Danny de Hek’s “Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger” YouTube channel terminated
Danny de Hek’s “The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger” YouTube channel has been terminated.
In a January 21st press-release published on de Hek’s website, he confirms the termination was due to policy violations.
December 2024 Incident
In December, during an interview with Ryan “Ryzn” Conley discussing WEB3, Conley exposed his hairy bottom on camera.
While the exposure was brief and not explicit, technically, it could be considered nudity. At the time, I didn’t pay much attention as I was live-streaming and chose to leave the video online, believing it to be no different from other content commonly seen on YouTube—like half-naked individuals in G-strings.
However, YouTube flagged the video and issued a Community Guidelines strike. I appealed the strike, but it was upheld, with an expiration date of February 7.
January 20, 2025 Incident
While live-streaming a Zoom meeting hosted by Megan Lynch—known for promoting scams—my broadcast was infiltrated by “TUGMAN,” an individual who posted explicit content, no doubt intending to force the closure of the Zoom meeting.
Due to YouTube’s processing limitations, I couldn’t edit the footage immediately, and it remained viewable for about three or four hours before I set the video to private. The following morning, after YouTube processing, I successfully edited and blurred out all explicit content to comply with YouTube’s policies.
Despite these precautions, YouTube issued another strike. Lynch, with her significant online following, publicly urged her supporters to report my channel, an effort that appears to have succeeded in silencing my voice.
I reached out to de Hek about the third strike (typically YouTube terminations require three strikes), to which he replied;
Well I don’t actually know if there was a third strike to be honest. As you would understand as they don’t tell you anything
In addition to losing his YouTube channel, de Hek claims to have recently lost his FaceBook and Zoom accounts. Websites de Hek operates are also under DDOS attack.
These attacks may be disruptive, but they serve as a badge of honor, proving that exposing scams like WE ARE ALL SATOSHI strikes a nerve.
No matter how many denial-of-service attacks they throw at me, the fight to reveal the truth continues.
And finally, two recent podcast episodes from de Hek have been targeted;
On January 15, 2025, I received an email from Buzzsprout’s support team informing me that two of my podcast episodes—titled Exposing the Truth: My Experience with Class Action Recovery Services: Legit or Fraudulent? and Rory Conacher & Craig Wotton: Serial Ponzi Promoter Turned Fake Crypto Recovery Leader(s) — were flagged for violating their terms of service.
According to Buzzsprout, the episodes contained “harmful content,” and they planned to remove them within 48 hours unless I acted to preserve them.
I immediately responded, presenting evidence that the episodes were grounded in factual reporting and investigative journalism.
My intention was never to harm but to inform and protect the public from financial exploitation.
I argued that my work is backed by substantial evidence and has been recognized by reputable outlets like The New York Times and Bloomberg. However, despite my efforts, Buzzsprout ultimately decided to remove the episodes.
This decision dealt a blow to my efforts to expose scammers and safeguard potential victims. It also raised broader questions about free speech and the challenges faced by content creators who dare to hold fraudulent individuals accountable.
I stand by my reporting and remain undeterred in my mission to reveal the truth, even when powerful platforms bow to external pressures.
While I don’t always agree with de Hek’s methodology, he’s certainly provided and continues to provide a different perspective on researching and reporting on financial fraud.
De Hek has additionally contributed research and company tip-offs, which are always appreciated.
Having been around for a while, occasionally I’m asked for my thoughts on why there aren’t more “BehindMLMs” or “Danny de Heks” out there.
De Hek’s struggles with third-party platforms highlight just some of the challenges reporting on financial fraud brings with it. I’ve done my best to document BehindMLM’s own challenges in this regard over the years.
It’s not easy. Oftentimes you brush up against scammers hiding in crime-friendly jurisdictions who’ve misappropriated millions. Then there’s their lawyers (paid for with said misappropriated millions), accomplices, top promoters and brainwashed consumers who’ve become trapped in their schemes.
And, as de Hek’s recent challenges emphasize, third-party platforms for whom understanding what comes with reporting on financial fraud falls outside of their scope of business (i.e. it doesn’t make them money so why bother).
Writes de Hek;
While YouTube allows appeals, previous experiences with their automated systems and opaque policies give me little hope for reinstatement.
I acknowledge that my actions, as a vigilante fighting scams, have occasionally breached the terms and conditions of various platforms. However, my sole purpose has been to expose scammers and protect victims.
I work closely with law enforcement agencies and global crime-fighting networks, who use my videos and the database I’ve built to investigate these fraudulent activities.
The journey of exposing scams has been emotionally and mentally taxing. Despite threats, lawsuits, and de-platforming, I remain committed to justice. However, I question the sustainability of continuing this fight under current conditions.
The termination of “The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger” reflects systemic flaws in how platforms handle reports and appeals. While scammers exploit these weaknesses, genuine efforts to combat fraud are stifled.
I urge YouTube and other tech giants to enhance transparency and collaboration with individuals dedicated to public good.
For now, the fight continues—on different platforms, through new strategies, and with unwavering resolve.
De Hek continues to publish on his website and Twitter account.
Update 25th January 2025 – Danny de Hek’s YouTube channel has been reinstated.
Sorry Danny, I feel you. I used to administer a similar endeavour – scam blog and wiki, youtube channel and podcast. But fighting that fight (especially solo) for years had a heavy toll and the death and legal threats didn’t help.
I salute those like you and Oz that continue the fight.
o7
That’s what he get. That guy was annoying and coming across as a pure hater at times and of course he got his Zoom canceled when you’re jumping on other peoples causing trouble, over talking and trying to expose them but in turn HARRASSING and uploading it to his YouTube channel That’s what’s gonna happen.
Most of these so called “EXPOSERS” are nothing more than bitter FAILED marketers mad because they made NOTHING while others made SOMETHING.
Now go find a real job because you’ve been CANCELED from EVERY reputable PLATFORM. I’d say, the PEOPLE has spoken!
Agreed that some of Dannny methods were a bit unconventional. For the most part though, I feel he contributed positively toward exposing scams and scammers.
Why would he not just fire up a new YouTube channel.
Sucks to lose the published content, but what’s to stop him from starting fresh?
YouTube bans apply to channel owners. If a channel you own is banned you as an individual are banned from the platform.
Contrary to the commonly held beliefs, crime does pay. Anyone who exposes fraudsters has to put up with a lot of muck thrown at them (including the occasional death threat) – and for what gain?
Sorry to hear Danny has hit a set back in his mission to expose these scam scum. The irony that YouTube terminate him due to compliance and yet the people he is helping expose walk away with huge amounts of money obtained through deceit and lies.
I’m afraid this is the way the world is moving more and more – scammers are almost accepted these days with the simple caveat added by promoters saying “everything carries risk”
Greed is as old as the hills, and that’s not going to change, so scammers will still scam and people will still call themselves victims (90% are, the other 10% know exactly that they are getting involved in Ponzi schemes)
It’s a sad world.
Thank you so much, AntiMLM. Your kind words and understanding mean a lot, especially coming from someone who has walked the same difficult path.
It’s true that this fight takes an emotional and mental toll, and the threats can make it even harder. But hearing from people like you, who truly understand the challenges, is incredibly encouraging.
I deeply respect the work you’ve done in the past, and I salute your efforts to combat these harmful schemes. It’s not an easy road, but every step we take makes a difference, even if it’s just one person at a time.
Thank you for your support—it reminds me why this fight is worth continuing.
Hi DAN, thanks for taking the time to comment. I want to address a few things you’ve mentioned. Firstly, I acknowledge that my YouTube channel’s termination resulted from breaching the platform’s terms and conditions, which I’ve taken responsibility for.
That said, my goal has never been to ‘harass’ anyone, but rather to expose scams and protect vulnerable people—particularly mum-and-dad investors who often don’t have the technical knowledge to recognize these fraudulent schemes.
It’s important to note that many of the platforms I’ve investigated, including Zoom, explicitly prohibit the use of their services for multilevel marketing, which is at the core of many scams I’ve exposed.
My work shines a light on these violations, often in collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory bodies, to create public awareness and accountability.
As for your claims about being a ‘bitter failed marketer,’ I’d like to make it perfectly clear that I’ve never lost money or made money in crypto investments. This isn’t about personal gain; it’s about providing a public service to protect others from financial exploitation.
The fact that so many people—both supporters and critics—have an opinion about my work is proof that it’s making an impact.
Finally, while I understand that not everyone will agree with my approach, I’ll continue to stand up for what I believe in.
Being de-platformed doesn’t mean the fight is over—it simply means it’s time to find new ways to raise awareness and keep exposing those who prey on others. Thanks again for sharing your perspective.
Thanks for your comment, Wayne, and for recognizing the positive impact of my work, even if some of my methods were unconventional. Exposing scams isn’t always straightforward, but it’s always been about protecting people and raising awareness.
I’ll admit, having my channel terminated has knocked the wind out of my sails, but thankfully, I’ve got a pretty good yacht to keep me moving forward.
At this stage, I haven’t received a definitive answer from YouTube about whether I’ll be allowed to start another channel. If I get the green light, I’m ready to hit the ground running — I’ve got 12 TB of videos backed up and ready to re-upload to rebuild the content library and keep the fight alive.
For now, I’m focusing on other platforms and exploring new ways to continue this mission. The support from people like you reminds me why it’s worth pushing forward, even when setbacks happen. Thanks again for your encouragement—it means a lot!
Thank you, Trooth Fairy, for your kind words and understanding. You’ve really hit the nail on the head about the challenges of exposing fraudsters in today’s world.
It’s disheartening to see platforms enforce compliance rules so stringently against those trying to protect the public, while scammers continue to exploit loopholes and walk away with their ill-gotten gains.
You’re right—greed and deception are as old as time, and scammers are getting bolder, often hiding behind the mantra of ‘everything carries risk’ to deflect accountability.
That’s what makes exposing these schemes so important, even when it comes with a personal toll, like the backlash, threats, and now the loss of my channel.
Despite the setback, I’m not giving up. The fight to create awareness and protect innocent people from being exploited is too important. While I can’t change human nature or the prevalence of greed, I can keep shining a light on these scams and the damage they cause.
Thank you for your support—it means a lot and reminds me that there are people out there who truly understand the value of this work.
Yes, the statement is generally correct. When YouTube terminates a channel, it often applies the ban to the individual associated with the account, not just the specific channel. This means:
If a channel you own is banned for violating YouTube’s policies, you as an individual are typically prohibited from creating or managing new channels on the platform.
YouTube’s Terms of Service specify that individuals whose accounts have been terminated are not allowed to create new accounts or channels.
However, there are nuances:
If your channel was terminated due to specific content violations but you believe the termination was unjust, you can appeal. If YouTube accepts your appeal, you may regain access.
In some cases, people have successfully started fresh after being banned, but this can be risky and may violate YouTube’s terms, leading to further action if discovered.
It’s worth noting that if you’re considering re-entering YouTube, it’s best to await a definitive response from YouTube regarding your current status to ensure compliance with their policies.
Article updated to note Danny de Hek’s YouTube channel has been reinstated.
Weird how angry scammers get at being exposed, and then it’s all “jealousy” reportedly.
Let me say this, I have never, and by luck and determination will never be scammed by any manner of shitty MLM, outright pyramid or ponzi scheme. I however recognize the pattern of fraud and misrepresentation that permeates MLM culture, and the victims it leaves behind.
People like you would sell sell somebody else’s grandmother or child to a meat grinder for a dollar without blinking, because you are heartless desperate trash only chasing a buck.
Thank you, AntiMLM, for always recognizing the fight against these fraudulent schemes! You nailed it—scammers hate being exposed, and they always try to play the ‘jealousy’ card. But guess what? I’m back, and stronger than ever! YouTube reinstated my channel, and the mission to protect victims and call out the predatory nature of these scams continues.
It’s funny how these keyboard warriors rarely reply after posting messages like that. They never address the elephant in the room—how their dreams of wealth and passive income collapse under the weight of their own lies.
Appreciate your unwavering support as we keep exposing the truth and standing up for the countless people left in their wake!
First it was “Grit Grind Gold” channel, then Danny De Heek took over. Really enjoy both.
Anyone know what happend to Grit Grind Gold channel and the guy running it? I know Joseph Heit and co was after him in court, did they succeed to take him down?
They sued him and they ended up settling in exchange for all the GGG social accounts I believe.
After Heit filed his harassment lawsuit a settlement was reached with Grit Grind Gold. The specifics of which I can’t speak to.