TVI Express Timeline: illegal pyramid scheme, leaders arrested India, illegal in Indonesia, is Philippines next?
87Introduction
TVI Express, a well known international scam under investigation in Australia, Europe, and Asia, has been running since January 2009, yet nobody had published any sort of timeline on its operations... until now.
Did you know that TVI Express, which claims to be a UK company, pre-launched in India in January 2009, but there is no such company as "TVI Express" or "Travel Ventures" in UK at all? And the closest name, "TVI Services", was not registered until March 2009, two months later? And even today TVI Express will not admit that TVI Services is related to TVI Express?
Did you know that TVI Express moved out of their London office in September 2009, and disconnected its phone number, and did not publish a new phone number and new location until December 2009, as per their own announcement?
Did you know that TVI Express office in UK was "by appointment" only, according to their own announcement?
Did you know that TVI Express promised an office in India as early as July 2009, but did not deliver such an office until April 2010? And the promised office in China NEVER HAPPENED?
The following timeline is compiled using publicly available data from TVI Express announcements, TVI Express website, TVI Express member websites, news outlets accessible online, TVI Express member blogs, government websites, and so on. Form your own opinions... after you study the facts.
April 2008
Domain tviexpress.com was registered by parties unknown (source: WHOIS records)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Domain privacy" was turned on and all contact information goes to domain registration agent, very odd for a legitimate company.
EDITOR'S NOTE2: In 2011, domain privacy was turned off and it states that primary and technical contact for tviexpress.com is Tarun Trikha, and the "Indian office" address was given as the location of TVI Express.
January 2009
TVI Express "pre-launches" in India, claims to be a UK company with UK address and UK phone number. Claims to be "next big giant in network marketing".( source: tviexpress.com )
EDITOR'S NOTE: Yet it never did explain what its product actually is, and its own FAQ states that "you don't need to sell any products".
February 2009
First mention of TVI Express appeared in Google Archives (source: Google )
March 2009
TVI Express reached China, Taiwan, and Korea (source: TVI Express)
"TVI Services Ltd" was registered in Surrey, UK. Address listed was a company registration agent called "Fletcher". It was dissolved in 08-MAR-2011 (source: UK Government Data)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Search through UK company records shows no such company as "TVI Express" or "Travel Ventures International". If "TVI Services" is indeed TVI Express in UK, it operated for a month without business registration, thus illegally.There is no link between TVI Express and TVI Services, other than one item buried in the disclaimer, which has since disappeared.
April 2009
TVI Express uplines in Taiwan promised that the "debit card" (as shown on TVI Express website) will be available soon in Taiwan. Also see September 2009. (Source: Taiwanese blog)
EDITOR'S NOTE: It was not available as of June 2009, no idea what happened after that.
TVI Express uplines in Taiwan promised that trips in Thailand will be available 30-JUN-2009. (Source: Taiwanese blog)
EDITOR'S NOTE: There was no evidence that this trip ever took place.
May 2009
TVI Express obtained US "Trust-Guard" certification in April or May 2009 (Estimation, see editor's note below)
EDITOR'S NOTE: it was assumed to be April or May as messages claiming Trust-Guard certification as "authenticity" appeared in May 2009. Keep in mind that TVI Express was then disenrolled by Trust-Guard in 30-SEP-2009
Flood of articles appeared on Chinese and Taiwanese blogs by TVI Express members, some translating a Mr. Goyal from India, claiming that TVI Express was backed by a resort/casino in the UK, a glass factory in Italy, and so on. Some even claimed that TVI Express is absolutely legal and cannot be shut down by government. (source; Chinese blog)
EDITOR'S NOTE: China started cracking down on TVI Express starting in June 2009 as a pyramid scheme .
June 2009
Various Chinese and Taiwanese bloggers posted articles busting lies told by TVI Express members, pointing out various problems with the company (Source: Chinese blogs)
TVI Express held a convention / meeting in Shenzhen China, Tarun Trikha attended (source; Chinese blog)
Chinese TVI Express member called Tarun Trikha the first crown (presidential?) associate of TVI Express, with over 36000 downlines (source; Chinese blog)
EDITOR'S NOTE: which would make him "member zero", or very close to it
Chinese TVI Express member said that Tarun Trikha promised that TVI Express will open offices in Shenzhen and Hong Kong very soon.(source; Chinese blog)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Neither ever happened.
First news report in China highlighted TVI Express as an Internet -based pyramid scheme (source: Chinese news website)
July 2009
TVI Express website published first "newsletter", in which they claim that their top earners are in India, China, Korea, Kazahkstan, and South Africa. (Source: TVI Express website)
TVI Express newsletter promised office launch in China and India soon to serve its members. (source: TVI Express website)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Office in India did not happen until April 2010, and office in China never happened.
August 2009
TVI Express announced plan to launched India office in September 2009 (source; TVI Express website)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Office in India did not open until April 2010, and in a totally different city than announced
TVI Express members arrested in Yunnan China for fraud (source; Chinese news website)
TVI Express members arrested in Zhejiang China for fraud (source: Chinese government website)
Tarun Trikha was named as "Asia Pacific Head" by another TVI Express member (source: TVI Express Member post)
Chinese newspaper in UK, in cooperation with bloggers in China, investigated TVI Express, informed TVI Express landlord in UK (source: Chinese blog / UK Newspaper report)
EDITOR's NOTE: a month later, TVI Express announced it moving, destination unknown until DECEMBER 2009.
September 2009
TVI Express announced it is moving out of their office in London, will announce new location 'soon", urge members to NOT call their number, only use e-mail. (Source: TVI Express announcement)
EDITOR'S NOTE: A month ago, TVI Express was investigated by a Chinese-language newspaper in UK... See August 2009
TVI Express announced no vacation redemption until 31-OCT-2009 as part of "move" (source: TVI Express announcement)
TVI Express was disenrolled by Trust-Guard on 30-SEP-2009 (source: Trust-Guard Customer Support)
Tarun Trikha, TVI Express advisory board member (distributor) appeared on some sort of conference call, which was recorded and available on Youtube and other locations in a 7-part series. Very little actual information was provided. (source: Youtube / Planet TVI)
October 2009
TVI Express announced that their India office, planned for 30-SEP-2009, is not yet ready. (Source: TVI Express)
TVI Express members arrested in Yunnan, China (source; Chinese news website)
TVI Express was reviewed by CitizenCorps, and got glowing reviews (source; CitizenCorps MLM Review)
EDITOR'S NOTE: later CitizenCorp revised the review downward, then retracted the review altogether and placed TVI Express on "alert status", essentially calling it a fraud.
November 2009
TVI Express announced "bookings" (that 7-day 6-night vacation) is live (source; TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: and how many times they have announced this before, and since?
TVI Express member arrested in Wuxi, China for fraud (source; Chinese news website)
TVI Express member Kyle Clouse in US paid for press release, claims explosive growth, will have one of the largest TVI Express teams in the US very soon. (source: various PR outlets)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Kyle Clouse has since abandoned TVI Express, see his website
EDITOR'S NOTE: TVI Express reached US and starts to spread among MLM fans and "marketing coaches".
Letter to Editor in India called upon Tarun Trikha to explain problems with TVI Express. (source: Indian news website)
December 2009
TVI Express re-establishes contact phone numbers (source: TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: From September 2009 until now, TVI Express operated only by e-mail, per their own announcements
TVI Express lists Cyprus address as their "official" address (source: TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Cyprus is where Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda setup front companies to operate merchant vessels for unknown purposes.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Cyprus address is shared by multiple other business entities, probably a virtual office.
TVI Express lists "Heathrow" (actually in Uxbridge) address as their UK address, 15 miles from London, but continued to claim "headquartered in London UK" (source: TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Except if you check through Google.co.uk, you'll find like 15 different businesses at that exact same address.
TVI Express announced that their UK office only accepts face-to-face meetings "by appointment" (source: TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: which suggests it's a "rent-a-meeting-room", since the Uxbridge building is owned by Regus, a virtual office provider, as confirmed by Google Maps UK.
TVI Express established contact with Solid Trust Pay (of Canada), shows them as one of the payment processors for currency exchange. (Source; TVI Express, unconfirmed comment from Alleged Solid Trust Pay)
January 2010
CitizenCorps retracted its review of TVI Express, downgrading to 3 out of 5 stars (source; Citizen Corp)
TVI-GAT (Global Assist Team) was formed. It uses a 2x2 forced matrix and membership of $37 USD to feed members into TVI Express (source; TVI-GAT member blogs)
EDITOR'S NOTE: a few months later, TVI-GAT divorced itself from TVI Express altogether.
February 2010
TVI Express announced that the "new" booking portal will go live 1-MAR-2010 (source: TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: It did not go live until 9-JUN-2010, and also added a $150 redemption charge.
TVI Express announced its first list of participating hotels... a dozen hotels/resorts in India (source: TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: No word about participating hotels NOT in India
TVI Express member in China defrauded friend out of money to join, court ordered him to pay back the money (source: Chinese news website)
Spanish newspaper Mallorca Zeitung reported on pyramid scheme "TVI Express". how Lufthansa, Marriott, and AVIS are suing TVI Express for falsely representing them as partners, but all of the legal correspondence came back as "not deliverable".(source: Spanish newspaper Mallorca Zeitung)
EDITOR'S NOTE: So there are no 'strategic partners', and where exactly TVI Express is located?
TVI Express was denounced by Consumer Watchdog / The Voice newspaper (of Botswana) as a pyramid scheme (source: The Voice)
March 2010
TVI Express announced its India operation will go live in April 2010 (source; TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: This was promised back in September 2009!
TVI Express announced it will refund 6000 participants of their money in Sikkim, India, after local police investigation of possible fraud. (Source; Voice of Sikkim)
Hungarian government agency PSZAF announced it has determined that TVI Express and one other company are likely pyramid schemes, and requests other authorities to investigate (source: Realdeal.hu )
Sikkim India HGTI official called TVI [Express] a "fake tourism organization", saying that these frauds will ruin the local tourism reputation (source: Voice of Sikkim)
EDITOR'S NOTE: In August 2010, an Indonesia TVI Express "leader" told local reporter that TVI Express will promote local tourism.
First TVI Express member in China sentenced to running pyramid scheme (source; Chinese news website)
Citizen Corp puts TVI Express on "Alert Status" having previously gave it a glowing review, then backpedaled and downgraded the review. (Source: Citizen Corp)
Many American TVI Express members quit TVI Express after growing frustration.(source; various TVI Express member websites )
Three TVI Express members in China convicted of running pyramid scheme, assets forfeited. (source; Chinese news website)
April 2010
TVI Express office in Bangalore and Kolkotta (India) opened after months of delay (was promised for September 2009) (source; TVI Express)
TVI Express spread to Vietnam, local member admits to reporter his income did not come from travel (source: Vietnamese news website)
TVI Express spread to Indonesia, local reporter found that TVI Express did not register with local government, thus operating illegally (source; Indonesia website Detik news)
TVI Express was dropped by Solid Trust Pay as a client due to rampant credit card fraud / chargebacks and refusal to provide ownership information (CONFIRMED) (source: comment by Solid Trust Pay employee, confirmed by Solid Trust Pay Customer Support)
May 2010
TVI Express suddenly opened an office in Indonesia, (source; TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: TVI Express office of Indonesia is in a office park on upper levels of a mall apparently rents to anybody who can pay, including hair salons and more. (source: Google Maps)
EDITOR'S NOTE: TVI Express registration in Indonesia is done by local associate Ms. Goernawan, who registered the business as computer consulting, not travel agent or any sort of a club. In fact, it did not even obtain a "tiered sale" (MLM) license. (source: TVIExpressDollar website)
Two more Chinese TVI Express members sentenced to jail for running pyramid scheme (source: Chinese news website)
TVI Express under investigation in Georgia. A local general violated ethics rules, used his power to recruit his subordinates into TVI Express (source: Russian website)
Australian government agency ACCC obtained court injunction to bar Team TVI Oz (3 members of TVI Express) from recruiting, also froze their bank account (source: various Australian and New Zealand news outlets, including ACCC press release)
Team TVI Oz emptied bank account any way, AFTER the injunction, by going to multiple bank branches in the same day and withdrew small amounts from each. (source: Australian news reports)
TVI-GAT, a former "feeder plan" to TVI Express, announced that it is divorcing itself from TVI Express completely. In their announcement, it stated that TVI Express is too much of a liability. (source: Global Assist Team )
Top TVI Express Team divorces itself from TVI Express, renamed itself "Team USA" (source: TopTVIExpressTeam website)
German Press reported on the scam known as TVI Express (source: German news website)
June 2010
TVI Express announced that the booking portal finally is online. However, also announced that it now charges $150 USD for "taxes and processing fees" (source; TVI Express)
TVI Express announced the booking portal is down for a week (source; TVI Express)
Ted Nuyten, a MLM expert, published a scathing report on TVI Express, the pyramid scheme, listed all high level members with available photos on his website businessforhome.org. (source: Ted Nuyten's website)
A few days later Ted Nuyten's site was taken down by persistent cyberattack. Ted Nuyten named TVI Express as the attacker. The site only went back up after the TVI Express expose was removed. (source: various MLM news websites including MLMhelpdesk)
Letter allegedly from Tarun Trikha and Team TVI Oz appeared on an Indonesian TVI Express website, claiming they will prevail over ACCC, even though it listed bogus reasons. It also claimed tie-ups with RCI and other hotels chains. (source: kliktviexpress.com )
RCI denies any "tie-up" with TVI Express when queried. (source: RCI Customer Support)
Obtainer Media in Germany issued pressed release regarding TVI Express pyramid scheme (source; Obtainer Media press release)
TVI Express added to China's semi-official "MLM Blacklist" (source: Chinese news websites)
July 2010
TVI Express announced "tie-up" with more hotels in India, 2nd ever hotel list published of about 100 hotels (all in India) (source; TVI Express)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Again, no mention ever of hotels outside of India, 18 months after launch.
TVI Express announced "I am TVI" Conference in India (source: TVI Express)
Blogger revealed that TVI Express stole picture of President Obama (by Alex Ross) as their "I am TVI" banner after Photoshop (tm) manipulation (source: American blogger )
TVI Express announced Phillipine Pre-launch for 4-AUG-2010 (source: TVI Express)
TVI Express under investigation by local prosecutors in Tajikstan when a local TVI Express member swindled over 2000 people (source: Tajikstan news website)
Australian government agency ACCC added "contempt of court" charges against Team TVI Oz, 3 local TVI Express members, when it found that Team TVI Oz had violated their court injunction and emptied their bank account. Trial date set for 30-AUG-2010 (source: ACCC press release)
American TV Station ABC2 of Baltimore Maryland highlighted TVI Express in their "Scam Alert" segment (source: ABC2 of Maryland, USA website)
Indonesia Direct Selling Association APLI revealed that TVI Express had never registered with them as MLM. (source: APLI Q&A)
August 2010
TVI Express hired pimps.ws for their Phillipines pre-launched net streaming event (source; PIMPS.WS)
TVI Express Indonesia leader told reporter that TVI Express is NOT multi-level marketing, going directly against company website and position. Claims TVI Express will boost local tourism. (source; Indonesia news website)
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is after Indian official in Sikkim said TVI Express will RUIN local tourism's reputation, in March 2010.
Indonesian Direct Selling Association APLI revealed that TVI Express never received SIUPL direct selling license, thus is operating illegally, recommends that you should NOT join companies such as TVI Express. (source: APLI website)
ACCC vs. TVI Team Oz case started in Australia. Outcome pending. (source: ACCC feedback)
Rumors started spreading that TVI Express had hired a lawfirm in Utah to become compliant for US operation. However, the only source of this is a TVI Express upline, with no corroborating evidence. (source: TVI Express member websites)
September 2010
Tarun Trikha, referred to as "owner and CEO" of TVI Express, gave more conference calls, "confirms" rumor that they have hired that Utah lawfirm for US law compliance. Also claims they will soon open a US call center. (source: TVI Express member website)
Editor's note: Grimes and Reese, MLM Attorneys is based out of Idaho, not Utah.
TVI Express member website, under "TVI North America", issued announcement that TVI North America, based in Atlanta Georgia, has received a "cease and desist" order from state attorney of Georgia to stop operation or face prosecution. They will comply, because they have not received any legal or monetary assistance from TVI Express. (source: BehindMLM, TVIExpressreviewblog and other websites)
EDITOR'S NOTE: News of this stoppage quickly spread to other TVI Express member websites, Facebook groups, and so on. However, some "marketing coaches" continued to deny that TVI Express is a scam, blames US to be "anti-MLM".
TVI Express member Patrick DeJour, one of those named in the cease and desist order, provided a copy of the full order on his Facebook page, and urged all his downline to move to a different venture and abandon TVI Express immediately. (Source: Patrick DeJour Tweet, TVINorthAmerica website)
Cease and desist order issued in Georgia against TVI Express became permanent after 21 days with no legal challenge from TVI Express, the lawfirm allegedly hired did nothing. (source; TVINorthAmerica website)
Inquiry to ACCC indicated that the trial against Team TVI Oz has concluded, and the judge's decision is coming soon. The case against "Teddi" Jutsen will go to trial in late September or early October. (source: ACCC e-mail communication)
Colombian newspaper "El Liberal" reported on TVI Express "opportunity", calling it extremely suspicious. (source: "El Liberal" website)
TVI Express members Kaspi and Jackson announced on their website that TVI Express will open a call center in Florida in January 2011 (or 2012, as claimed in different message) and a TVI Express convention in Florida in January 2011. However, there is no corroboration on any other source (not even on TVI Express home website). (source: TVI Express member website)
Patrick Dejour / TVI North America issued multiple apologies to downlines, asks all downlines to move to a new venture, and stop promoting TVI Express immediately, or may face legal prosecution. Stated that the government will go after local TVI Express members if they can't get at the leaders, who's out of the country. (source: TVINorthAmerica website)
Patrick Dejour, ex-TVI, alleged (but cannot be corroborated) that Florida is about to issue a "cease and desist", that Canadian RCMP have declared TVI Express illegal pyramid, and Tarun Trikha, alleged "owner and CEO" has been denied US entry visa. (source: TVINorthAmerica website)
October 2010
Australia ACCC prosecution of TVI Team Oz trial concluded and decision is due soon. Trial against "Teddy" Jutsen is still pending for her contempt of court charges stemmed from her violation of court injunction freezing her account. (source: ACCC e-mail, Australian news)
TVI Team Oz member "Jack" claimed he used TVI Express to get a 5-star resort room for one night for $69 USD, which some proves TVI Express is not a scam. (source: Youtube Video)
EDITOR'S NOTE: What it actually proved is that he paid $250 for something he could have done for free on Travelocity.com. That proves he's a MORON!
Tarun Trikha's name disappeared from TVI Express "advisory board" list, no reason was given on his "departure". (source: TVI Express website)
Detik News of Indonesia published a reader's letter explaining that the TVI Express "free" trips are impossible to redeem, and one must deposit money into the top upline (Ms. Goernawan) bank account to redeem the trip. She is careful in not calling TVI Express a scam as a hospital previously used a slander law in attempt to silence one of their patients who was misdiagnosed, and she is afraid of being another being silenced. (source: Detik news)
Another TVI Express participant arrested in China for running an illegal pyramid scheme, Ms. Liu (also spelled Ryu) was arrested for running TVI Express recruiting and gotten over 600 downlines. (source: Chinese news entry)
Namibia becomes the first country in the continent of Africa to formally charge TVI Express as a scam on 22-OCT-2010. Bank of Namibia has issued a formal statement declaring TVI Express to be an illegal pyramid scheme, calls all participants to stop at once, and to report all such activities to the bank. (source: press release from Bank of Namibia)
TVI Express announced that their new "portal" where you can redeem your 7-day 6-night vacation half-sized (as 4-day 3-night) is now live. It claims access to 95000 hotels, dropped a few hotel chain names, but offered ZERO details. Furthermore, it requires you to put in your own money into "booking fund eWallet" in order to pay "taxes", with no estimate on what the taxes would be. (source: TVI Express announcement)
TVI Express Philippines LTD was quietly registered in Philippines as a simple company (not a corporation, NOT allowed to issue memberships, NOT a MLM). (source: TVI Express Philippines website)
November 2010
On approximately November 22, 2010, TVI Express published a document titled "ethical marketing", which laid out several rules for its "distributors" to behave ethically, marking its first ever document on ethical behavior. However, it refers to non-existent documents on tviexpress.com website such as "policies and procedures", and does nothing to explain the company's own unethical behavior nor address any legal concerns. (source: TVI Express)
TVI Express now uses a web server in Kiev, Ukraine, which is yet another step down from from their original webhost, Network Solutions, the largest web host in the world. Yet their members are still claiming "server upgrade". (source: WHOIS DNS lookup, TVI Express member post)
News from Africa nation of Swaziland reveals that their Central Bank is also investigating TVI Express, following the lead of Namibia. Local members of TVI Express are claiming "global license", which local regulators dismissed at once: if you do business in Swaziland, you need Swaziland license. (source: Times of Swaziland)
TVI Express made an announcement that they will be opening an office in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. However, the address they provided has no room number or floor number, just points to "Almaty Towers, Koktem-3 Microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan". This is the same "virtual office" pattern TVI Express used in London and Cyprus, leading people to suspect it will also be a virtual office. Furthermore, the "center" of CIS is Minsk in Belarus, not Almaty, Kazakhstan. In fact, there was no phone number announced for the location yet, just that some top distributors will be appearing there. (source: TVI Express announcement, Google Maps, Wikipedia)
December 2010
Meeting of "Wealth Team" in South Africa revealed that TVI Express had not delivered on trips. Members arrived at hotel and resorts only to find the trips were unbooked or unpaid. Resorts and hotels claim to have never heard of TVI Express, and said their names were cited without permission.(source: tviwealth.co.za)
According to Wealth Team in South Africa, on December 4th, 2010 TVI Express suddenly froze all eVoucher redemption, requiring all current eVoucher owners to "verify" their account within 72 hours or lose the eVouchers altogether. (source: tviwealth.co.za)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Every eVoucher TVI Express can invalidate or cancel means more people have to pay TVI Express instead of members for membership, so more income for TVI Express, less for its members.
Muslim Council on Aceh, Indonesia declared TVI Express "haram" (unclean), being a "money game" out to trick people.(Source: Serambi News of Indonesia)
South African authorities declare TVI Express a pyramid scheme,
announced investigation into the company and local participants for
prosecution. (Source: New Age news South Africa)
January 2011
TVI Express January 2011 newsletter claims they are expanding into Philippines, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, and South Africa. (Source: TVI Express website)
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is AFTER South African authorities announced they are investigating TVI Express as pyramid scheme on December 30, 2010, AND local newspapers declared the scam "belly up". Do they not read the news? Or are they trying to play hide-and-seek with the authorities?
South African TVI Express distributors continue to claim that South African branch office of TVI Express will open in March 2011. (Source: TVI Express South African Website)
PT TVI Express (Indonesia) chairwomen Goernami Goernawan was summoned to a tribunal of various Indonesian government agencies to explain why TVI Express Indonesia is operating as a MLM without a direct sales license (SIUPL). The reply was "we are not MLM". (source: APLI article )
February 2011
A new flood of TVI Express recruitment drives started in Philippines including various "seminars" in hotel lobbies. (source: various Filipino message boards)
Various Filipino websites started promoting TVI Express. At least one published the business registration certificate obtained from SEC of Philippines. (Source: Filipino TVI Express website)
Critic spotted language within the certificate stated that the business may not issue and sell membership certificates. Thus far, nobody knows whether this affects TVI Express or not. (source: TVI Express Critic)
EDITOR'S NOTE: TVIExpress.com FAQ states that you need to sponsor people to earn money, which can be construed as issuing membership
PT TVI Express Indonesia allegedly won some sort of award in Indonesia for "service excellence" on February 18, 2011. The award is unknown outside of Indonesia, nobody knows about who were the judges, what were the criteria of issuing it, or how did PT TVI Express Indonesia qualify for it when it was declared haram and a moneygame several months earlier by Indonesian Islamic Council of Aceh. (source: TVI Express Announcement, Internet research)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Research shows that this so-called award is held every six months, and costs USD $1000 to 'accept'. The owners are notified randomly via fax (not even mail), and there was no evaluation or selection process. The award as of 2008 was known as "Indonesia Good Company Award", and is unknown outside of Indonesia. Most business owners who received such an "announcement" tossed it as "spam fax", believing it to be a scam.
TVI Express announce that they will open office in Philippines in March 2011. (source: TVI Express website)
TVI Express Critic claim that TVI Express will likely violate Ministry of Trade and Industry Administrative Order No.8 which outlaws "pyramid schemes". (source: TVI Express Critic, Direct Selling Association Philippines DSAP website)
TVI Express domain tviexpress.com registration records was updated. It lists contact as "Tarun Trikha", and gave the TVI Express address in India. (source: WHOIS information)
EDITOR'S NOTE: TVI Express clearly is NOT in "headquartered" in London or even Cyprus, but actually based in India. Tarun Trikha clearly is a high-ranking officer, if not the owner/CEO of TVI Express, not a distributor as he had previously claimed.
March 2011
TVI Express announced on March 18, 2011, that it had won some sort of award. However, the award was actually won on February 18, 2011, and it was actually awarded to PT TVI Express Indonesia, the alleged "Indonesian branch" of TVI Express. TVI Express itself is claiming credit, despite the fact that the award itself is unknown outside of Indonesia, the issuing authority is unknown, the qualifying process and judging process a complete mystery. Previous winner is a laundry franchise. Furthermore the service is for "service excellence", not any sort of opportunity or travel. (source: TVI Express announcement, research for other award winners)
EDITOR'S COMMENT: Is the award meaningful? Only if you are in Indonesia, and maybe not even then. Furthermore, Indonesian Islamic Council of Aceh have already declared TVI Express haram and a money game. So does it really matter what award it won? And why is TVI Express claiming credit for award given to a branch only? And where IS that actual award?
TVI Services, a company registered in Surrey, UK, was dissolved on 08-MAR-2011. (Source: UK Company Registrar records)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Many TVI Express supporters claim this is the UK branch of TVI Express (i.e. their "headquarters")
April 2011
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and South African police formally launched investigation of TVI Express, joining previously announced investigation by Ministry of Trade and Tourism (South Africa). (source: New Age Online of South Africa)
South Africa announced first arrest of TVI Express members for running pyramid scheme. The two "owners" (presumably top uplines in area) posted bail, and members continue to support the arrestees as if they are cult heros. Others claim they have been duped by the scam pushed by local radio station talk hosts (source; Sowetan Online South Africa news, Observer Online South Africa news)
May 2011
Indonesian TVI Express local leader Kamijian was summoned to local courtroom by local congressional member to answer questions regarding TVI Express, after multiple reports of people being cheated by TVI Express, some lodged police complaints of fraud. (Source: tribunnews.com)
Indian Consumer Organization MoneyLife points to TVI Express as being another possible Speak Asia, a scam that has rattled India, charged by a TV station as a fake survey company and in reality a pyramid scheme. (source: Moneylife.in )
Filipino newspaper names Edwin Natividad and his "Pacific Destinations Inc" (PDI), a "TVI Express Clone", as an illegal pyramid. Natividad and his wife were former TVI Express members who swindled money from Filipino American community and ran back to Philippines to open his own version of TVI Express called PDI. (source: Manila Standard [link no longer active])
Karmijian, Indonesian TVI Express rep, appeared in court, admitting that all work in TVI Express is about recruiting more people into TVI Express, not about selling anything. (source: TribunNews)
June 2011
TVI Express "members" are reporting that their upline seem to have disappeared from Majene, on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. This is causing major concern as they may have fled with a lot of money. This is second report of disappearing "uplines" as this had previously happened on the island of Aceh, Indonesia. (source: local paper)
TVI Express and members use Alexa ratings to claim legitimacy in Indonesia, ignoring facts that 78% of the new traffic came out of Russia, Ukraine, and Kazahkstan. (source: Kaskus board, Alexa website)
Indonesian regulatory agency BKPM declared PT TVI Express Indonesia to be operating illegally without SIUP-L (MLM business license) on 30-JUN-2011, warns it to comply within 30 days. (source: Kaskus board)
July 2011
India Times reported that TVI Express India office in Bangalore was raided by police, with two principals, Mohammed Nayeem and Ramiz Asraf Vani arrested for defrauding people. Central Crimes Branch of Bangalore Police made the arrest. (Source: India Times)
State Bank of Vietnam declared TVI Express to be a illegal Ponzi scheme accepting "deposits" or investments without any sort of license or regulation, warnings all local branches to cooperate with police to prosecute such crimes and brings perpetrators to justice. (Source: nld.com.vn )
Consumer protection group in Indonesia called TVI Express a "money game" scam, demand it to stop cheating Indonesian people. (source: TribunNews.com)
August 2011
BKPM formally revoked PT TVI Express Indonesia's business license after 30-day deadline to comply expired. (source: Tempo Interactive)
Times News of South Africa reported that Tarun Trikha is the head of TVI Express scam, which involved over 1 billion SA Rands, with over 50000 victims in South Africa alone (and the number is still climbing). (Times of South Africa)
First arrests of TVI Express members in Indonesia, "leader" confessed to cheating over 800 members. (source: hariansumutpos.com )
Indonesia announced formation of special multi-agency task group for chasing down fraudulent MLMs such as TVI Express (source: Tempo Interactive )
Mmegi Online of Botswana published an article in conjunction of Consumer Watchdog about how one TVI Express victim was able to get back SOME of her money because her upline was honest, and speculated that many more are simply too embarrassed to have been cheated. (source: Mmegi Online)
On 31-AUG-2011, Central Bank of Lesotho in Africa issued press release that TVI Express is operating illegally in the country and urges all citizens to refrain from participating. (source: Central Bank of Lesotho)
September 2011
"Pacific Royale Airways" account appeared on Facebook. However, it points to PacificRoyale.com, which is on a web server owned by V2 Global / TVI Express. Furthermore, the website's WHOIS into is set to "private", thus it is not possible to prove that this account was actually owned by the airline itself, or any sort of proof that Tarun Trikha owns any portion of this airline other than domain name squatting (Source: Facebook, WHOIS domain tools )
Pacific Royale Airways, an airline that was often claimed by TVI Express supporters to be owned by Tarun Trikha, mastermind behind TVI Express, was NOT issued an operating permit as its operating plan was NOT approved by Indonesian Transportation Ministry. As a result, this airline will not fly until 2012 at the earliest. (Source: TempoInteraktif )
TVI Express announced that to comply with Indonesia law they will start charging taxes starting September 20, 2011. However, since its operating permit was already revoked back in August 3, 2011, this just proved that they intend to operate illegally. (Source: TVI Express)
BKPM (Indonesian government agency) revoked PT TVI Express Indonesia "foreign investment permit". Company now has NO legal permit in Indonesia, its SIUP was revoked in August 2011. (Source: Suara Karya Online )
Indonesia Fraud Task Force recommends fraud charges against PT TVI Express Indonesia, by conducting activities completely different from the licenses it had received. TVI Express is licensed for Computer and Electronics Sales and Consulting, and later, a travel and tourism permit. It was never licensed for direct sales / multi-level sales or for any sort of "investment" and community fund-raising. (Source: TempoInteraktif )
October 2011
PT TVI Express Indonesia vows to continue operating despite its business license already revoked by BKPM, blames "a few illegal operators and media" for destroying the company's public image, claims to be reapplying for business license. (Source: SatuNews.com )
Indonesian police in three jurisdictions are investigating PT TVI Express Indonesia fraud, many victims have reported to police (source: Bataviase.id)
November 2011
Lesotho reissues warnings to all citizens: TVI Express is a pyramid scheme, and all fraudsters are to cease immediately. (source; Lesotho Sunday Express )
TVI Express Trio "TeamTVIOz" convicted of running pyramid scheme in Australia, and of falsely using logos of hotels, airlines, and cruise lines. (source: Telegraph.com.au )
December 2011
TVI Express "leader" in Majene, Indonesia sentenced to 9 months in jail for defrauding the public. (Source: UPEKS Online)
Indonesians in Sergai went to police to complain about defrauded by TVI Express. (Source: StarBerita Online)
Saudi Arabian official outraged his name was falsely attributed to a fake fatwa used by TVI Express members in Saudi Arabia to promote their scam, emphasizes that MLM is illegal under Shariah law. (Source: alazd.net)
January 2012
No significant news to report
February 2012
South Africa Forensic Accounting Firm is still assisting the government to investigate TVI Express scam. (Source: IOL online South Africa )
March 2012
No significant event to report
April 2012
Goenarni Goenawan, leader of TVI Express in Indonesia, was spotted leading a new "business" named BISNISNEO, which appears to be modeled after another Indian scam: SpeakAsia. No mention what happened to TVI Express or her vow to fight government decision to shut her down. (source: BisnisNeo website)
Latest TVI Express Scam Updates
- Confirmation: TVI Express dead in India as of February 2012
Previously we have noted that TVI Express had changed their Indian address to "Elite Travel" sometime in 2012. Now we have an approximate date: February 2012. How? Because I found this guy's resume...
- ANNOUNCEMENT: Launch of new blog "A MLM Skeptic"
Actually I launched the new blog almost a month ago, but didn't mention it here. "A MLM Skeptic" is an examination of MLM industry and Pseudo-MLM Scams, as well as their relatives like Ponzi scheme,...
- NEWSFLASH: Australia Federal Court fined TVI Team Oz $200000 AUD
Australian Federal Court had previously declared TVI Team Oz, the trio promoting TVI Express in Australia and New Zealand, guilty of promoting a pyramid scheme. It had just handed down the penalty:...
- TVI Express claims to be freedom fighters?
Well, maybe not TVI Express itself, but a couple Saudi TVI Express members with delusions of grandeur certainly think so: First of all, MLM is haram in Saudi Arabia. Indeed, all forms of MLM is...
- So what's Ros Kapi doing now? Padding her bogus resume
Previouly this blog has highlighted Ros Kaspi's TVI Express parrot site "increasemymonthlyincome.com" multiple times. The site apparently died in late 2011 only to be resurrected by another TVI...
Conclusion
This segment is opinion, not fact, so you are welcome to doubt my conclusion.
TVI Express, in its history, has demonstrated the following:
* It has repeatedly promised things it cannot deliver
=The booking portal? Promised since start of company in January 2009, didn't open until June 2010, and even then only works sporadically
=The offices in India? Promised "soon" in July 2009, didn't open until April 2010.
=The offices in China and Hong Kong? Never happened.
* It has real London office? Really?
=It was kicked out of their London facility after a Chinese newspaper in UK notified Marble Arch Tower of how shady TVI Express is.
=For several MONTHS TVI Express only operated only as an e-mail address and website
=Even when it resumed operation in UK, the office was "by appointment only", which means "rent office by the hour"
=When Lufthansa tried to warn TVI Express about using its name, all letters came back as "undeliverable", according to Spanish newspaper
=Conclusion: TVI Express has NO permanent location in UK
* Every source of legitimacy it claimed turned out to be nonexistent
=Tie-up with biggest names in travel? Got sued instead by Lufhtansa, Avis, and Marriott
=Tie-up with RCI? RCI have no idea who the heck TVI Express is.
=Citizencorp glowing review? Downgraded, then later "put on Alert Status"
=Trust-Guard certification? Quietly dis-enrolled in September 2009
* Many of Its members are liars, and some went to jail
= Earliest members in China and India claimed tie-up with casino/resort, glass factory and more
= TVI Express Indonesia leader went as far as saying TVI Express is NOT MLM
= TVI Express members arrested left and right in China
= TVI Express member facing contempt of court and fraud charges in Australia
* The members who don't lie quit instead
= Tons of TVI Express websites went silent, or converted to other MLMs,
= Kyle Clouse, and other examples abound
You can reach your own conclusions.
If you have more items to add, feel free to add it in the comments.
Real TVI Express Secrets Exposed
- TVI Express Complaints -- Categorized
If you are looking for complaints about an outfit called TVI Express, also known as Travel Ventures International, that claim to be headquartered in London, UK, you came to the right place. Here are various complaints about TVI Express, separated int - TVI Express and 10 secrets of effective liars
Learn how TVI Express, an international scam, used 10 Secrets of Highly Effective Liars, to defraud a million people around the world, and how you can spot the lies and avoid them. - TVI Express Member Lies Vol 7: TVI Express vs. ACCC
TVI Express Member Lies Vol 7: TeamTVIOz vs. Australian authorities, alleged letter from TeamTVIOz is full of lies, and TeamTVIOz violated court injunction, and emptied bank account despite pledging to fight vigorously. See how the lies are busted wi - TVI Express: 16 questions you should ask your upline
TVI Express, aka Travel Ventures International, is supposed to be a network marketing direct selling company suspected by many to be an international scam. Here are sixteen questions you need to ask your... - Top MLM Attorney Explains why TVI Express is NOT leg...
Let Mr. Gerald Nehra, one of the most pro-MLM attorney in the US, explain to you how TVI Express cannot be legal in the US, because it has no sales to outside, and other reasons.
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this is BS I'm sorry...Nobody is being scammed by TVI, people are getting paid and nobody is getting hurt.
Musa in light of all this overwhelming evidence you still have the nerve to make such utterances... I'm ashamed to call you a fellow South African!!!
KSCHANG good job on this research. I had my suspicions of TVIExpress but lacked the proof that goes with it. This will more than suffice, thanks!!!
GUYZ U CAN TALK TO TALK BUT ITS ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING.
TVI EXPRESS IS A BUSINESS OPPOTUNITY THAT YOU TAKE WHEN U THINK IT WILL WORK FOR U AS ALL OTHER BUSINESSES HWAT I LIKE THE MOST ABOUT THE GIANT,ITS INSTILLS LEADERSHIP,WE NEED THAT AS SOUTH AFRICANS.
THIS BIG GIANT HAS PRODUCED MILLIONAIRES.
PEOPLE LETS DIVERT OUR ENERGY AND USEFULL RESOURCES IN ENCOURAGING TO ANY OF THE THINGS THAT U THINK ARE POSSITIVE IF U REALLY LOVE UR COUNTRY SO THAT WE WILL GROW.
DONT BE THE NEGETIVE INFLUENCE, MOST PEOPLE TAKES THIS AS AN OPPOTUNITY OF A LIFE TYM, SO LET THEM DO THIER BEST AND DONT DISTURB THE GOOD WHEN IT COMES TO PEOPLE.
THE WHOLE WORLDS FOCUS IS ON TVI NOW, YET THE GIANT IS GROWING PEOPLE. WHO IS INVESTIGATING THE RAPIST, DRUG DEALER,KILLERS THEY ALL JUST BRIBE OR PAY BAIL AND GO ON BUT U NEGETIVE GUYZ WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPOTUNITY FROM US FO EVER?
IF U DONT LIKE IT, DONT CRUSH IT SOME ONE IS MAKING A LIVING OUT OF IT.
I STILL LOVE U GUYZ JUST DIVERT YOUR ENERGY!!
your webpage i a waste of airtime and space, better use it to care for the poor
hoy 04-05-2011 paso a utilizar mi certificado vacacional y si funciona ,si funciona,ademas puedo comparar en linea precios con otros proveedores de turismo es decir precios de hospedajes,tiquetes aereos,renta de carros,son mucho mas economicos.EL PRODUCTO QUE DISTRIBUYE TVIEXPRESS ES REAL.
Nos estan ayudando a economizar,de conocer otros paises,hasta de ganar dinero si queremos,repito si queremos.sino simplemente usamos la plataforma que compramos,obtenemos los descuentos y listo.
El trabajo que han hecho estos ultimos meses deberian haberlo hecho los que tanto han hablado mal de tvi.
creo que se condenaron para ir al infierno por difamar el buen nombre y la vulunta de algunas personas que estan ayudando al mundo.
las tendencias son asi,el internet se impone,las empresas crecen mas rapido a travez de MLM O a travez del networkmarqueting que es lo que utiliza TVIEXPRES,nosotros no somos MLM.
MR KSCHANG,
thank you for the intel, unfortunately alot of my friends and even my cuzn got into TVI Express here in the Philippines.
well TVI Express took all their hard earned money guaranteed EXPRESS FAST, hahahahaha!!!
Really people....TVI still Rocks and Nobody can stop it....people are still getting rich...especially in Indonesia....More power to them...
KSCHANG
How do I contact you.
Jerry
I think kschang is need to confine in mental hospital,he dont know what his saying.im am filipino, TVI member from malaysia,i recieve already 500usd within 1 month,next 10k usd soon.tell me where is the scam? To those who read all negative comment,dont believe to kschang he is out mind....kabayan magbago kn...
whoa dude, nice explanation! seriously here at indo. ppl are still debating whether TVI is some promising abrakadabra business or just some scam playing business. Guess Indo's TVI ppl quite good at keeping their head thick. And not to mentioned i nearly became one of these TVI's lapdog player. Btw can i ask u with some questions. How can I contact u?
KSPChang is guilty!, he must understand that he is first insulters in TVI thats why he is guilty, I think kspchang he dont know the definition of SCAM(Cheating, Obtaining money, fake!) what he say...,Who is the worse? Because of KSPChang many people missing the great future.. Ill tell you kschang im not use my alias in the bussness...anyway kcspchang check yourself....
hello KSchang, Joel dela Tore Roasa, tells here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TVI-Express-Philippi that you and i are the insulters of TVI express. tsk!
-dora chola
*im a filipino, and wanted to warn my country about this illegal pyramid scheme. many people here were blinded! I'm at your side.
I've been invited several times to attend a TVI webinar but always decline the invite since it doesn't really take a bright mind to realize that everyone is being paid back with every new member/recruit's inital fee of US$250. The problem with Filipinos is that they think receiving US$250 and US$10k makes everything legit. Sure many of them made easy cash but in expense of what and whom? Will they still receive the same if everyone stops recruiting/hiring new members? You don't get rich out of someone else's pocket. Besides..whenever I ask about the travel side of TVI..the person inviting me always tell me "we have a booking.." it seems they've been booked forever. You sure would know if someone took that trip courtesy of TVI..travel photos will be posted in their FB's right away!!!!hahaha
i hope this will be fixed soon. i hope no more innocent person victimized if it is indeed a scam if not i hope this will be cleared for people who has a dream. may you all be happy.
Enough on taking advantage among other dis advantages... Right?
Many are poor whom are used. right?
$, millions,cruises, trips, houses, cars, lifestyle and etc. All are material things that can make incomplete sooner. Why can`t we become responsible on making people empowered, lifted and be moralized by their clean piece of faith.
That is the business of life, that God wanted to do us Business, Here on on our borrowed earth and accidental neighbors.
On the other hand, maybe this business are made for good, maybe? But better first, let us educate ourselves, not to become Greedy after all. Because if it happens, Sooner or later, any business opportunity will end up re claiming Like this."scam" in some other language "sakam" sinakam na" peace be with u
hey mr. kschang, i read almost all the comments here in in this forum and it opened my mind to this TVI actually im about to go sign up to them this morning but i decide to run some background check to the company and thankfully,found out so many information about TVI and now im possitive not to join them, thanks for the information i got here, actually it is very appealing to peoplo especially to the poor ofcorz that is easy money and lot of fiipinos are very im not afraid to say that lot of us filipinos are poor because it true we are living in a third world country,so i guess some of my fellow here are really looking for a good money that's why they risk their own money to get more money in return,but eventually what if the time come that no one else's wanted to join them right how will the company continue?they will eventually fall and like what happen to other countries maybe some of the filipinos are going to be in jail also because of fraud,so now i realize i should focus on other things that i can generate money from,like a real sideline coz by the way im already an employee here in the philippines...that's all i can say for now,thanks...
I have linked this page to my fb account to warn people in my community.. because TVI is as you termed it 'sucking' people of their hard earned money most of whom are teachers in our community...TVI in my town is growing like mushroom...TVI Philippines is just an infant I just hope our government will look closely regarding this matter..
hey guys!!! open up your minds! TVI has produced more and more millionaires everyday! How can you say its a scam. I just used my travel voucher last Aug 7 at Manila hotel for 3 nights and there were no questions asked when I checked in. Its real. Please don't destroy a company that has changed a million lives by giving them the opportunity to travel and earn. In the Philippines, especially in the southern part- Mindanao, every day there are people earning 10000US$. Please lets unite and be one in spreading the good news that TVI really touches a million hearts and turned ordinary individual to extra ordinary earners... God Bless us all!
Just got back from presentation of TVI in Serbia. After digging on internet about this 'company' and reading this site, I'm more than convinced that it's scam. Thanks kschang for opening my eyes!
hello, kschang, TVI is growing like mushrooms here in Philippines. :( How i wish the Philippine government will look at this threat. I belive you have pointed out legal matters here: http://kschang.blogspot.com/2011/02/tvi-express-ph
to my fellow Filipinos, "wag po basta basta magpadala sa easy money, TVI philippines ay scam po, pyramding din ito tulad ng iba.. umiwas kayo. Invest your money wisely. do HARD reasearch! look for LEGAL FACTS! wag patanga tanga, hindi nio na pala alam, naloko ka na pala at nakaloko ka rin ng iba...kawawa ang mga nasa ilalim ng pyramid line. ano magpaparecruit ka pa? sa mga taga mindanao, lalo na sa south, wag nio nang hintayin ang pagsisisi sa huli."
kschang, i hope FILIPINOS will read more through your reasearch about tvi scam. thanks. have a good day!
and one thing... to filipinos "kung nakaattend kayo ng 'orientation' ng tvi philippines' they will warn you ahead to avoid internet and newspapers tungkol sa paninira sa tvi."
from kschang itself, he said: "...Thus, TVI Express members out recruiting often tell you to IGNORE NEWSPAPERS AND INTERNET. They are TRYING TO BRAINWASH YOU into full compliance. This is called "information control", one of the 4 pillars of cult indoctrination. They call it "avoiding negativity" and claim it is "motivation". It is not. It is attempting to warp your sense of right and wrong. (Read about why "avoiding negativity is a VERY bad idea, as it makes you reckless.")
i did hard reasearch and concluded that tvi is illegal. do your study first! 'ang pera nakikita pero ang dignidad mo sa sarili at tiwala ng mga kaibagan at mga ka angkan na nirecruit mo ay hindi na maibabalik pag gumuho ang pyramid line ng tvi. malaking kahihiyan sa mga nirecruit mo ang dulot nito. ' ^^
this is really creepy! have you watched this kschang?
Thanks for the information that you've show to us sir. already open my mind and vigilant enough about this "SCAM" business of TVI. This illegal business is rampant here in the Philippines especially in Mindanao. I was once recruited by this company and try to listen about their presentation, but I discover their one of the cult-indoctrination tactics: Love BOMB as what you've said in your post. They are bloody deceivers. It takes me a week to think whether I will join this company or not. I'm glad that i found your article here.. GOD SPEED!
thank god im in qnet,thanks kschang
You are doing great mr kschang. U have enlighthened not only me but the whole Filipinos who really misinformed about TVI's doctrine. virus of TVI now spreading all over Quezon Province and its now in my fathers hometown in Infanta. I'm calling all my kababayan.. please try to think million times before u enter in this business. Put your hard earned money in a profitable venture NOT in TRAVEL VENTURES INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS because your losing not only your money but your dignity. KEEP UP SPREADING THE GOOD INFO MR. KSCHANG.GOD BLESS PHILIPPINES....
All I can say is there are only two types of people in the world. The misinformed and the uninformed. If your saying TVI Express is a scam in the Philippines. I'd rather tell you to go to Security and Exchange Commission to check TVI legalities and earlier October. TVI will be paying TAX to the government and if this happens will you still call TVI a scam?
Last August 7, 2011 TVI was officially launched on Philippines and it was held on SMX Complex. Anthony Taberena was there and his a TVI member now if youre a Filipino you know who he is.
And to kschang, just wanna say you better look for evidence in real life not in the internet where contents from someone like you is unreliable. By the way, why are you still hosting on a free website?
THANKS MR. KSCHANG..Am from Davao, Philippines, I was approached by friend to join this TVI as they are now on "thier" way of recruiting Dadawenyos to join TVI. As am surfing on internet how good, true and legal TVI is but I always end-up on reading TVI is illegal, TV is Scam and etc..ect..so calling all Dadawenyos and All Filipinos as well to think hundred times before saying YES i will join TVI... as said "there is only two kind of people on earth, the SCAMMER and the SCAMMED one".
My mother called me yesterday about TVI Express recruitment, thanks for this information. I told her not to trust this company and even warn her friends who already gave money.
To all people in Laguna, please be aware about this kind of pyramid scheme.
just wanna comment my own opinion, I dont want to say TVI is a scam ; for uplines are really earning, but the method for how to earn is illegal and non compliance to FCC or ACCC just realized after reading all the comment here from wayback last year. even though your intention to recruit is to give oppurtunity, you still break the law for pyramiding is a crime (correct me if im wrong) what ever your nationality is and where ever you are, just think more than twice because even though the product is real, the way of earning is opposed to the law.
share this site at facebook ^_^
i see only 2 people exchanging their thoughts.
evidence VS _______ ? i don't know what the other one is doing :(
mr kachang if ur a mad man dont like to change ur life busy talking about negative things instead of positive and productive. ok make ur own business.
i'am from the Philippines. some of the persons that i know who join TVI express has already earned thousands and even million of pesos. Two members of my family had earned too.
How can you explained that?
TVI is SEC registered and they are now complying with Bureau of Internal Revenue for the Value Added Tax. You need to be registered with these two government agencies if you start doing business in the Philippines.
We are earning money here so how can you say and explain this?
boy, you are so obsessed with TVI Express I hope their success does not give you a heart attack.
I really wish people here in the Philippines will see the truth. because TVi will again ruin the reputation of the rising MLM industry here in the Philippines. People will then say again that they again got scammed on a company that promises big financial rewards. Not realizing that they just need to look on other MLMs who are LEGAL member of such recognized associations like DSAP. It may be not as rewarding like Tvi promised to be. But atleast, you know you're in the right track. Thanks @kschang for the enlightenment. More Power Godbless. ; )
Tks dear.
This is a good article & informations about this fraud company.
Pls keep it up.
Best Rgds
Hi! you are right! Its a big scam! they cannot give what hotel or resort that offer the free accommodation. I am so depressed now as my OIC in the store invested on it and have a lot confidence to received the 10kUSD. Maybe its about time for the government to take a closer look on this matter.
Hi kschang, i am very lucky to found your page because 2 days ago, my wife told me that she was invited by one of our neighbors to attend a seminar about this TVI express, by the way, I am a Filipino and currently working in Thailand. My wife told me just yesterday that she will be needing 14,000 pesos for the membership? I ask her whats the product? She said nothing and it's very unclear. Why would she invest a money without anything to sell... But she was already very sure to join this SCAM. well I search the internet and found your page. Just today, I rushed to call my wife and tell her to stop attending to that SCAM and tell her to read your page! Thanks a lot! Many Filipinos do not learn their lessons about this pyramid scheme, always taking chances.
Tnx Mr. kschang for unveiling the truth about TVI Express. A friend of mine is inviting me to join, glad i have found ur page.,. had i join the TVI, it will make me upset for the rest of my life.. thank you and keep up the good work.
in TVI I earned MONEY....I enjoy the accommodation from various hotels and resort.thats all!
THANKS SIR! WEEKS AGO I AM INVITED BY MY FRIEND TO INVEST IN THIS CRAP!!BUT I'M ALWAYS SKEPTICAL ABOUT PYRAMIDING. NOW I CAN PROVE THAT THIS IS INDEED A SCAM..I PITY THEM BECAUSE THEY'RE TOO HOOKED IN TO IT. BESIDES THEIR IS NO SUCH THING AS EASY MONEY, YOU HAVE TO SWEAT IT OUT WHETHER IT MAY BE IN BUSINESS OR IN A SIMPLE JOB. MORE POWER & GOD BLESS!!!
thanks for the heads up. a friend was in our house earlier inviting me to join TVI. so glad i found this page.
has this been reported to the right authorities in the Philippines that investigate this scam, If so please let me know so that we will join you in pestering that agency to take action to find out the legitimacy of this business. Are we just looking in on the legality of this company or do you have any other agenda?
Have a look at http://www.scribd.com/doc/71395681/Multi-Level-Mar
Tviexpress cheating people all over world.Tviexpress members must go to authorities of the state to compalaint against the company.
Maybe one reason that you are continuously making negative write-ups about TVI is because you just cannot get ahead ..Hello?! Move on! these are all worthless..hahaha! BOO!
hey kschang!!! I joined TVI last year and since I had doubts because of their behavior. I wish I had known all this beforehand. Sadly I didn't and foolish of me I invested USD 1500 in it. Plus, I dragged some friends who always looked up to me. Can you give me any advice on how I can retrieve the lost money of mine and my friends'. It is not all about the money lost but the fact that I was scammed. Help!
sorry entered ur name by fault...
@mr kschang! just attended last nite their seminar intoduced it by a friend...the marketing plan is good easy to earn that money..but still confused bec.their is no product its just like a membership something....now i saw your blog today and now open up my mind not to join anymore... but still confused...
i have just attended the tvi seminar. before i went there..i have already watch their powerpoint presentation because a friend of mine who invited told me to visit the site. she said its a good business for me. so just to give my friend a favor, i did attend. it was so enticing..the one who conducted the seminar is a supreme court employer. she said its legal and true because she herself got the payment already. to let us believe, she opened her account in tvi and showed the money she earned. what was exciting of the offer is the travel package. as a member you can avail the hotel accomodation for free. just pay the tax. she did show us the picture of their hotel as a proof. she told in the seminar that tvi is not selling any product. that the membership which cost Php16,800 is lesser compared to 7N/8D hotel accomodation of your choice. and yes RCI was stated too. i wanted to get one because of the travel package but i read in your blog that its bogus. so the testimony they said (there are 2 of them..actually 1 of them bought 7 accounts) were lies? how can still be operating here in the philippines when they are not approved. i wanted to share what ive read in the net that they are scam but im afraid they wont listen to me. but i really like to avail the membership not because i want to earn out of recruiting but merely for the travel package. do u think ill be screwed of my idea?
I almost got deceived by this hot TVI lady who invites me to join this scam.
At first, it was so enticing. And she's really consistent on tempting me to join, but it started to bore me and my attention got caught to her cleavage. The reason is, ITS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. That says it all.
Thanks kschang for the confirmation. I think this time, I'll invite her to my room, and i will do the scamming. Hehehe... Peace! Tnx again.
I am an internet marketer in cagayan de oro city,northern part of mindanao. TVI started (not so sure)early october 2011 to date and twice I had attended offline business presentations. At first, it was intriguing to me to register as a member of TVI where the guests are innocent newbies and had no experience about internet informations from youtube and SEO of TVI complaints and reviews never thought the folds of informations. I assessed now from Philippine Laws and articles from your column therein that TVI is really a SCAM. Boasting the money of 30,000 pesos fast track one time at the Traveller Board and the Express board cycle 450,000pesos received is deceiving really. Of course, they received it, for one thing the TVI boat is sinking in the long run whom cannot meet the statutory requirements and criteria, if Philippine government would realize how the scam operation works then TVI will be kicked out.I saw struggling TVI members .When I discovered your column,I was enlightned TVI Scam Alert blogs and warnings, it grieved me to the point on how to rescue innocent Filipinos to stop joining TVI especially from the city of Cagayan de Oro and nearby. TVI is really deceiving,majority of the filipinos do not go for internet Search Engine research, so that they will be informed of the updates. Just only depend from word of mouth business presentations. God,Please stop Scamming TVI in the northern part of Mindanao.. ..
Hey Chang - thanks for all the info man. Much appreciated. It seems that TVI is spreading misinformation on the WEB to confuse people. The scam was declared unlawful in South Africa in December 2010 but then I found this. I don't think the office exists - just a website.
http://mytviresources.blogspot.com/2011/09/tvi-exp
Thursday, September 22, 2011
TVI Express Opens Office in Johannesburg, South Africa
hi kschange, thanks for all effort you gave. how about other company, seems to be like TVI, can you also look at it. https://www.globaltourclub.com
yah you are right. and i've noticed that same people here in south of manila who endorsed TVI before, is now promoting this new company called GTC to their new recruits. One scam to another scam.tsk tsk tsk!!!
Mr kschang, thank you for all you information but these people will not be able to understand that its a scam until they get involved deeply in the system re: higher rannking and not getting paid residual income. People of the Philippines, wake up before its too late to lose respect to yourself and from others. Save yourself.
hi guys i just heard this kind of company TVI express here in Cebu, Philippines thanx for this great article. i heard they have there office in Manila but they always claim it is not a scam..some members claims also they are lawyers.They even published ads in a local newspaper here in cebu.
NO Comment... Its all about jealousy and money money money !!! All are fake merely looking for money for their own professional growth..bwaaaaaah !
mr. kasachang, YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO IS TRYING TO MAKE BAD COMMENTS AGAINST TVI. OTHERS ARE ONLY PRODUCTS OF YOU! BOOMERRANG!
RIGHT dude..!! It's really a SCAM, and we are trying to regulate this kind of fraud.We are already have silent investigations here in Mindanao.NGO's trying to conduct seminars and workshops in every municipalities and schools about this scam to protect individuals which rampant today the illegal businesses. We listed already the leaders/recruiters of this illegal business.
would you believe mr. kschang THAT EVEN THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT can become a SCAMBUG! If the government is corrupt and i found out to be so. EVEN RELIGIOUS GROUPS CAN BE A SCAMBUG!and found it out also mr.kschang. DSAP laws needed a down to earth revision beacuse it only worked and can be applied to the MLM companies with tangible products.AND TVI EXPRESS MR.KSCHANG HAD NO TANGIBLE BUT INTANGIBLE PRODUCT. "BY THE WAY, MR. KSCHANG HINDI KAMI TANGA PARA SUMALI SA NETWORKING BUSINESS PARA LANG MAGPALOKO! TAGA REAL, QUEZON AKO. 8 YEARS NA AKO SA MLM BUSINESS. ANG TVI LANG ANG MAY BAGONG SISTEMA NG BUSINESS NA NAPAKAGANDA SA MUNDO. I think you are the one who need to visit a psychiatrist because you are the psychopath!
@kschang-- i said, it can become a scambug if the system is corrupt... not everything else...so please STOP BADMOUTHING TVI EXPRESS... let the Lord judge us if we have done injustices to the others...But for now...WE WILL CONTINUE EARNINGS AND ENJOYING IS VACATION PLAN...if others are SO NEGATIVE ABOUT THE SYSTEM.. SO WHAT, NEXT! GO GO TVI! thank u for answering and for using ur hub...
Goob job kschang you saved me from losing my P16500. Good thing you made this article up to save people from getting sucked up. Keep up the good work! Just a question... Are you against online gambling or e-casinos if so Can you blog it too. tnx
hi kschang. i was trying to look for the article in Manila standard but couldnt find it. please help.
I feel pity for my countrymen who joined TVi Express Holidays Philippines. @kaloy,Im sorry but I cannot agree with you. Email me on darna.daw@gmail.com and I will tell you the whole truth about TVi Express. So many top leaders and franchisee' have been scammed. HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG RESIDUAL INCOME ANG CEO, TARUN TRIKHA. I won't stop you because once you reach the top then that's only way you will find out that, you've wasted your time and on top of that you lose face, NAKAKAHIYA. Ganyan nangyari sa amin. Sorry, pero yan talaga ang totoo.
*im a filipino, and wanted to warn my country about this illegal pyramid scheme. many people here were blinded! I'm at your side.
Hi KSChang, Great job you are doing, we need more people like you around. Anything from Malaysia?
HI KSChang more power for it and may the others can understand for everything good job and many tanks..
I just exited my 1st P450,000 pesos from the so called "scam" and will going to take my vacation soon he he
Thank you Lord for TVI Express!
good job kschang. im on a crossroads now,whether to join TVI or not. This might help a lot of people, but i think this will not suffice to enlighten most of people. because this is internet, which is... anyone could post whatever they want, unless its from the most reliable source. You see, i never joined even once in a MLM co. aside being against it. also because one can sense the filth in them with just common sense and reasoning. but because this TVI has much better system than any MLM, it placed on a to have a decision. i see you want to help people avoid this kind of scams and im at your side. I truly understand now that this is a pyramid-scam, but this is not enough, i think for me(undecided) or most specially those whose decision are made to join to just stop joining. i mean they're promising with travel, money and a system. anyone could lose reasoning, much more to those could easily be blinded. how can we stop friends and families to join if this so called "scam" is paying taxes and making close friends gain. all i want to say, is if we want to stop this kind of scams, lets do it in a much effective way so that much people will know "this is scam", coz not all people read articles like this. So could you help us? report this issue. so that it will reach ask authorities..even in news so that proper actions could be taken. So that people in Philippines will know its a real scam with proper investigatory evidence.
Big deal. TVI pays what's due to their hardworking distributors and that's fine with me. Those governments are just jealous of TVI distributor's (ordinary people's) revenues and hopes to make the same "revenues" with their tax collections. :)
Unfortunately, I have. I have read and studied all documents related to TVI that I can muster, including this, for over a year, and I still believed and decided to join them. People here have been earning and their fiscal promises, fulfilled. Clearly from all of these trials and tribulations were certainly afoot: TVI members recruiting in an unscrupulous manner (what can I say, people are still people after all, and greed is unfortunately still ubiquitous amongst people), certain promises reserved for later (hey, it's just a new company and it doesn't necessarily mean that they're lying), complications arise, the government steps in, etcetera. Life is just a bowl of cherries. :) But I do agree with China's government that people earning from TVI (might) get (their) economy(ies) unstable, because of their (TVI member's) high purchasing power and confidence. :) and I do understand that others and governments were complaining about the means in which the whole process is done. Well I don't have the answer to everything so all I can say is, go ponder more about it and good luck! :)
your argument lies on the presumption, and from the ALLEGATIONS that TVI is purportedly a pyramid scheme (allegedly based on definition in laws). Anyone outside the TVI circle can clearly identify with those allegations because they're not properly and fully informed about the company and the company's product. Ever wondered why there are TVI members, in information available on the internet, wherein despite being pursued by authorities for those allegations, they still continue to support TVI? Any rational person would stop because they might get jailed (and there are other members who did just that to save their own skins). Those members who continued, however, know exactly what TVI really is, and what it provides for the people, so they used their own discretion. Yes, I am aware that the internet provides a wide array of information available, but it still has its limits. The only information "outsiders" know so well is that TVI distributors are earning big via sponsoring new distributors (it catches attention because who wouldn't turn their head when they hear someone's earning $10,000 from their initial $250 supposedly just by doing it). Yes, there are people and governments who judge TVI based on their technical know-how of the law, and their way of applying the law to the real world. I judge TVI based on my own discretion. Experiencing those allegations from both sides of the world (as a non-member and now as a member), I can say that those arguments are unmeritorious and their judgement seems to be contingent on what they think is a de facto pyramid scheme based on a de jure definition. This is a new day and age and the pyramid scheme is already dead and gone because it is flawed.
I understand people's financial woes from the pyramid scheme, and who wouldn't be scared and circumspect after what happened with that. If the pyramid scheme didn't happen at all (thereby alleviating the cause of distress), TVI would have been a hit and everyone would have been financially free.
I suggest you try and find out more for yourself and not just agree with allegations just because an "authority figure" is alleging as such. And I suspect you would just repeat what you've already said after reading this: because the law and those people said so. :) Why don't you experience TVI for yourself :) --- I'll pay for your membership just to help enlighten another :) if after experiencing TVI you still think as such, you can just stop and disassociate yourself with TVI. :)Good more earnings to everyone reading this. :)
ah, so that's all you can say eh? :) sad to say even our judges are human and have their human flaws and their own biases and prejudices. Sad to say our laws are also human-made (not god-made) and therefore subject to the same biases and prejudices. It's been nice chatting; I was hoping for something more. . .entertaining. :) Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to change your opinion about TVI I was merely enlightening things. :) You are a thinking being after all and you are entitled to your beliefs just like everybody else. We are all humans after all. :)
Hey Kschang !! Someone played their video to me a few days ago, but I wasnt afraid of spending the Sign up fee, what I was afraid of was, how to work the business in order to profit from it. Obviously youre against it, so my question is, based on your extensive research, is TVI still in operation in the U.S? I have people coming in left & right trying to join cause, the "Vacations" & gifts isnt our incentive to join, but the Cash incentive. So Is It still operational in the U.S? So I can warn others & tell my inviter to "Forget about me"
Thanx
kschang! show your face if you are really that credible to believe with..who do you think you are? What's your reputation? What agency do you represent?! You are just badmouthing a great life changing opportunity where indeed helped thousands around the world improved their lives..You are just a desperate person..
You are the fraud one. You're using TVI express to earn money from these blogs you make.
Mr. tarun Trikha, founder of TVI is genius because he tapped travel and tourism as a mode to give everyone a chance of a life time to travel and earn.He has the heart to help unfortunate ones to travel in style and make a positive change in other people's lives.
All those reports you posts I've read about scam? It's not the company but it's just referrring to people who have not been honest. They just collected money but did not remit to the company. The company has been vigilant and terminated those who abused and misrepresented the company.
You know, it's common sense. how can TVI be a scam while infact, members can actualy book and use their travel benefits? It's the member's choice to involve in the earning opportunity. They are not forced to join.
I would only believe that TVI is a scam if you cannot book or use the travel benefits in which I have really used and enjoyed it. All those big hotels and resorts confided trust w/ TVI for promoting them. These hotels have long sued TVI for endorsing them if it were a scam? right? It's just common sense kschang.
How much do you earn kschang from these blogs using TVI express?
We are not presenting that TVI is an easy money scheme. If you decide to do the business, you are being rewarded based on the efforts you make.
I guess you are just a narrow minded person. You don't see or understand the whole concept that TVI offers. Broaden your mind. You're sources are unreliable.
Many were able to used their travel benefits as members and many were able to get their commissions.Many are also given equal chances to earn should they decide to market the company's benefits. If TVI is a scam then a member could not actually book a hotel and or receive commissions as promised or presented. Yet, the company is delivering all what they say they are...:-)Get's?
@Liganay - you can only answer your confusion once you reach my position in TVi and then you'll find out to yourself its a scam. There are many crown ambassadors of TVi around the world that are so heart broken and so ashamed of what they've done to themselves and their follower. Stop accusing Kasey Chang, because his giving out the truth about our TVi Express. It hurts but that's the truth. Open your eyes and ears...I don't mean to hurt you but I have to save people from pain and embarrasment, and most importanly their reputation.
Please sign a petition against TVI EXPRESS HOLIDAYS PHILIPPINES INC, to stop scamming people in the Philippines and around the world. Here's the link:
TVI Express Holidays Philippines Inc. now in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines... BE AWARE OF THIS PYRAMID SCHEM..
kschang - if you are really for the concern of the people. why you don't show your true identity? For your info everything is pyramiding... It's actually the structure like in the office, there's a president, then vice-presidents... asst. vice-presidents... Let's all get real here.... have you tried yourself to avail? I think the scam is for the people to recruit and didn't remit the money to the company... If you are really for the truth why don't you try to join and have to use the package if it's really working... There are a lot of attorneys in the Pnils who joined. I think they didn't join if they don't know what scam is all about hehehe.
@kschang, you are barking at the wrong tree. The link you provided is about consumer products, here's the portion of that order: DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 8
Series of 2002
SUBJECT: Rules and Regulations Implementing Article 53 of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (R.A. 7394) in Relation to Section 8 Rule II, Chapter I, Title III of Department Administrative Order No. 2,
Series of 1993 Prohibiting Chain Distribution Plans or Pyramid Sales Schemes in the Sale of Consumer Products.
WHEREAS, the Act further provides that chain distribution plans or pyramid sales schemes shall not be employed in the sale of consumer products;
WHEREAS, the DTI has received numerous complaints and queries
regarding sale of products using pyramid sales scheme and such sales
scheme have been used in the guise of legitimate multi level marketing,
thus depriving consumers of their savings and hard-earned money;
Consumer products definition - A consumer product is generally any tangible personal property for sale and that is used for personal, family, or household for non-business purposes.
consumer product
Definition
Merchandise or other item of common or daily use, ordinarily bought by individuals or households for private consumption. See also consumer goods.
Source: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/consu
HOTEL BOOKING is NOT A TANGIBLE PRODUCTS, THEREFORE IT DOES NOT fall under that PYRAMIDE SALES SCHEME.
Do you know what was Jean Marc Loger’s position on TVI Express?
In My Travel and Cash, he is the “international director”
According to himself, he left TVI Express because he didn’t agree with some things there
now what is about tviexpress india. here everything of tvi is closed
Today my close friend just invited me to join the TVI Express, her explanation of how the company works made no sense at all it was really confusing, I mean how can you earn money that way. So I made a thorough research about it thankfully found many articles stating that TVI Express is a scam and one of them are yours. Big thanks for your article.
I just feel bad for my friend that she got sucked in by this scam, how I wish she would've come to me first before she joined TVI.
What do we need to do to stop TVi Express and Tarun Trikha? Many members of this scheme are so overwhelmed with the amount of money they earned and will earned and this is one reason why they are so blind about the legality of this company. Is there a world organisation that can help us? We've been searching...
i am from La Trinidad, Benguet Philippines... an aunt who was blindly recruited says they would be going down to Manila because they would be having a convention on the 11th of May 2012 and that Tarun would be present..I have searched for any promotions regarding this upcoming convention but have found none...isn't it a bit surprising considering the " big wig " is coming?
how we file a case againest tvixpress and tarun trikha , because we heard that tarun is now not in india , and the main thing is that tviexpress is now not registered with ROC with india goverment ,because the registered office of tviexpress holidays pvt limited is closed after raided by crime branch police. now tvi web site shows in his contact address for india is a Elite tours and travels which is registered in ROC govt of india in the name of someone mr. manmohan singh talwar and he says that he is taking a franchise from tviexpress for india opertions and tell that the head office of tviexpress is in indonesia, but after all this there is no doucment available that shows that elite tours and travels is franchise of tviexpress . so now the real situation is this that Elite tours and travels is also closed from 1st of april2012 and not giving any answer of our emails and their phone is always closed ,when we personally contact to the head of elite tour and travles he says that he left tvi and don't contact to him about tvi . when we asked many question about tvi india to mr.tarun ,he not give any single answer about this and busy in his new airlines venture . so its time to taking action againest him ,lots of membars are lost their life and money and social status also because of tviexpress . so mr. chang please help us and tell the right direction to file a case againest this.
TVI is here in the Philippines too. They are a complete fraud... my aunt actually was offered to be a member and being in the travel industry for so long, she told me about this. I told her this is a scam, right at hand. I even went online to research and show it to my aunt so she'd believe me... I'll try to get their office address and write to Interpol immediately. Always be cautious when joining networking/direct-selling industry.
@Kelly - please join our petition against TVi Express here it is:
https://www.change.org/petitions/tvi-express-holid
Let's all work to stop TVi Express, TVi Express Holidays Philippines and in Korea. Please share this site to your social network so people are aware of their tactics. We heard from the grapevine that TVi Express is rebadging.









matthewneer 21 months ago
Hey KSChang,
Great article you put together here. You have really done your research and I value your opinion. People really do need to be made aware of this timeline because I STILL get calls from people asking me about TVI Express and how to join.
I usually just tell them to run far far away, but hey, what can ya do. People will be people...