Top Ten Bits:
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Creation of Fake News Website: Ager-Hanssen is linked to the operation of 'WhatTheFinance,' a fake news website run by Kostas Alekoglu, used for reputation laundering.
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Use of AI-Generated Content: The website, dormant from 2015 to 2023, re-emerged with AI-generated articles and summaries, particularly about cryptocurrencies and prominent individuals like Craig Wright and Christen Ager-Hanssen.
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Fake Journalist Identity: The so-called journalist 'Lucy Walker' does not exist and is part of an ecosystem of fake users created by Alekoglu, likely with Ager-Hanssen's involvement.
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Sock Puppet Accounts: Alekoglu, and by extension Ager-Hanssen, created at least 35 fake accounts to manipulate online discourse and reputation management.
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Domain Registration: Ager-Hanssen was the original named registrar of the 'WhatTheFinance' domain, indicating direct involvement in its creation and operation.
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Manipulation of Social Media: Ager-Hanssen and Alekoglu used various fake accounts and personas to control narratives and influence public opinion on social media.
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Misleading LinkedIn Profiles: The fake journalist 'Lucy Walker' had a LinkedIn profile with fabricated work history, further indicating deliberate deceit.
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Connection to Erectile Dysfunction Blog: 'Walker' was also associated with 'Check Your Chap,' a website about male genitalia issues, hinting at a broader pattern of fake online identities.
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Revenge and Deception: Ager-Hanssen's history with deceptive practices includes attempts to manipulate outcomes in legal and corporate settings for personal gain.
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Unethical Business Practices: His association with Caliston Digital and the use of such companies for unethical marketing and reputation management strategies underscores a pattern of nefarious activities.
Summary
In a scandal that has rocked the digital news landscape, 'WhatTheFinance,' a purported financial news website, has been unmasked as a fake news outlet orchestrated by reputation management marketer Kostas Alekoglu, with deep ties to Christen Ager-Hanssen. This revelation exposes a complex web of deceit and manipulation designed to shape public perception and protect dubious interests.
The Reemergence of WhatTheFinance
Dormant since 2015, 'WhatTheFinance' resurfaced in 2023, initially posting AI-generated articles on cryptocurrencies before shifting focus to Craig Wright and Christen Ager-Hanssen. This pivot raised suspicions, leading to an investigation that unveiled the website's true nature as a paid-for fake news platform.
The Man Behind the Curtain: Kostas Alekoglu
Kostas Alekoglu, known for his past as a trance artist and his current role as founder of Caliston Digital, a marketing and SEO service company, is the mastermind behind 'WhatTheFinance.' Alekoglu, who also manages 'Social Media Limited' offering reputation management services, has been identified as the driving force behind the website. His involvement is further evidenced by the domain registration records, which list him as the original registrar of 'WhatTheFinance' in 2007.
The Fabricated Journalist: Lucy Walker
Central to the deception is 'Lucy Walker,' the alleged social media manager for Digital Aesthetics, a brand under Caliston Digital. Investigations revealed that Walker does not exist outside the ecosystem of marketing blogs controlled by Alekoglu. Her profile, alongside 35 other fake accounts, was created to lend credibility to the content and manipulate online discourse.
Exposing the Sock Puppet Network
A deeper dive into the data revealed numerous email addresses linked to these fake personas, including Lucy Walker's and other clients listed on Caliston Digital's website. This extensive network of sock puppet accounts was used to bolster Alekoglu's marketing clients, following a method similar to the one Byline Times used to uncover GB News presenter Dan Wooton's alias.
Manipulating LinkedIn and Other Platforms
'Lucy Walker' and her colleague 'Sophia Rogers' engaged in creating fake interactions and comments on blog posts, further proving the ecosystem of deceit. Walker's LinkedIn profile falsely claimed previous employment at 'Check Your Chap,' a website focused on male genitalia issues, adding another layer of falsehood.
The Ager-Hanssen Connection
The timing of 'WhatTheFinance's' reactivation and its sudden interest in Craig Wright and Christen Ager-Hanssen suggest financial backing from Ager-Hanssen himself. Despite claiming editorial independence, the website's focus on defending Ager-Hanssen points to a clear conflict of interest. Alekoglu's engagement with the website's content on his own Twitter account further cements this connection.
Broader Implications and Industry Reaction
This exposé not only tarnishes the reputations of those directly involved but also raises serious questions about the integrity of online news platforms. Even DN Media, previously aligned with Ager-Hanssen, has started prefacing his claims with cautionary phrases, acknowledging the dubious nature of his assertions.
In response to the revelations, stakeholders in the digital marketing and news industries must reassess their approaches to online credibility and the ethical implications of reputation management practices. The unraveling of 'WhatTheFinance' serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse in digital media and the necessity for vigilant scrutiny and transparency.