They appear to have penetrated the Bitcoin community quite successfully, and I think many are boosting them uncritically without doing the vetting that one should do with an NGO, especially from that part of the world.
Peter didn't surprise me at all because I know that he is particularly unhinged on geopolitical matters. Aaron didn't surprise me so much either but yes, Joe's support was disappointing, as he is quite well traveled, particularly in the 'Global South', and usually shows more discernment.
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Seems like a standard family syndicate-run foundation - money laundering accusations and all. I wonder why they are associating with the Bitcoin community, though. An easy win for critics to point to them and paint the entire field as criminals.
Also the continued business dealings in occupied Crimea is a hoot. If true, talk about the fake anti-Russia outrage. Only confirms the age old reality that economic interests trumps everything else. Don't tell Peter, though 😆
Not sure why they didn't just make a new foundation after this:
"Shortly after co-establishing ODF in 2009, founder Ivan Sherstyuk defrauded an investor of $100,000 in 2010 under the guise of opening a psychological center. After the victim reported the fraud to the Ukrainian authorities, Mr. Sherstyuk was convicted by Frankivskyi District Court of Lviv City for fraud as well as ordering the murder of the victim’s husband. ODF has claimed the foundation and its leadership ceased all contact with Mr. Sherstyuk in 2011."
Human rights, they say.