London, UK – April 2025
For years, Iman Gadzhi has styled himself as the digital messiah of a generation — a self-made millionaire, agency guru, and mentor to thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs. His online courses have sold across continents, and his face is instantly recognisable to anyone navigating the self-improvement or “make money online” corners of YouTube.
But now, troubling questions are emerging about the man behind the brand.
📉 “Everything Just… Stopped”
In March, dozens of students enrolled in Gadzhi’s high-ticket mentorship program, Agency Incubator, reported that course materials, previously hosted on private platforms, became inaccessible overnight.
Support channels went silent. Refund requests were ignored. Discord communities — once filled with motivational chatter — were abruptly shut down.
“It felt like he vanished,” said Arjun Patel, a 22-year-old student from Manchester. “We trusted him. Some of us took out loans to buy the course.”
💼 The $25 Million Question
Leaked financial documents obtained by BBC Global suggest that between 2021 and 2024, Gadzhi’s companies — which include IAG Media, GrowYourAgency.com, and multiple shell entities — funneled an estimated $25 million in online course sales through offshore banking accounts in Cyprus and the UAE.
While this is not illegal in itself, the documents raise questions about the structure of his businesses, possible tax avoidance, and consumer protection issues.
A senior financial investigator in London (speaking anonymously) described the structure as “deeply opaque” and “designed to be difficult to trace.”
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🕵️ Allegations of Manipulated Testimonials
Former contractors and video editors interviewed by the BBC allege that testimonial videos were scripted, with actors hired to claim six-figure earnings they had never achieved.
One ex-editor, who worked for IAG Media in 2023, said:
“It was all designed to look real — the success stories, the Instagram screenshots, the Stripe dashboards. Most of it was generated or staged.”
💬 Gadzhi Responds: “An Attack on Ambition”
Reached via email, Gadzhi issued a brief statement:
“This is a smear campaign. The media is threatened by young entrepreneurs who don’t follow their rules. My students know my value. The results speak louder than any journalist ever could.”
He did not respond to specific questions about disappearing course access, offshore funds, or testimonial allegations.
🧠 The Cult of Personality?
Psychologists consulted by BBC News described the phenomenon as part of the wider rise of “internet business cults” — online personalities who blend luxury, lifestyle, and aggressive marketing to draw in loyal followers.
“Gadzhi isn’t alone,” said Dr. Helena Marsh, a behavioural economist at LSE. “We’re seeing a generation so desperate for financial freedom that they mistake Instagram success for credibility.”
🔍 What Happens Next?
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority confirmed that it is reviewing multiple complaints related to misleading earnings claims made in Gadzhi’s promotional materials.
Meanwhile, a group of 70 former students is reportedly preparing a class-action lawsuit.
But as of today, Iman Gadzhi remains online, active, and defiantly confident — still promising freedom, still selling success.
