In 2012 I was contacted by a Senior Account Manager of Greenwood Management. They were offering me a 6 years long investment in trees cultivations (Acacia plantations in Brasil). They were promising me a first return after 3 years (plantation thinning) and the final return after harvesting in 2018.
The total investment was 10.244 € + 960€ for annual fees (plantation maintenance)
I had no money return till now, and last week the Account Manager left the company, so I have no contact to speak with.
The company is based in Spain: recently they moved to a new office
The new address is:
Passatge Galleries Jaime Tercero, No.2,
1st Floor, Letter A,
Palma, Mallorca,
Balearic Islands,
07003
yes you are right. I'm on the same position, no returns, no money back. I have seen nothing.
The new manager who contacted me few weeks ago now also disappeared. Now his mail box is bouncing back the emails I send.
his name:
Sergio García
Investor Relations Department
Tel: [protected]
Email: investor-relations@gwdforestry.com
My name is Stefano Bergamini
s.bergamini@bbcitalianstyle.it
HI, I also invested with GWD Forestry. For now many weeks there is no way to have a reply from them. When I send a mail I receive an answer saying they have to much work and they will answer when they have time. I wonder if they go bankrutpcy. I went to their office yesterday in Palma de Mallorca. In the entrance of the building they have their name on the board to indicate where is there office and when you go to their office, there is another logo but there is nobody in the office (or is it an office?). I waited from 1 o'clock to 6:30PM and saw nobody. The people of the building do not know anybody working for GWD and never saw somebody going in and out of the ''office''. Looks bad
roger_poirier@hotmail.com
Good afternoon Stefano, I am in the same position, have you had any progress since then? It seems that up to 40 victims alone are being handled by Carlton Huxley, a UK based firm of legal and law enforcement consultants. If you wish please share infos, I will do the same. Thank you.
Mark Lewis Rainer is the main fraudulent owner
Mark Rainer is the main wanted man
HI, I also invested with GWD Forestry, I cannot believe it...been paying every year fees as well! Invested 6-7 years ago! trying to reach them out but nothing! This is fraud ! we should invest little money everybody and chase these people, they must have collected millions ! We have names, I cannot believe all emails and names are false! We take a lawyer and we go after our money... what you think?
Niccolo' nicoafter8@me.com
same for me
We bought into New Brunswick Christmas trees. We did have a couple of annual harvest payments but nothing for last 3 years. They seem to have disappeared. Have certainly not recouped our initial investment.
I could tell the same story. In the internet I found Greenwood Management Advisors, situated in Canada. I think that there is a contact to Greenwood Management, Brazil. An email sent to their adress yesterday has been without answer. I'll try to phone with them. If I get more information I'll post it here.
John here its the same story with me I have had no returns in fact I have been scammed by TAO Fend Associates looking to buy my New Brunswick Project
Jill and Nigel I have also been scammed by TAO Fend Associates to the tune of €8700 and now as of last week GWD contacted me looking for me to sell my New Brunswick Project but I need to take out an insurance bond £5700 which I'm not going to do. I also cant contact them
I have the same issues as you guys, invested in the eucalyptus brazilian project which should be due to harvest this year, trying to contact them in the last few months but nothing...
Does any of you guys know what jurisdiction this company falls under if we want to start a law suit?
Is this a spanish company?
I'm looking at the contract they sent me back in 2009. Whether there is any truth in it or not, who knows. It says on the contract that they are under the laws and jurisdiction of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Even have an address
This was a complete and total gang of scammers . The main man who has been arrested once in UK and served few years of sentence in an open prison in Kingston used to be called Lewis Dulby l, After coming out of prison he changed his name to Mark Lewis Rainer . He is expert in fraudulent matters and experienced. in rubbing people
Add me to that list of scammed in esters. I invested 7500€ in 2009. I had a contact Liam Fleming and he would answer my emails fairly prompt. But I sent him just lately and it came back undelivered.
Even as recently as October 2018 they were trying to get money out of me as because of the downturn in the Brazilian economy we were now diverging into Venners.. They wanted a couple of thousand to process the Venners. Thankfully I said I wasn't putting more money in. They sent an email acknowledgeing that the money for processing the Venners would be taken from my returns. That's a laugh, now the website states for the office in Spain, permanently closed.
Has anyone any plan to chase these people?
Web site has been discontinued, looks like the end of it...
Did anyone else get a call from GWD yesterday?
I did not but I am really curious what the call was about?
They were apologetic about no contact. Said they had internal issues, which they emailed me about previously. Said they had someone going to buy them out... They sent an email reiterating what they'd said on the phone...
Since then I've been in contact with Claxton Huxley that was mentioned on this thread. I'm CH email to me they sent me the email Greenwood had sent. But according to CH no one at Greenwood know anything about the email.
Seriously considering taking Claxton Huxley up on their offer to represent me, though it's a bit expensive...
There are so many crooks out there it's not funny. Think CH are maybe the only ones legit...
Have you done anything yourself?
[protected]
That's the number they phoned me from
Calle Catalunya 5 1 A/B, 07011 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic
Someone checked out the old address for GWD... If they see this maybe they could check out this new address..
Hi guys, I also invested in greenwood management. And also have no more response by email and there phone is disconnected. I am preparing now as much documentation as i can. to make a formal complaint with police here in spain.
Any of u contacted this law firm mentioned in a prevoius post " Carlton Huxley, " any idea of cost involved and if it would be possible to retrieve anything.
I did Bjorn they want 750€ first and then 15% of any returns you may get
Hi Bjorn, I am up for it if you want to collect information from other clients, let me know how it evolves. You are based in Spain? The company originally called GREENWOOD MANAGEMENT ApS was a Danish company, which is in the meantime dissolved. My documents I originally got state that the jurisdiction for disputes is Denmark and not Spain...
Anyone been contacted by these people. They claim to be representing a client wanting to buy out Natural Energy Inc.
Now you're wondering who are Natural Energy Inc. According to these people GWD have changed their name. They gave me a link for hang seng and I was sent a copy of my certificate saying I have 37500 shares in this company Natural Energy...
You know I've absolutely no idea who are honest and who are [censored]...
Just received this
Hi Dave I got a similar type of email but from a different company, claiming they want to buy the land I own. Seems to be a big scam but I've asked them to call me up and discuss. Looks like there's a bunch of sharks swimming out there trying to take advantage of the situation...
Group set up on Facebook for investers
Hi All,
my name is Roberto I am writing from Italy and I am a fooled investor too. I wish to share with you the information I have gathered so far on Greenwood.
As probably many of you already know, all Greenwood management, GWD-tv, blogs sponsored by Greenwood websites are either closed, not accessible or the domain are for sale.
Last October I have received the last "official" email from Mr. Martin Eamonn Roche introducing himself as the director of Greenwood informing me about a potential data breach involving their customers (us) and saying that they were working on a project to convert our land certificates into shares of a company, after that non more news or emails – it may be the Natural Energy Inc. the newco….
Last week I have been contacted by Darrell Watkins Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Consultant of Minsheng Associates - One Island East - 18 Westlands Road - Hong Kong as some of you.
I have spoken on the phone with this guy and they are interested in buying our land certificates as they represent a Chinese Group willing to take over the land and companies there in Bahia to develop the land. They asked me to sign a NDA and after that they will make me an offer. So far I amstuding the papars they have sent me and trying gto collects as much information as possible.
At this point I beleive that the important thing is to share our information so that we can avoid further damage (other potential scams...) and possibly act together in the same direction in our common interest.
Thank you for your time.
I am at your disposal for any further clariffication.
best regards.
Roberto C.
Hi Roberto,
The same thing happened to me; may you contact me to sassoing@gmail.com?
Don't deal with them its a scam what will happen next is they will tell you a loan was taken out on your land and in order for the deal to go through you need to repay the loan (which I did) then another problem crops up then bang they are gone no contact TAO Fend Associates watch out for them David Winfield Darrel Johnson crooks of the lowest form
Hi there, My name is Mikhail ..
The same has happened with me. I am invested in 2015. ... Jan.2019 I was contacted by Belmont Insolvency Services Limited. They offered me to sell a plot in New Brunswick to Chines company, but first I have to pay 5000 GBP for insurance ... and last week I was contacted by Adams Banks from Minsheng Associates with the same offer ... now I am waiting for call from them ... Let me know if there are some news of GWD Foretry in New Brunswick .
Hi Roberto. I am also contacted by Mingshen. Have you an update?
Ciao Roberto. Anche io nel loop della gwd e della minsheng. A questi ultimi, Gli ho dato "procura", dopo diverse mails e telefonate. Alla fine mi fanno una gran proposta di acquisto, ma chiedono che prima io gli paghi sui 7k. Dollari. Leggendo nel forum ho tagliato e non ho proseguito. Lodor di fregatura e troppo forte. Te alla fine come hai proseguito?
Hi Roberto,
The same thing happened to me. Anyone else had been approached by Minsheng?
Cheers, Huba
Hi Huba and Robert. Writing from Indonesia (US citizen though) and also invested with GWD and have not seen a cent. I was also approached by Minsheng but wasn't sure if they are legit or not. I like your idea of acting together to avoid further scam. If you need to reach me, emailing will be great. jinaseung1@gmail.com
Hi - I've also been contacted by Minsheng & signed their NDA & agreement, then the deal was stopped as Bank Albilad had a lien on the plots & it was decided by them that we the customers would pay the lien or 60% of it, with full guarantees - mine amounting to $11K.
Sound familiar? Thanks for all your input
Hi guys, I am alberto living in spain right now. I have investted in both acacia project in bahia, brasil and new brunswick, canada (2 plots) and never got any return. the same story regarding gwd contacts as prevously stated here. lately I have been contacted by minsheng, and all the same as related above. I received a document supposedly from the banco de mexico stating that the transfer of the funds have benn blocked by an injuction interposed by bank abillad of saudi arabia... I checked this document from banco de mexico and is fake. be aware not to pay anything by means of repayment of the loans, which is the next step asked by minsheng associates.
Hi everybody. Same for me, they've contacted me via email but haven't heard from them since. They promised they'll call me. I will keep you informed of any updates regarding.
In the meantime I have contacted Carlton Huxley, a law firm taking care of this matter for a few customers, they charge a fixed entry fee + commission or payment for the time spent once the case is closed. Anyone tried? Thank you.
hello everyone
same story - two investments - acacia and eucalypt - and a whole list of contacts:
Liam Fleming
Sergio Garcia
Jude Fanning
Patrick Faherty
Nicole McMillan
Christian Carre
addresses:
Acacia
"The Greenwood Group" means Greenwood Management ApS, CVR number [protected]. A duly
incorporated company under the laws and jurisdiction of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Greenwood - An Irish registered trading name CRO number 337892.
Greenwood Agropecuária ltda, CNPJ number: 10.905.327/0001-66. A duly incorporated company under
the laws and jurisdiction of the township of Barreiras, state of Bahia, and country of Brazil.
Eucalyptus
Greenwood Agropecuaria ltda,
CNPJ number: 10.905.327/0001-66
A duly incorporated company under the laws and jurisdiction of Bahia Brazil, and a
subsidiary operating company of Greenwood Management ApS a duly incorporated
company under the laws and jurisdiction of Copenhagen Denmark.
in meantime i have been approach by Belmont Insolvency which appeared to be a scam as well trying to liquidate the business of Greenwood yet they went silent
just the day before yesterday the same company Mingshen contacted me - they have sent me papers with an NDA, Disposition Papers and an pre-lim Account agreement
I would have expected an NDA yet the mail plus all other papers are raising questions.
If the lawyers Carlton Huxley are legit it is worthwhile. Talking from previous experience that is a pretty fair deal. Why don't we start a mass litigation action against the previous owners although realistically chances are slim this ever will result in a pay-out. It will provide lgal documentation though to claim your loss officially with your local tax authorities.
LT
count me in as far as i'm concerned I have nothing more to lose i'm already out €18, 500
hi john - great - and let me dive in and see what appetite they have and what leverage they think there is - realistically i guess it will depend on the amount of us willing to participate to make it worthwhile - ie calling on all that want to go in on a mass law suit
Please check this: https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2018/12/21/exclusive-british-expat-investors-fear-huge-losses-after-spain-based-forestry-investment-firm-accused-of-mishandling-tens-of-millions-of-euros/
Add one more fooled/foolish investor. I received a call yesterday and had a very bad connection. The promised email has not shown up yet. I would be pleased to be part of any group effort to go after these crooks. I will also be happy to inform the group about any news or progress on a settlement if I learn anything.
Hi all I'm Fabio from 2016 and I am in the same nightmare as you. I also received calls and mail from Darrel Watkins and after my response on their preliminay document that some of you received too, I got an offer from them with attached a document which appears to come from China CSRC (it seems the chinese SEC or our CONSOB) with a statement that Minsheng have the title to make commercial offer in order to purchase the Bahia land on their customer behalf.
After some research I would say that Minsheng associates is a company which works on asset acquisition on behalf of They name their Institutional Customer.
Now They ask me to sign an agreement where I sell them and then I should receive what They offered me (which is more of what I've payed).
Is anyone at my actual stage, or have you more information on Minsheng ?
Is there any way we may share our phone/mail?
See my comment below
Please see my comment above..
Hello
I have invested several times with GWD and never seen a penny... feeling terrible
I have received a mail from Minsheng and asked them to explain more in writing and refer me to others "who have sold" as them claim many have.
I will go and look for this FaceBook page you mention above, as this might be a great place to gather and consider legal action, though, as mentioned above, the chances of a return from that are small...
Guess I’m just as naive. Anyone with more information about Minsheng and Darrel Watkins? They want to transfer funds for my ‘land’ this coming Friday.
Ansgar W
Hi All,
I have received a letter from GWD Forestry in which it annouced that it has been forced to close and that they are doing their best to recover our money; as you can imagine, just words, no detail or clear indication of what is the path to the recovery of our funds, the letter was not even dated. I have asked for clarifications and more details about the next steps from GWD and who/what will be our counterpart now that GWD Forestry has closed but I am not so sure I will ever get any answer. In the letter GWD representative Mr. Roche said also that there are various companies contacting GWD clients and are offering recovery or investigation help with added fees and that we (customers) should be very cautious.
Does anybody has received the same letter or has more information on GWD recovery plan?
I believe that unless we receive a clear and convincing statement from GWD or from those who replace it (which today seems ulikely and unrealistic), I see no other alternative to relying on a law firm. I have not yet signed Minsheg's NDA and since I hesitated they never contacted me again. I don't know how serious this Minsheng might be, has anybody signed the NDA and moved to the next "level"?
Many thanks.
Recently signed an NDA since I’ve already lost the initial investment, nothing more to lose as I see it. I got a reply stating a quote for my share. Documents for official transaction to follow. Still come out ahead if true then again there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Don’t see where the scam is unless simple transfer of land and no payment. Either way can’t control anything and land is gone as I see it.
Don't do it. Scam
Diogenes wold be busy in this world
I have recently been contacted by Minsheng Associates and gone quiet far with them in terms of signing NDA, agreement to sell etc. They are offering a good rate for the area I signed up for with GWD but I’m still highly skeptic all. End of last week they came back saying there is lots of debt associated with my and other investors plots and they will pay 40% of the debt provided I pay 60% which still means I have to pay €13, 000 or so.
If anyone else has updates on whether Minsheng Associates is legit or a scam would love to discuss, damien.feiriteur@gmail.com
Hi, I’m on the verge of signing the final documents. Probably just another fraud. However don’t know how since Minsheng are offering to buy. Any property still in my possession seems worthless anyway since greenwood seems to be gone and everyone behind it. Don’t know how to claim ownership and how to sell realize original investment.
don't part with your money it's a scam I gave €8700 (my 60%) and nothing since they won't answer my calls nothing stay away from them
Hi. I am also in the cycle. Have not parted with money but it’s hard to know what to do. Any update?
Same modus operandi as with Tao Feng Associates previously. stay away from it!
Scam, don't do it. Tao Feng and Misheng.
Hi Damien - I've been through exactly the same process with Minsheng/Darrell Watkins - & prior to that a least 3 bodies from Belmont, some other lady claiming to actually be in GWD offices etc. Once Darrell proposed this fix (along with Manager David Roberts) requiring me to pay I realised it was phony...However, they did do a lot of work -I was impressed; I would be even more impressed to have got my money back!
I was contacted by 2 different entities: 1. Darrel watkins from minsheng who offered me to buy my land for a chineese buyer,
and by Thomas Grant from Oryx Laws who told me about Natural energy shares. both (may be same) stated a process where now I ams asked to put money (either the clear Warranties or to pay a loan).
Does anyone heard about Oryx?
@DamienFR - Hi Damien, this is Roberto, if I may ask, to whom you should pay the 60% of debt, to Minsheng or to creditors? In the case of creditors, do you know who they are?
@Ansgar - Hi Ansgar, did Minsheng said also to you that you have a part of debt on your property that you should pay?
Many thanks for your feebacks.
Best regards.
Roberto
Nothing about debt. Just a payment for selling my modest share. I have a friend who will tomorrow hoppfullt confirm the existence of Minsheng Associates at their office in HK
I’m to pay the amount they say is in debt to an Escrow account. The person representing Minsheng Associates is very convincing Matthew Peterson is his name.. I have been given a pile of documents from him trying to prove to me it’s not a scam but it’s too good to be through.. I originally invested close to €20, 000 with GWD and given so many promises of a ROI in recent years until about Sept ‘18 no further correspondence and I have tried at several times emailing people such as Sergio, Dan Shaw and a few more GWD representatives but no response just emails bouncing back..
My biggest problem is this guy representing Minsheng Associates is convincing and is due to call me back Wednesday this week but for me to transfer €13, 000..
DON'T DO IT, SCAM
I would really appreciate if anyone is as advanced as I in discussions with Minsheng if they could offer advice on whether they have checked them out or not?
A friend will hopefully confirm the existence of Minsheng tomorrow at their office in HK. Will post any news here.
They start things off by saying they’ll cover the debt associated with the land but few days later the financial regulator will not allow this and they will negotiate a debt repayment compromise hence kicks in the suggestion to go 40/60%
My friend ended up upsetting the security guards at the stated HK address since Minsheng Associates doesn’t exist. Moreover web domain registered March 7, 2019 according to certain info. Nothing but a scam
Hi Ansgar, did you manage to get any further information from your friend about whether Minsheng Associates are legit or not?
Sorry Ansgar, just read your reply and thank you very much for clarifying as the guy Matthew Peterson had me convinced. Even today I received correspondence from then the money apparently being paid for my land is waiting in an Escrow account once I pay the 60% debt they claim is on the land.
They are some [censored]ers without a conscious 😡
Hi D, Minsheng is a 100% fraud, the company isn’t registered with the Chinese authorities, there’s no office in Beijing nor HK. All you can hope for is that those behind it get hit buy a bus. Take comfort in that we’re not the only idiots. According to other forums GWD is apparently also gone and any certificates worthless. Probably the only safe investment for your money is your mattress.
Thanks Ansgar for the update, it is a disgrace these companies can get away with what they do while decent private investors put our trust in their business..
Thank you for the feedback very much appreciated
Hi Guys,
thank you very much for your posts, really, really helpful! I was going to sign the NDA and other papers and now I will not go forward.
Thanks again!
Roberto
For anyone contacted by Minsheng Associates thread carefully as it’s all too good to be true and it’s highly probable to be a scam..
Nothing probable about it, it is a scam.
Hello
I joined this website recently based on a totally unrelated complaint to the issue here, so I know nothing about the projects that have prompted this thread, but I am aware of MInsheng Associates because I have been dealing with them now for over a year and a half on a number of investments I own. I am a bit concerned to see that there are comments here in connection with the legitimacy of Minsheng.
I have been deaing with them now for the past two years or so on a number of share holdings that I own, and I can assure you that they are a fully legitimate company. I can say that because I have been paid on two transactions through them thus far, and a third one to be completed shortly. As I said I do not know anything about the issues here, but I really would suggest that people have to be sure of their facts before labeling a company a scam . I think they should be made aware of the comments that are being made here. I will be passing this information on
No they are not, they do not exist.
Hi. Could I enquire what your transactions were - that Minsheng paid up for? It seems that most of us who've been contacted by Minsheng were GWD investors for whom Minsheng is acquiring our Bahia, Brazil plots on behalf of "an institutional investor". He's ready to lash out big money (started at $17, 500; went to $20, 500 & when the lien was discovered by virtue of an injunction on the Bank of Commerce, Mexico) $23, 700 per hectare.
As has been pointed out, one problem is that we don't actually own the plots but just the growing rights on them for a few years... Then due to this lien, we have to contribute up front 60% of the lien. Can you add to this...
Thanks
To confirm fully, and after checking my papers, my first contact with Minsheng Associates was 13th of July 2016, so just under two years now.
They got you big time mate.
Hi guys. I'm in the same business, from the gwd loss, to the minsheng guy mailing and calling me. Very kind and very professional, but too good to be real. . He is offering a lot of dollars, to buy my land, but before he is asking for cash. (suspicious...)
Now I see feedback from "this is a internet fraud" to, they are good guys... Wtf!
You don't own any land, just harvesting rights, nobody seems to understand that bit.
Timmy R
How can you say that Minsheng associates are legitimate if they do not exist at their stated address and their website has only been set up, yet you have been dealing with them for 2 years?
This makes you sound like a fraud, looking at https://minshengassociates.com shows all the signs of a fraudulent website, not even 1 professional mentioned in a professional services firm-find me a legitimate professional services firm where the principals are not named?. Some of these sites produce false principals, but it doesn't take much google search to find out they are false, i.e. have no track record at all, or empty linked in profiles.
Anyone chasing a lost investment has to realise they are now on a suckers list and will be contacted by frauds claiming they can help recover investments for a 'small fee'. Do not even consider paying this.
Tony
SCAM.
Anyone who has invested in GWD should seriously join the Facebook group and have a good read, then join Carlton Huxley or wave goodbye to all your investment money.
What IS the facebook group - and how does one join it?
GWD Forestry Investor Community
Is this group still active? I have been doing research on Carlton Huxley over the past couple of months and been in contact with them. Tried to book an appointment at their London office before committing to anything (lesson learned from GWD), but unfortunately they seem to have disappeared without trace and their confirmation statement is overdue: https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/07262703.
Does anyone know of any alternative avenues to pursue our lost investment?
No, CH are still active but on holiday. Try calling or email.
The whole GWD Investment was nothing but a nightmare for me. I was recently able to recoup my investments so far with them using unconventional means. Happy to share my experience. Feel free to send a DM.
Hi. what kind of unconvential means ? I am also a "silly" investor in GREENWOOD. Trusting people met on the web... never do again. Gosh... I've been in touch with Carlton Huxley for a while, but also they disappeared and suddenly not replying emails anymore. How you did recover your investment ?
Same here. Was contacted by all kinds of guys with lots of paperwork which looked very suspect some full of typo's. Have in the meantime lost all contact with the Greenwood gang. Would very much like to join the effort to recover money even if it was only 50% fit!...
How can I join? Who knows how to proceed?
unconventional means.. ?
Thank you all for all your comments on GWD and their saviour, Minsheng!
I was ready to proceed with all this until I read your comments. Having lost a bunch of money I could ill afford, I was liable to lose a lot more. Again, thanks.
May I suggest you all read the latest posting on the GWD Forestry Investor Community fb group from CH.