Evolution Fights to Uncover Authors of Defamatory Report

How can a business protect itself from damaging, anonymous allegations? Evolution, the global leader in live casino solutions, is embroiled in a multi-year legal battle to uncover the authors of a 2021 illegal markets report. This document, described by Evolution as “riddled with mistakes”, accused the company of operating in prohibited jurisdictions and engaging in unlawful practices. The allegations caused a massive $10 billion drop in Evolution’s market value, leaving the company fighting not only for its reputation but also for accountability.

Evolution Pursues Justice in Fight Against Anonymous Defamation in Illegal Markets Report

Key Points:

1. Evolution seeks the identities behind the 2021 illegal markets report that caused a $10 billion share value loss.
2. The company alleges the report was a deceitful attempt by competitors to damage its reputation and market standing.
3. Legal battles focus on whether anonymity shields those responsible for defamatory claims against Evolution.

The 2021 illegal markets report alleged that Evolution operated in restricted jurisdictions and engaged in illegal activities, including accepting cash payments for gaming. The report, submitted to regulators like the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), failed to produce any substantiated claims during investigations.

Moreover, Bloomberg reported that the document was likely commissioned by an unidentified competitor, further fueling suspicions that the report was designed to harm Evolution’s reputation. The fallout was immediate and severe, as Evolution’s share price plunged approximately 36%, wiping out billions in market capitalization.

Evolution’s Legal Battle: Unmasking the Culprits

Since 2021, Evolution has sought to identify the entities behind the defamatory report. The case, filed in New Jersey courts, has faced delays and contentious discovery fights.

Evolution’s attorneys argue that the report’s authors used deceptive tactics, such as:

• Secretly recording conversations with Evolution employees under false pretenses.
• Removing key context from recordings to misrepresent Evolution’s business practices.
• Disseminating false and defamatory claims through a law firm, Calcagni & Kanefsky (C&K), to shield the identities of those responsible.

In its latest filing, Evolution’s lawyers stated:
“New Jersey law does not allow wrongdoers to shield their identities by hiring law firms to launder false statements.”

The filing also reveals the investigative firm contacted individuals like Ezugi CEO Kfir Kugler under false pretenses, such as posing as representatives of a Sudanese billionaire.

C&K Defends Anonymity

While Evolution presses for transparency, C&K, the law firm linked to the report, has argued that the identities of its clients should remain anonymous. In a separate brief, C&K claimed the DGE’s investigation closure validated the report’s findings and supported the clients’ right to confidentiality under legal professional privilege.

C&K stated:
“The DGE’s reasoning confirms the report’s veracity, outweighing Evolution’s claims and preserving the policy interests of client anonymity.”

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Business Integrity

This case underscores critical issues surrounding business integrity and the balance between anonymity and accountability in legal disputes. Evolution argues that allowing anonymity for those behind defamatory claims sets a dangerous precedent, enabling competitors to harm businesses without consequence.

Conversely, C&K’s defense highlights the tension between safeguarding client confidentiality and ensuring transparency in corporate litigation.

Evolution’s pursuit of the authors behind the 2021 illegal markets report is a fight for justice in the face of alleged deceit. The company’s legal battle not only seeks to restore its reputation but also challenges the use of anonymity as a shield for damaging and unverified allegations.

As this multi-year case unfolds, its outcome could have far-reaching implications for business litigation, corporate accountability, and the gaming industry’s regulatory landscape. Evolution’s resolve signals a clear message: accountability is essential, even in a world where anonymity is often exploited to avoid responsibility.