Description

Business Name: BOTE Finance Institute (also operating under (“GeniZenith Exchange”) Individuals Involved: “Professor” Paul Hoffman, Thalia Andrews, Michael Henderson, Lachlan Waverly Complaint: I am filing this complaint to warn others about fraudulent and unlawful practices by the GeniZenith Exchange, which is being promoted and endorsed by the so-called BOTE Finance Institute. www.botefinanceinstitute.com I deposited funds into GeniZenith following the exact instructions given by their online customer support. After my deposit, they froze my withdrawal and demanded an additional “refundable risk deposit,” claiming it was required under AML/KYC guidelines. This is completely false — AML/KYC requires identity verification, not extra deposits to release your own money. When I refused to pay more, the situation escalated into: • Shifting excuses and contradictory instructions from staff, including Professor Hoffman and Thalia Andrews. • Mockery, insults, and unprofessional conduct when I raised legitimate concerns. • Threats of identity theft — they sent back an image of my own driver’s license and claimed they would use it to apply for loans in my name. • Explicit threats of violence — including written statements that a “hitman” had been hired against me. The names consistently tied to this scheme are: • Professor Hoffman – promoter/endorser of BOTE Academy and GeniZenith. • Thalia Andrews – assistant who removed me from groups the moment I inquired about my funds, later mocking and dismissing me. • Michael Henderson & Lachlan Waverly – both connected to communications and decision-making around this platform. This is not a misunderstanding. This is fraud, extortion, blackmail, and identity theft. Resolution Sought: • Immediate release of my funds to my withdrawal address. • Full accountability from BOTE Financial Academy and the individuals named. • A public warning issued so no one else falls victim to these predatory practices. Supporting Evidence: I have preserved all chats, wallet addresses, TXIDs, IP addresses and screenshots of threats. These materials are also being submitted to IC3 (FBI), FTC, CFTC, my State Attorney General, and local law enforcement. *** !!!WARNING WARNING WARNING!!!*** Consumers are advised that BOTE and GeniZenith have been reported as fraudulent investment platforms engaging in deceptive practices, including blocking withdrawals and imposing unlawful payment demands; individuals should exercise extreme caution and avoid any financial dealings with these entities.