Pakistani Fentanyl & Scam Ring – Krebs Security
- A Texas company, eWorldTrade, is under scrutiny following an indictment by the Justice Department for allegedly facilitating the distribution of synthetic opioids.
- The Justice Department alleges that eWorldTrade, operating as an online marketplace, played a role in the distribution of potent synthetic opioids like isotonitazene and carfentanyl.
- Further investigation into eWorldTrade's founders reveals links to a network of websites with a history of extortionate schemes.
A Texas-based firm, eWorldTrade, faces indictment for allegedly distributing synthetic opioids, revealing a disturbing nexus with a scam network focused on trademark registration and logo design.This investigation exposes links to international extortion schemes, pulling back the curtain on a complex operation with connections to Axact, a known diploma mill. The core issue focuses on the criminal enterprise of Pakistani nationals,and their alleged manipulation of clients,and the alleged laundering of funds,a concerning case of cybercrime and the distribution of fentanyl. Discover what’s next as News Directory 3 continues to track this story’s developments.
Texas Firm eWorldTrade Tied to Opioid and Trademark Scams
Updated May 29, 2025
A Texas company, eWorldTrade, is under scrutiny following an indictment by the Justice Department for allegedly
facilitating the distribution of synthetic opioids. The charges have uncovered a complex web connecting the
company to an international network accused of running scams related to trademark registration, logo design,
and ebook publishing.
The Justice Department alleges that eWorldTrade, operating as an online marketplace, played a role in the
distribution of potent synthetic opioids like isotonitazene and carfentanyl. Launched in 2017, the
eWorldTrade website now displays a seizure notice from the DOJ.
Further investigation into eWorldTrade’s founders reveals links to a network of websites with a history of
extortionate schemes. These schemes target individuals and businesses seeking assistance with trademark
registration, book publishing, mobile app advancement, and logo designs.
Azneem Bilwani, identified in U.S. patent and trademark Office records as the owner of the eWorldTrade
trademark, is also the director of Abtach Ltd., an IT provider based in Pakistan. The USPTO and Google have
previously flagged Abtach for allegedly operating trademark registration scams. eWorldTrade and Abtach share
the same address in Pakistan.
In 2021, the USPTO accused Abtach of deceiving trademark applicants by altering official correspondence,
overcharging fees, and impersonating the USPTO. Abtach allegedly offered trademark registration at
suspiciously low prices, claiming completion within 24 hours. following the USPTO ban, abtach reportedly
rebranded as Intersys Limited.
Many Abtach employees have ties to Axact, a Pakistani company investigated for fraud in 2015. Axact ran
hundreds of websites selling fake college degrees and diplomas and later blackmailed customers.
“Moreover, I have no knowledge as to the companies you have mentioned,” said Muhammad Burhan mirza, denying
involvement with eWorldTrade.
In 2021, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) charged Bilwani and others with running a trademark scam
and named Texas-based businesses allegedly involved in moving cybercrime proceeds. The FIA stated that the
defendants operated websites offering low-cost trademark services, later extorting customers for additional
funds.
The FIA found that Abtach collaborates with Digitonics Labs, a Karachi firm generating notable monthly
revenue through extortion, fake USPTO certificates, and phishing websites. Junaid Mansoor, owner of Digitonics
Labs, also runs Maple Solutions Direct Limited, which has advertised logo design services extensively.
What’s next
The investigation into eWorldTrade and its associates is ongoing, with authorities in the U.S. and Pakistan
working to unravel the full extent of the alleged fraud and opioid distribution network. The current status of
the FIA’s fraud case remains unclear, complicated by earlier allegations of corruption and bribery.