They want to stay in the background, hide from a network of companies and pseudonyms. The people behind xHamster. The porn site is one of the largest in the world. Millions of pictures and videos can be found there – and the operators make a fortune with it.
The recordings do not always end up on the platform with the consent of the women. They are secretly filmed. In the locker room, on the beach or on the toilet. Ex-boyfriends upload private videos there to get revenge. The anonymous porn kings also earn a lot of money with this. And the hands of those affected are tied. Even the police can’t do anything.
Because who is really behind xHamster was unclear. Until now. A research team from the «mirrors” and “STRG_F»From Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) have found the secret pullers.
Website with recordings of minors blocked
There are two men. They are supposed to be the founders of the porn site. Specifically: Oleg N. *, apparently the head behind xHamster, and Dmitry G. *, who used to produce horror films. They are said to have launched the platform together in 2007. In order to conceal their identity, the two men gave each other pseudonyms. N. calls himself Tigus, while G. appears with the nickname Hawk, as the research team found out.
Dozens of websites have been registered under the name Tigus over the years. The focus: violence and sex videos. Including recordings showing minors. One of them has now been deleted. Finland put the website on the blacklist for child pornography.
Oleg N. lives with his family in Cyprus, right on the beach
After a long search, the research team came across the two names. N. and G. appear in connection with the IT company that is responsible for advertising on xHamster. The main source of income for the porn site. At first glance, the advertising company has nothing to do with revealing images. The company presents itself as a serious company. But the truth is that it will make the porn millions.
The company is based in Cyprus. In the city of Limassol. Oleg N. is said to be living here with his family in a luxury apartment right on the beach. No wonder: Cyprus is considered a paradise for shady business. The authorities don’t ask questions. And anyone who buys a property for the equivalent of around two million francs or invests in a company receives EU citizenship. In the meantime this is no longer possible. The Cyprus Investment Program has been put on hold.
Straw man also lives in Cyprus
But the trail not only leads to Cyprus, but also to the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Countless letterbox companies have pitched their tents in the tax haven. XHamster also disguises where the porn millions end up with a network of several companies. Because: The owners of these letterbox companies do not have to be specified in the British Virgin Islands.
Another name comes up during the research. In connection with the company Hammy Media. The company is officially the sole operator of xHamster, as reported by “Spiegel” and “STRG_F”. The managing director is Madrios H., who also lives in Cyprus. Many companies run under his name. Apparently a straw man. He lives in a nondescript house. When the reporters ring his doorbell, he claims to be retired.
The research team is therefore certain: Oleg N. and Dmitry G. are the people behind xHamster. Their suspicions are confirmed when they confront the company with the names by email. The porn site’s alleged CEO comes up and is fucking pissed off. And wants to know the names of all journalists. A sign for the reporters that they have caught the right ones – and have exposed the people behind xHamster. (jmh)