Canada shuts down fake AIDS charity

TORONTO, May 11 (UPI) -- The Canadian Revenue Agency says it has shut down a fraudulent AIDS charity that took in about $15 million in donations in 2006 and 2007.

 

Not sure yet if this is true. As far as I know Cupids is owned and run by a lady so I don't think they have the story right here (But one never knows anymore). The article claims that the guy behind the dake aids charity owned Cupids and Cachet ladies (I am not sure if these facts are right but it's news that involves a part of our industry and I hope it's not true but still it should be posted here).

 

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/International/2010/05/11/Canada-shuts-down-fake-AIDS-charity/UPI-42871273583991/

The greater link to the industry is the fact that the "charity" was purportedly stealing money from genuine AIDS organizations. Forget the fact that two agencies may or may not have been sullied or slandered in the allegation; if the charges are true, 15-16 million dollars that could have been used to assist in finding a cure or at least a viable remedy have been diverted for the amusement of the unscrupulous.

 

AIDS is the shadow under which this industry exists; more than that, many of us have seen or are forced to see friends and family succumb to this disease. I can say without trepidation that my own family is witness to this disease, my brother is in the terminal stages and his partner fell victim a few years ago. That's the bigger picture... $15 million could have gone a lot farther than Vegas vacations, home improvements, booze and tax shelters.

Obviously asking someone directly about something like this ... you would never be 100% sure if the info was correct as they would obviously deny it if it was true or false but I agree you may find out some additional info by asking and I would invite Cupids to come discuss this openly if they wish as well - I have sent them a PM to see if they wish to comment or send me any info privately here on cerb.

 

As I said I think the info is false and maybe he did own it but in Cupids defense I do not think her reputation should be tarnished from this. The newspapers should have printed "Former Owner" (Done some better research) as this could seriously effect her business having this published pointing a finger at her.

 

Does he own Cachet ladies or is that also owned by someone else?

 

As for the 15million... it is horrible for sure and a shame someone would do this. Saying "AIDS is the shadow under which this industry exists" is a little excessive (in my opinion) as I do think the focus on this site is the agencies involvement (or at least making sure the agency is not wrongly accused). How would you like to purchase a business and 5 years down the road the newspapers announces that the old own did something like this and owns the business you now own? Not saying that he was the previous owner or anything like that? You would be mad to say the least!! Since these agencies are part of our industry we should really try to find the facts before anyone boycotts them for being involved in this as people to tend to beleive things that are printed in the media (ofter irresponsibly)

 

I don't want to underplay the evil of any person who would do such horrible things ... that was not my intention!! I do think the money would have been so much better spent helping people and finding a cure this horrible disease. I just feel the part of the story that our discussion site should focus on was the escort related parts.

I think you should read the actual article in the Toronto Star.

 

And then read this paragraph carefully.

 

By night, the twice-bankrupt Arion used dummy corporations with mundane names like Neodec Services to process payments from johns who did not want the wife or a company auditor spotting a credit card payment from Cachet Ladies, Cupid Escorts or other agencies.

I don't think the author meant that these agencies were involved in the scheme. He was using them as examples as to what "johns" would not want to see on their credit card bill.

 

Now notice how the article posted above worded the re-quote:

 

The twice-bankrupt Arion also ran side businesses involving high class escort agencies named Cachet Ladies and Cupid Escorts, authorities said.

Obviously the original author's wording and choice to name these "other agencies" in the article as examples has caused some people to conclude that they are the agencies involved in the scheme and negatively impact their business.

 

I know the owner of Cupid's and she is the nicest and most giving person anyone could ever hope to work for. She should sue that UPI site for re-wording their article like that.

 

 

kk

 

I know the owner of Cupid's and she is the nicest and most giving person anyone could ever hope to work for. She should sue that UPI site for re-wording their article like that.

 

 

kk

 

Thanks for the kind words KK.

 

The Star has made some major errors in reporting with this article as well as the articles from last year. I would love to sue them but I would rather not involve myself further with a company that lacks scruples as they do.

 

I will not comment further regarding this, privately or publically.

 

 

Jillian @ Cupids

The greater link to the industry is the fact that the "charity" was purportedly stealing money from genuine AIDS organizations. Forget the fact that two agencies may or may not have been sullied or slandered in the allegation; if the charges are true, 15-16 million dollars that could have been used to assist in finding a cure or at least a viable remedy have been diverted for the amusement of the unscrupulous.

 

AIDS is the shadow under which this industry exists; more than that, many of us have seen or are forced to see friends and family succumb to this disease. I can say without trepidation that my own family is witness to this disease, my brother is in the terminal stages and his partner fell victim a few years ago. That's the bigger picture... $15 million could have gone a lot farther than Vegas vacations, home improvements, booze and tax shelters.

 

Yes that's pretty bad. In that case it is important to give to known organizations only. I lost a relative and a girlfriend many years ago from Cancer so each Christmas (only one time a year) I give some money to the Canadian cancer association in their memories. At the same time, I give some to the local association centre (for women, men in difficulties and psychological problems). An aquintance who I had appreciation for known from the business I used to work died from a suicide and I think of that person when I give. I assume nobody would want to give money to these infamous scammers nor do I.