DANNY : DE HEKThey say history repeats itself. And when it comes to Ponzi schemes, it absolutely does—especially when those promoting them book five-star hotels to lure in their next round of victims.

I’m Danny de Hek, known online as The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger. I’ve made it my mission to name and shame anyone running or promoting a Ponzi scheme or scam. I’ve infiltrated Zoom meetings, confronted promoters, gathered evidence, and exposed countless fake investment platforms dressed up as “opportunities of a lifetime.” But sometimes, the real battle happens offline—in hotel conference rooms, where scammers in designer suits pitch fairy tales to unsuspecting attendees.

This time, it’s a group of repeat offenders—Martene and Nathan Wallace—promoting Auratus Gold, a shady digital gold MLM already flagged by regulators in both Australia and New Zealand. They were preparing to host a so-called Wealth Odyssey Summit and Gala 2025 at Hilton Surfers Paradise on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Just like last time.

Back in 2023, another scam—WEWE Global—planned a tour across Australia and New Zealand. I Blogged about it. I contacted every hotel they booked. I pleaded with them not to host what was clearly a recruitment campaign for a suspected Ponzi scheme. Three of the events went ahead. But two—Sanctuary Cove and Adelaide Convention Centre—cancelled. WEWE pulled out and fled back to Dubai. The disruption worked.

Even the media picked it up. Newsroom ran a headline: “FMA Unable to Intervene with Potential Ponzi Seminar.” It laid out how New Zealand’s regulators had limited powers to intervene, and that when it came to crypto seminars, they relied on the media and public pressure to do the heavy lifting. Around the same time, Stuff published a blistering satire by journalist Martin van Beynen, who got kicked out of a WEWE seminar after being recognised as a reporter. These articles didn’t just expose the scammers—they highlighted the huge gap in enforcement.

Flash forward to 2025, and here we go again.

This time it’s Auratus Gold, run through Helvetic Digital Finance AG—already on ASIC’s investor alert list. The same crew who helped push GSPartners and Swiss Valorem Bank are back, armed with vague promises, exclusive event invites, and a long list of “digital products” no one can ever explain.

But we were ready.

After spotting the event being advertised on smartmetasolutions.com, I took action. I wrote a formal warning email and sent it to Hilton Surfers Paradise. But I didn’t stop there. That email was also sent to regulators, journalists, and over 10 known scammers from my private database—individuals I’ve been tracking for years who I believe were likely to attend or promote this event.

And yes, you read that right — I CC’d the scammers themselves. About ten of them, pulled directly from my personal investigative database, received the exact same email I sent to Hilton, the media, and government agencies. Why? Because I believe in calling these people out, not behind their backs, but right to their inboxes. If they’re going to try and sell false hope and fake wealth to vulnerable families, then they should feel the pressure. Letting them see the headlights of the bus heading straight for their operation isn’t just satisfying — it’s strategic. This is disruption by design.

Then—boom—the original event page was deleted.

The URL: https://smartmetasolutions.com/wealth-odyssey-summit-and-gala-june-2025/

Gone. No statement. No explanation. Just deleted.

But the main site still vaguely promotes the event, with no clear venue listed—just “in the heart of… Surfers Paradise QLD.” The implication is obvious. They’re still planning something but hoping to slide under the radar.

Let’s be honest: if this were a legitimate financial summit, why would they remove the Hilton event page the moment they’re exposed? Why hide? Why not clarify and stand by their agenda?

Now, to be clear—Hilton has not issued any formal statement confirming the event has been cancelled. But what we do know is this: the organisers removed the entire event page shortly after the emails went out. That alone speaks volumes.

For full transparency, here’s the exact warning I sent, which included links to official government alerts, previous exposés, and BehindMLM articles directly naming the organisers:

[COPY OF EMAIL WARNING]

Subject: Warning About Scam Event at Hilton Surfers Paradise – June 21, 2025

Dear Hilton Management,
 
I’m writing to urgently inform you about a highly concerning event scheduled to take place at your Hilton Surfers Paradise location on Saturday, 21st June 2025. The event is being promoted here: smartmetasolutions.com/wealth-odyssey-summit-and-gala-june-2025
 
The event is organised by Martene and Nathan Wallace, two individuals with a long and well-documented history of promoting fraudulent financial schemes and unlicensed investment platforms. These schemes include Swiss Valorem Bank, GSPartners, Helvetic Digital Finance AG, and Auratus Gold—all of which have received official securities fraud warnings from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
 
Here are some of the official warnings:
 
GSPartners – ASIC Warning:
Auratus Gold / Helvetic Digital Finance AG – ASIC Warning:
Apertum – ASIC Warning:
DAO1 – ASIC Warning:
 
These events are not harmless business gatherings. They are used to aggressively promote unlicensed and deceptive investment programs, often disguised as wealth-building opportunities. Attendees are typically lured in with motivational messaging and then sold fraudulent products under the promise of passive income and financial freedom.
 
As one of the world’s most respected hotel brands, I believe Hilton would not knowingly associate itself with these types of activities. However, by allowing this event to go ahead, you may be putting your reputation at serious risk. A number of journalists and investigators are currently following this story, and it is highly likely that your venue will be named in upcoming media coverage.
 
For your further reference, here are several detailed investigations naming Martene and Nathan Wallace and highlighting the fraud surrounding the schemes they are involved in:
 
BehindMLM – GSPartners Securities Fraud Warning from Australia:
BehindMLM – Auratus Gold’s Fraudulent Investment Scheme Collapses:
BehindMLM – DAO1 Securities Fraud Warning:
BehindMLM – Auratus Fraud Continues with ZAI Cards & Gold Points:
CHOICE Consumer Warning – Auratus & Billionico:
 
I respectfully request that you escalate this matter to your compliance team and Hilton head office. I also encourage you to reconsider your involvement in hosting this event, given the legal and reputational consequences it may bring.
 
If you require further information, documentation, or direct evidence, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am in contact with victims and researchers who are actively tracking these scams and can provide additional support.
 
Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
NOTE: I currently maintain a confidential database of 44 Australians actively involved in promoting or facilitating these scams, including individuals with ties to law enforcement and media circles. It is a well-researched and continually updated resource. If your team would like to review or access this database as part of a deeper investigation or due diligence process, I would be happy to share it upon request.
 
Do your bit to stop these modern day thieves flying under the radar instead of facilitating them to grow their networks help governments help crime fighting agencies stop these bottom feeders.
 
Kind regards,
Danny de Hek

So let’s ask the big question: Why is it so hard to stop these people?

Because scams like this operate in a legal blind spot. Because regulators admit they can’t step in until a crime is proven. Because hotels don’t always vet the groups hiring their function rooms. And because scammers are slippery—they rebrand, shift their language, and hide behind fake “business communities” and vague “growth summits.”

My guess? The event will still happen. Maybe under a different name. Maybe at a different venue. Because unless we keep shining a light on these operations, they’ll keep targeting everyday people—especially those who are financially vulnerable.

But here’s what we’ve achieved:

  • We’ve disrupted their plans.
  • We’ve scared them into hiding.
  • We’ve documented everything.
  • And we’ve built public awareness—again.

Now we wait. Maybe a reporter picks this up. Maybe the scammers lose their nerve again. But even if no government body takes action, someone has to. And that’s why I do what I do.

To the scammers reading this: I see you.

To Hilton and every other venue: You can do better.

And to the public: If you see a scam, call it out. Share it. Expose it.

Because when you create enough noise, even the cockroaches run for cover.

About the Author Danny de Hek, also known as The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger, is a New Zealand-based investigative journalist specializing in exposing crypto fraud, Ponzi schemes, and MLM scams. His work has been featured by Bloomberg, The New York Times, The Guardian Australia, ABC News Australia, and other international outlets.

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⚠️ UPDATE – EVENT REPOSTED UNDER NEW URL

Despite public pressure and the takedown of their original event page, the organisers of the Wealth Odyssey Summit & Gala 2025 have quietly republished the event under a new URL. The event is still scheduled for Saturday, June 21st, 2025, and will take place at The Hilton, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 — the same venue originally named.

Here is the updated event link:
https://smartmetasolutions.com/wealth-odyssey-summit-and-gala-june-21-2025-765231/

The page is packed with exaggerated claims, vague promises, and motivational hype — all the classic signals of a scammy MLM or Ponzi-style event. The ticket price is listed as $299 + GST, and attendees are being promised “exclusive strategies,” “DeFi insights,” and “a launchpad for success” — all red flags we’ve seen before.

The entire day includes:

  • A full-day “summit” with international guest speakers
  • Interactive workshops
  • Access to “exclusive information”
  • A kids-welcome clause (conveniently worded to soften suspicion)
  • An evening “gala” with DJs, drinks, dancing, and photo ops
  • Something called the SMS Awards & Recognition (translation: top recruiters get claps)

This isn’t just a networking event — it’s a full-blown recruitment funnel for the Auratus Gold scam, carefully packaged in suits, lighting, and luxury.

Why would a legitimate financial conference remove their first event page and repost it under a different URL if they had nothing to hide?

The answer is simple: pressure works, and they’re trying to dodge it. But we’re watching.

Please share this update far and wide. If anyone you know is considering attending this event, warn them immediately.