Prezes Urzędu Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów Tomasz Chróstny wydał decyzje wobec osób, które w mediach społecznościowych zachęcały do udziału w zakazanych systemach promocyjnych typu piramida. Chodzi o propagatorów programów prowadzonych przez amerykańskie spółki International Markets Live (IML) oraz Eaconomy. Łączna wysokość kar przekroczyła 400 tysięcy złotych.
The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) found that influencers used their recognisability and reach to target mainly young people looking for quick financial success. They promised a „business partnership”, development and a stable source of income. In reality, participants’ earnings depended primarily on recruiting further people and expanding the structure, rather than on sales of products or educational services. This is a classic feature of a banned pyramid-style promotional scheme, which violates the collective interests of consumers.
Fines for IML promoters
The company International Markets Live (previously operating, among others, through im.academy and iyovia.com) offered courses on the currency market, cryptocurrencies and e-commerce. A key element was the partner programme, in which, after an initial fee and monthly contributions, a participant received the status of Independent Business Owner and commissions for recruitment.
The following were fined:
- Franciszek Rumak – PLN 169,068,
- Grzegorz Baryła – PLN 105,668,
- Łukasz Spórny – PLN 42,267.
Fine for promoting Eaconomy
The second company, Eaconomy from Las Vegas, sold educational materials on financial markets and money management. After purchasing a subscription package, it was possible to join a partner programme based on recruiting further people.
Małgorzata Magiera received a fine of PLN 84,534. The office also accused her of disseminating untrue information about potential earnings.
UOKiK chief’s position
Tomasz Chróstny stressed: „They tempted people with the prospect of quick money. They argued that everyone can achieve financial independence and that success is within easy reach. In reality, they encouraged participation in banned pyramid-style promotional schemes. In such systems, the possibility of gaining benefits depends primarily on recruiting further participants, not on selling products or services.”
He added that responsibility lies not only with the organisers, but also with knowing promoters who profit from the trust of their audiences.
Obligations and next steps
The decisions are not yet final – an appeal to court is available. Those fined must publish information about the decisions on their websites and on social media.
UOKiK notes that after ending their cooperation with IML, Franciszek Rumak and Grzegorz Baryła began promoting the jifu.com platform. Małgorzata Magiera also currently works in this company’s partner programme. The office is conducting explanatory proceedings and checking whether the jifu model has features of a pyramid-style promotional scheme.
The case shows that UOKiK is increasingly consistently enforcing responsibility not only against foreign organisers, but also against individuals who build audiences in Poland and recruit participants into illegal structures.
Source: UOKiK announcement
