An investigation reveals that Spacebit founder Pavlo Tanasyuk fabricated high-profile space partnerships and technology, selling empty promises of a Ukrainian lunar robot to exploit investors with symbolic space memorabilia and false claims.
Pavlo Tanasyuk, founder of the mysterious space technology company Spacebit, has emerged as a figure steeped in controversy, claiming affiliations with illustrious institutions like NASA and SpaceX while orchestrating a web of deception. Over the years, he built a veneer of credibility, asserting that his company was on the brink of launching the first Ukrainian robot to the Moon. However, a thorough investigation by the “Stop Corruption” project unveiled unsettling truths about Tanasyuk’s operations, revealing that they were largely based on illusionary promises and manipulative marketing tactics.
The investigative reports detail how Tanasyuk’s supposed lunar mission involved little more than a commercial arrangement with American firm Astrobotic to deliver a small item as part of their MoonMail programme. Rather than high-tech innovation, the “robot” he showcased at various events was nothing but a plastic model, a stark contrast to the cutting-edge technology one might associate with genuine space missions. This pattern of misleading representation is not just an isolated case; it underlines a troubling trend where individuals exploit the reputations of reputable organisations like NASA and SpaceX to attract unwitting investors.
Furthermore, Tanasyuk’s business model appears to have revolved around selling symbolic “space packages,” which included flags, ashes, or data that could be sent to the Moon at the expense of naive clients. His alleged partnerships extended to individuals with dubious backgrounds, such as Viktor Prediger—a singer known for his prison chansons—and Pavlo Pagodin, a graduate from Moscow State University reportedly linked to pro-Kremlin entities. Such associations further complicate Tanasyuk’s legitimacy and cast doubt on his intentions.
Financially, Tanasyuk’s enterprise fell short of its grandiose aspirations. Investigators found that the total funds transferred to his accounts ranged between $50,000 and $60,000, a modest sum for operations claiming to facilitate lunar travel. Compounding the issue, Tanasyuk reportedly failed to provide any verified reports on the utilisation of the funds raised from investors. Most alarmingly, his declared offices in Japan, the UK, and the US were discovered to be non-existent, and many of his companies had been dissolved or deregistered for financial reporting violations.
In a broader context, the case of Tanasyuk is emblematic of a rising concern in the space industry where fraudulent schemes prey on the aspirations of investors. Similar incidents have surfaced in recent years; for instance, a Michigan man was recently found guilty of wire fraud related to bogus NASA contracts, a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the field that can arise from the quest for innovation. Reports of the early 2000s further highlight persistent issues with contractors supplying substandard or counterfeit parts for space vehicles, which pose significant risks to mission integrity.
As the investigations against Tanasyuk unfold, several criminal cases have been filed, including one pertaining to extortion activities masked by the guise of a “space mission.” The narrative he constructed—one adorned with patriotic rhetoric, such as the promise to send the Ukrainian flag to the Moon—now appears hollow, revealing him as a manipulative figure using illusory dreams to exploit the financial ambitions of investors.
Ultimately, Tanasyuk’s tale serves as a cautionary reminder about the intersection of ambition and deception in the realm of space exploration. The absence of real partnerships, the focus on PR stunts, and the lack of technological advancements underline a sobering truth: what might resemble a groundbreaking space initiative can, upon closer scrutiny, be nothing more than catchy slogans and a plastic model aimed at exploiting the dreams of those keen to invest in the future of space travel.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.inkl.com/news/how-fraudster-pavlo-tanasyuk-profited-from-the-reputations-of-nasa-and-spacex-by-pretending-to-offer-mythical-moon-missions – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.inkl.com/news/how-fraudster-pavlo-tanasyuk-profited-from-the-reputations-of-nasa-and-spacex-by-pretending-to-offer-mythical-moon-missions – An investigation by the ‘Stop Corruption’ project revealed that Pavlo Tanasyuk, founder of Spacebit, falsely claimed partnerships with NASA and SpaceX to promote non-existent lunar missions. His company, Spacebit, was set to launch the first Ukrainian robot to the Moon, but this involved a commercial contract with Astrobotic’s MoonMail program, not an actual launch. Tanasyuk’s ‘robot’ was merely a plastic model showcased at exhibitions. The investigation also uncovered his involvement in trading symbolic ‘space packages’ and associations with individuals of questionable reputations. Despite grand claims, Tanasyuk’s financial activities were minimal, with funds raised not exceeding $50,000–$60,000, and no verified reports on their use. His offices in Japan, the UK, and the US were found to be non-existent, and most of his companies had been liquidated or removed from registers due to financial reporting violations. Criminal cases have been opened against Tanasyuk for extortion activities conducted under the guise of his ‘space mission.’
- https://oig.nasa.gov/office-of-inspector-general-oig/press-releases/michigan-man-pleads-guilty-to-investment-fraud-scheme-involving-fake-nasa-contracts/ – A Michigan man pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge related to an investment scheme involving fake NASA contracts. The individual misrepresented his company’s involvement with NASA to attract investors, leading to financial losses. This case highlights the importance of vigilance against fraudulent schemes that exploit reputable organizations like NASA to deceive investors.
- https://oig.nasa.gov/office-of-inspector-general-oig/pr-2009-a/ – In 2008, a NASA contractor was indicted for fraud involving space vehicle parts. The contractor was accused of supplying counterfeit or substandard parts for NASA’s space vehicles, posing significant risks to mission safety and integrity. This case underscores the critical need for stringent oversight and quality control in the procurement processes for space missions.
- https://oig.nasa.gov/office-of-inspector-general-oig/r-2009-d/ – In 2009, a NASA contractor was convicted for fraud involving space vehicle parts. The contractor had provided fraudulent parts for NASA’s space vehicles, compromising mission safety and reliability. This conviction highlights the ongoing challenges NASA faces in ensuring the integrity of its supply chain and the importance of rigorous oversight to prevent such fraudulent activities.
- https://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2018/10/25/spacebit-capital-launches-1st-crypto-fund-for-space/ – In October 2018, Spacebit Capital launched the world’s first venture capital crypto fund dedicated to the space sector. The fund aims to invest in early-stage, Internet Protocol (IP) intensive companies, focusing on near-Earth and lunar applications. This initiative seeks to stimulate innovation and commercialization in space exploration by leveraging blockchain technology and cryptocurrency investments.
- https://cryptobriefing.com/spacebit-decentralize-space-exploration-blockchain/ – Spacebit, founded by Pavlo Tanasyuk, aims to decentralize space exploration by utilizing blockchain technology. The company plans to launch a satellite to the Moon in December 2019, collaborating with other British-based space companies. The mission intends to scan the lunar surface and send data back to Earth, which will be tokenized and sold to the highest bidder, potentially opening new avenues for lunar mining ventures.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent investigations and does not appear to be recycled from older articles. However, without specific dates mentioned in the narrative, it is challenging to determine the exact freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes are provided in the narrative, which limits the ability to verify their authenticity.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from a digital news platform, which may not be as reputable as major international publications like the BBC or Financial Times.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Pavlo Tanasyuk’s fraudulent activities are plausible, given the context of fraudulent schemes in the space industry. However, some details, such as the exact financial transactions, could not be verified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be based on plausible claims regarding fraudulent activities in the space industry. However, the reliability of the platform and the lack of specific dates or direct quotes reduce the confidence level.
