Read, enjoy, and draw your own conclusions.
The Challenge:
After watching a recent newscast featuring Dirtyscottsdale.com, I was asked to discover the true identity of "Nik Richie", also known as "Mr. Dirtyscottsdale". No malicious intent, "I did it on a lark, as a joke for me and my buddies".
The Rules:
I had 60 minutes to complete the challenge. Any information I provided required at least 2 current sources, unless based on government documents. To make it a little more interesting, I was limited to using the same tools and techniques employed by Dirtyscottsdale, the Internet and public information.
Summary:
The primary driving force behind Dirtyscottsdale.com is Hooman Karamian (real name) - AKA "Corbin Grimes" - AKA "Nik Richie" - AKA several other aliases. Mr. Karamian's history is filled with allegations of fraudulent business practices, manipulation, and deception. This describes the perfect candidate to create a website aimed at publicly humiliating others for profit.
"Mr. Dirtyscottsdale"?:
(Photo taken 07/15/2005, public relations event)
Hooman Abedi Karamian (real name)
Date of birth 02/12/1979 (currently 28 years old)
Areas of operation and influence include Arizona, California, Chicago, and Southern Florida
Implicated in fraudulent business practices as far back as 1998
Demonstrates exceptional ability in developing a "Media Machine" with global effects in manipulation of the Media
Pattern of using sensational claims that are later proven false, in order to lure victims
Convincingly uses different genders, nationalities, and other characteristics of known aliases in order to mask his true identity
Sample known aliases:
Corbin Grimes - Arizona Superior Court public record #CV2005-017179, dated 11/7/2005, was used to match Hooman Karamian to his alias Corbin Grimes. Additional sources confirmed (see references at end of report).
http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket/civil/caseInfo.asp?caseNumber=CV2005-017179
Alias used approximately 1998-2004 in “Stroke and Run” schemes. The idea was to approach music artists with a golden (almost impossible) deal and use their hunger for fame and fortune. When every dollar had been squeezed, the artist was abandoned in pursuit of a new victim.
"Grimes does not deny that he is Karamian, declaring that his new “stage name” is simply the product of need for an easier address."
Grimes served as an executive officer, sometimes simultaneously, with several of the companies reported in the schemes (Talent 2K, 97 Radio, Subtone records, Black Rose, JetSpeed, Infinity Music Group, and Capitol Imaging Group "CIG Music"). Some of these "companies" have been shut down due to fraudulent operations (97 Radio), while others remain (Talent 2K).
"According to testimonials from ex-employees, acquaintances and by Grimes’ own admission, Talent 2K associates regularly used aliases to create a larger corporate ambiance, meaning every “employee” could invariably be three or more different people."
Known associates and aliases:
*Criminal records observed on some individuals ranging from Narcotics Sale, Class 2 Felony to tax evasion.
Carlo K. Oddo (Talent 2K) = Vince Malnotti (Deftone Records)
Michael Anthony (97 Radio) = Michael Anthony Oddo (Talent 2K)
Thomas McManus + James Bennett (97 Radio) = Mark Kingston (97 Radio)
Keegan James (97 Radio) = Keegan Lowe (Deftone Records)
Joe Polizzi (IMG) = ?
Cameron Cohen (CIG) = Cameron Karamian (Hooman's brother)
Andy Conlin (CIG) = Andy Conlin (Talent 2K)
Ricky Donovan (CIG) = Fredrick Dominguez (Talent 2K)
*Special thanks to John Foxworthy and Chris David for investigative work (2004)
Nik Richie - Maricopa County Assessor public record #070049488, dated 01/12/2007, was used to match a property registered in the "Karamian" family name to a mailing address found online for "Nik Richie" Dirtyscottsdale.com (DS Enterprises). (Address is residential, therefore I chose not to post it or links associated). Satellite images from GoogleEarth confirm a 2 story house near the end of a cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood.
Sample social networking sites and aliases used:
http://www.myspace.com/thedirtyscottsdale - "Nik Richie" alias posing as a 22 year old Female, Arizona United States
http://www.perfspot.com/dirtyscottsdale - "Nik Richie" alias posing as a 25 year old Male, Arizona United States
Technical information:
A search on the Internic Whois database against Dirtyscottsdale.com for "similar name, similar service provider, similar registration date" provides the following results:
dirtyscottsdale.com (same service provider) 2006-04-12
dirty312.com (same service provider) 2005-04-12
dirty-chicago.com (same service provider) 2005-04-12
dirtylaguna.com (same service provider) 2006-04-12
dirtysouthbeach.com (same service provider) 2006-04-12
216.69.181.126 (hosting dirtyscottsdale.com content) 2004-05-24
208.109.198.225 (hosting dirtyscottsdale.com content) 2006-04-12
This indicates the website, it's content, and structure have been part of a long-term plan with targeted audiences in Arizona, Chicago, and Florida.
Motivation:
Money. This is supported by the technical information, current evidence of online retail apparel sales (at Dirtyscottsdale.com and other online retailers), and receipt of advertising dollars.
http://www.dirtyscottsdale.com/DS_Gear.html
http://www.cafepress.com/dirtyscottsdale
http://208.109.198.225/
http://216.69.181.126/
*A check against the City of Scottsdale and State of Arizona Tax ID databases return zero results for registration on "Dirtyscottsdale.com" or "DS Enterprises".
Conclusion:
Based on Mr. Karamian's history and the current shroud of mystery surrounding Dirtyscottsdale.com (DS Enterprises), it is entirely possible that many of the "individuals" involved with the organization are one in the same. Similarly, it is possible that several individuals share the same alias, such as "Nik Richie". Time will tell if Mr. Karamian is able to profit and mass market the idea.
A great amount of detailed personal information is available online about everyone. What matters is how you use it.
I appreciate the challenge!
Additional references (In case you don't Google):
http://www.indie-music.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2611
http://www.rojisan.com/blog/2004/01/music_promotion_model_97_radio.html
http://www.geocities.com/songshark/letters/talent_2k/
