David Hughes, Genie Investments, Walter Trock, McMann, Zoomeral.com CON MEN, PONZI SCHEME David Hughes and Walter Trock operate a PONZI SCHEME: MILLIONS STOLEN

This post contains knowingly false, defamatory, and malicious statements made by an individual who has never been a client of Genie Investments NV, ZOOMERAL, David Hughes, or John Michael Cohan. Hereinafter, the "defamed parties" and "Genie". There is no agreement, transaction, communication, or verifiable relationship with this individual whatsoever. Legal action is underway to identify the source of this fraudulent post, and once identified, the individual will be held fully accountable through every legal and financial remedy available. We will not allow false narratives to undermine the reputation of honest businesses or the professionals personally behind them.

1. No Relationship Exists — No Proof Because None Exists

This individual has never applied for funding, received approval, or engaged in any form of business with the defamed parties. The individual's name does not appear in any internal system, communication record, contract archive, or payment log. There is no relationship—period. Any claim to the contrary is not just inaccurate, their posts are a deliberate lie designed to inflict reputational harm.

1. Independent Third Parties Cannot Be Misattributed

The post references Walter Trock and Michael Lanza of McMann Capital (also referred to as McMann Commercial Lending). These individuals are independent brokers—not employees, agents, or affiliates of the defamed parties.  Holding Genie Investments or its leadership responsible for the actions of unaffiliated third parties is both factually and legally baseless.

1. The Capital Provider Breakdown Was Handled Transparently and With Legal Oversight

It is true that a third-party capital provider failed to perform under its obligations—an unfortunate but common risk in private capital markets. However, the leadership at Genie responded swiftly and responsibly. A well-known law firm specializing in private equity transactions was engaged to vet, structure, and negotiate all agreements and contracts with the capital provider. It must be clearly understood: at no time did any member of management send funds to the failed capital provider after they missed a contractually required funding deadline, nor were any funds released without direct legal advice.

A completely false claim has been made that Genie Investments NV knowingly sent funds to the failed provider after it had already defaulted on delivery due dates. This is demonstrably untrue. All disbursements were made in accordance with legally negotiated terms and with the full involvement of our legal counsel. Any assertion to the contrary is not only incorrect—it is defamatory. 

1. No Silence — No Fraud — Just No Dialogue With Cowards

Contrary to the claim of “silence,” the defamed parties have consistently communicated with legitimate clients and partners. What they have not—and will not—do is engage with anonymous fraudsters attempting to weaponize fake identities and false allegations, nor will they allow any licensed professional to overstep their bounds. The person behind this post, along with others, has created a fraudulent name, a fabricated profile, and a knowingly false narrative on various websites. Everyone can be rest assured: this individual will never reveal their true identity because they know they will be held legally accountable the moment they do. That day is coming.

1. No Refund Was Ever Owed — And Genie Has a Track Record of Doing the Right Thing

Refunds can only be issued when refundable money is actually received, but we do not know who this individual is. Beyond that, Genie maintained a perfect track record of issuing in full and timely refunds whenever requested and required—until this one force majeure event involving a failed third-party lender. Even in that case, after years of litigation with a highly qualified, former 12-year Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) attorney,  members of management negotiated settlements that, if fulfilled by the failed capital provider, will result in all viable parties being made whole. That is not avoidance—that is leadership and responsibility in action.

1. Genie Operated with Integrity, Oversight, and Results

Management at Genie has spent decades building a reputation in capital markets and technology as disciplined, competent, transparent, and accountable business leaders. Their companies are legally compliant, from any formations through any dissolutions, and well represented by experienced legal counsel in all transactions performed throughout the course of business. Although Genie and its management have been personally mischaracterized, they have no history of misconduct,​ complaints, or ethical violations. This attempt to stain their names with lies and distortion will not succeed—and it will not go unanswered.

FINAL NOTICE

This post is fraudulent, defamatory, and actionable. Anyone who republishes or shares this content will be deemed legally complicit and may be included in the legal proceedings now in progress. We strongly encourage readers to evaluate the facts: this post comes from an anonymous, unverifiable source and contains zero evidence—no contract, no receipts, no communication records. In contrast, Genie and its management personally remain fully transparent, verifiable, and professional in all regards.

Justice will be served. And accountability will be enforced.