation raises
can lead to criminal charges, including forgery and fraud.
serious concerns about the document's authenticity and the intent behind these false claims.
Identity Fraud: Impersonating an authorised representative of a company (as done by Phillip Crane) can be
Unauthorised Signature by Phillip Crane: Phillip
classified as identity fraud, a serious criminal offense.
Crane signed the agreement claiming to be an authorised representative of Avatar Investment Management
Regulatory Compliance Issues: Given the financial
Ltd, which he is not.
nature of the document, regulatory bodies may investigate the circumstances surrounding the creation and
Use of Personal Contact Information: The inclusion
use of this forged agreement, leading to potential regu-
of Phillip Crane’s Skype number as the contact number
latory actions against the involved parties.
is highly unorthodox for an official financial agreement and raises questions about the professional legitimacy
In summary, the detailed analysis of the Debenture Loan
of the document.
Agreement dated 1st July 2015 uncovers significant elements of forgery, misrepresentation, and potential
Invalid Email Address: The email address provided
identity fraud, carrying severe legal implications. The
in the agreement is invalid, with the domain never reg-
document’s questionable authenticity, coupled with the
istered. The provision of a non-existent email address
deliberate inclusion of misleading and false information,
further undermines the credibility of the document and
raises critical legal concerns that could have substan-
indicates possible fraudulent intent.
tial consequences for those involved in its drafting and utilisation.
011 | Panther Trading International
Avatar Investment Management Ltd Mauritius
From 2005 to 2016, a company named Avatar Invest-
,PSOLFDWLRQV RI 'RFXPHQW 0RGLðFDWLRQ DQG 0LVUHS-
ment Management Limited, based in Mauritius, was
UHVHQWDWLRQ The use of modified documents and the
operational. During this period, a loan document was
false representation by Mr. Crane carry serious legal im-
signed, purportedly by Phillip Crane, who claimed to be
plications. It suggests potential forgery, fraud, and mis-
a legal representative of Avatar Investment Management
representation. Misusing company names and fabricat-
Limited. However, upon detailed investigation, several
ing legal documents can lead to legal actions, including
discrepancies and concerns have been unearthed re-
charges of fraud.
garding this document and Mr. Crane’s association with the company:
3RWHQWLDO /HJDO DQG 5HJXODWRU\ ,VVXHV Such actions, especially involving cross-border transactions
9HULðFDWLRQ ZLWK )RUPHU 'LUHFWRUV Direct commu-
and representations in Mauritius, the UK, and possibly
nication with the former directors of Avatar Investment
other jurisdictions, could attract scrutiny under interna-
Management Limited revealed that they have no knowl-
tional financial regulations, anti-money laundering laws,
edge or record of Mr. Phillip Crane. Additionally, they
and legal standards pertaining to contractual integrity
confirmed no association with Panther Trading Interna-
and authenticity.
tional or Avatar International Business Consultants Pty Ltd. This raises serious questions about the legitimacy
1HHG IRU )XUWKHU ,QYHVWLJDWLRQ Given the discrep-
of Mr. Crane's representation of Avatar Investment Man-
ancies and the serious nature of the allegations implied
agement Limited.
by these findings, a more in-depth investigation might be necessary to fully understand the scope of the le-
0HWDGDWD $QDO\VLV RI WKH /RDQ 'RFXPHQW A thor-
gal violations and to determine the appropriate course
ough examination of the metadata associated with the
of action.
loan document in question shows that it was not an original document created for or by Avatar Investment
In conclusion, the situation involving Avatar Investment
Management Limited. Instead, the metadata indicates
Management Limited, the loan document signed by
that the document is a modified version of the Trading
Phillip Crane, and the connections with Panther Trading
Agreement belonging to Panther International Trading.
International and Purewater indicate a complex web of potential legal violations. These include misrepresenta-
2ULJLQ RI WKH 0RGLðHG 'RFXPHQW Further scrutiny
tion, document forgery, and possible fraudulent activ-
reveals that the Panther International Trading Agree-
ities, necessitating careful legal scrutiny and possibly
ment itself was an adaptation of a loan agreement from
regulatory intervention.
a unrelated company named Purewater. This suggests a pattern of document modification and potential misuse or misrepresentation.
012 | Panther Trading International
Fraudulent Letter To Lawyer
013 | Panther Trading International
Letter To Merthyr Law Kathy Rainbow
The letter sent by Phillip Crane to Merthyr Law on March
For larger withdrawals, the letter mentions the need
6, 2017, contains several elements that suggest fraudu-
for additional time to close out trades without incur-
lent activity:
ring losses or penalties, highlighting the complexities of managing funds in various currencies and achieving
Misrepresentation of Company Identity: The letter-
optimal exchange rates.
head used displays "Panther International Trading Co (HK)" instead of the actual entity "Panther Trading In-
Implications of the Withdrawal Process: While the
ternational Co (UK)." This switch in company names is
letter appears to explain the fund's operational pro-
a significant misrepresentation, indicating an attempt
cedures, the use of a misleading company name and
to either confuse the recipient or deliberately mislead
license number, coupled with the timing post-deregis-
about the company's true identity.
tration, raises concerns about the authenticity of the information and the legality of the fund’s operations.
Use of Another Company’s License Number: The letter includes the license number AEF808, which is regis-
Staggered Payout Due to Market Conditions: The let-
tered to a Hong Kong company, Monex Boom, and not
ter suggests that the payout might be staggered over
to Panther Trading International. The unauthorised use
an additional month due to market volatility. While this
of another company’s license number constitutes a seri-
could be a legitimate concern in fund management, in
ous legal infringement, potentially amounting to identity
the context of other misleading information, it might also
theft or fraudulent misrepresentation.
be interpreted as a tactic to delay the payment.
Timing of the Communication: The letter's date, March
In summary, the letter from Phillip Crane exhibits fraud-
6, 2017, is after the company was reportedly struck off
ulent behavior through misrepresentation of compa-
on August 26, 2016. Communicating under the guise of a
ny identity, unauthorised use of a license number, and
struck-off company further adds to the deceptive nature
communication under a deregistered company's name.
of this correspondence.
These actions, combined with the explanations regarding withdrawal processes and timelines, suggest an
Content of the Letter: The letter discusses the with-
attempt to mislead or obfuscate the true nature of the
drawal procedures for Kathy Rainbow’s Super Fund,
company's operations and financial status.
necessitated by a Family Law Court decision in Australia. It outlines the withdrawal process and timelines, emphasizing the fund's status as a Trading Fund and not a bank, with specific liquidity strategies and withdrawal notice periods (30/60/90 days based on the amount).
014 | Panther Trading International
Covert Operation
015 | Panther Trading International
Covert Operation Peter Cambridge
5 Sided Square conducted an undercover inquiry into
Verification with Trustees: Enquiries were made with
Panther Trading International, using an operative posing
Sovereign Trust International (Gibraltar) and Capital
as Peter Anthony Cambridge. The scenario presented
Trustees (Switzerland) regarding their potential associ-
was that "Peter" had 8 bitcoins he intended to invest,
ation with Panther Trading International.
with a preference for receiving profits in Australian Dollars (AUD) every six months.
Both entities confirmed that they had no record of a joint trust or any association with Panther Trading Interna-
Key Aspects of the Inquiry:
tional.
Establishment of Direct Communication: Direct
Confirmation from Regulatory Authority: Further ver-
communication channels were successfully established
ification was sought from the Gibraltar Financial Servic-
between our operative and Phillip Crane, primarily via
es Commission (GFSC). The GFSC also confirmed that
WhatsApp.
they had no records or regulatory information regarding Panther Trading International.
Claims Made by Phillip Crane: In these communications, Phillip Crane claimed that Panther Trading Inter-
Summary: This undercover operation by 5 Sided
national had been operating for over 20 years. He stated
Square revealed several red flags about Panther Trad-
that the company had over 193 clients and that all were
ing International. The claims of longstanding operation
reportedly profitable.
and consistent profitability, the involvement in illegal HYIPs through the provided bitcoin address, evasive
Bitcoin Investment Address: Crane provided a bitcoin
responses to compliance questions, and the lack of
address associated with CoinSpot for the investment.
acknowledgment from named trustees and the regula-
Upon investigation, it was discovered that this bitcoin
tory authority in Gibraltar all contribute to a picture of
address was involved in investments in illegal High-Yield
potential deception and irregularities in Panther Trading
Investment Programs (HYIPs).
International's operations. This investigation raises serious concerns about the legitimacy and legality of the
Evasiveness in Compliance Questions: When our operative posed compliance-related questions about Panther Trading International, the responses received from Phillip Crane were indirect and misleading, failing to provide clear and straightforward information.
016 | Panther Trading International
company's activities.
Settlement
017 | Panther Trading International
Settlement Terms and Conditions
Outlined below are the detailed terms and conditions for
In the event that the funds are not received by the dead-
the settlement process:
line, verified proof of payment will be required. This proof is necessary to confirm that the transfer process
Settlement Timeframe: The allotted time for settle-
has been initiated and is underway, as a means to pre-
ment is precisely 24 hours, starting from the timestamp
vent any subsequent action.
on WhatsApp indicating the delivery of this document. A copy of this document has also been sent to your
Verification and Proof of Payment: To ensure compli-
email address for reference and record-keeping.
ance with the settlement terms, proof of payment must be provided if there is any delay in the funds being re-
Accepted Communication Methods for Settlement:
ceived within the stipulated deadline. This proof should
Communication regarding the settlement should be
verifiably confirm the initiation of the fund transfer to the
conducted via WhatsApp or email. These are the ac-
specified account of 5 Sided Square Pty Ltd.
cepted and preferred channels for communication in this matter.
This document serves as a formal notice of the settlement terms and conditions, and adherence to these
While phone calls are permitted, it is important to note
stipulations is required to ensure a smooth and undis-
that any agreements or understandings reached verbal-
puted settlement process. Failure to comply with these
ly will only be considered valid and accepted if they are
terms within the given timeframe may lead to further ac-
subsequently confirmed in writing.
tions as deemed appropriate.
Bank Account Details for Fund Transfer: The funds are to be transferred to the following bank account: Amount To Transfer: $5,728,339.45 BSB Number: 034-058 Account Number: 436195 Account Name: 5 Sided Square Pty Ltd Deadline for Receipt of Funds: The transferred funds must be received no later than the specified deadline as per the 24-hour settlement timeframe.
018 | Panther Trading International
Contingency Actions In the absence of a settlement
The course of action we intend to take should the on-
Assistance in Criminal Report Filings: Our team at 5
going settlement negotiations with Panther Trading In-
Sided Square Pty Ltd is prepared to assist all impacted
ternational not reach a satisfactory conclusion. Please
individuals in filing criminal reports related to this matter.
be aware that these actions will be implemented imme-
We will provide necessary support and guidance to en-
diately and without further notification if a settlement is
sure effective reporting of any criminal activities linked
not achieved.
to Panther Trading International.
Distribution of Evidence to Regulatory and Law En-
It is our sincere hope that a mutually agreeable settle-
forcement Agencies: In the event of a non-settlement,
ment can be reached to avoid the need for these ac-
we will prepare and distribute a comprehensive briefing
tions. However, we are fully prepared to proceed as out-
document along with a substantive evidence file.
lined should the situation demand it. We trust that you will consider this matter with the seriousness it deserves
This distribution will be executed through our associates within various law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including: The Australian Federal Police (AFP) The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the United Kingdom Public Disclosure to Investors: All evidence of wrongdoing uncovered during our investigation into Panther Trading International will be publicly disclosed. This information will be posted on the website www.panthertradinginternational.com to ensure all investors have access to these findings. Direct Outreach to Panther Trading International Clients: We will also directly contact current clients of Panther Trading International, providing them with detailed evidence and insights from our investigation.
019 | Panther Trading International
and work towards a prompt resolution.
5 Sided Square
Online:
Brisbane
pathfinder6@5sidedsquare.com
Australia
www.5sidedsquare.com