ICIJ – An International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) investigation alleges that Social Discovery Group dating platforms use models, influencers and engagement targets to keep paying members buying credits. Dmitry Volkov, the group’s founder and CEO, owns Social Discovery Group and related companies including SOL Networks and SOL Holdings. Together, the businesses operate ~60 dating brands, including Dating.com, AmoLatina, DateMyAge, Dil Mil, AnastasiaDate and Cupid Media.
Customers interviewed by ICIJ said they spent thousands of dollars communicating with attractive, verified profiles that repeatedly avoided live calls and meetings. One customer reportedly spent ~$130K. A Colombian model said she was paid for photos and videos but did not operate the profile or communicate with users.
Social Discovery Group denies paying models, employing chat operators or allowing third parties to manage accounts. It says marketing partners may recruit and support free users but cannot pay them or communicate on their behalf. A separate US civil racketeering case alleges that model-based profiles were used to encourage users to buy credits. The case remains unresolved after being referred to arbitration.
SDG says it has suspended payments to an affiliate and commissioned an external investigation, but whether this represents genuine reform or a crisis-management exercise remains to be seen.
