Contractor Loses RM356,000 in “Marinasand” Investment Scam
A contractor in Pahang has suffered a devastating financial loss of more than RM356,000 after becoming entangled in an online investment scam named “Marinasand”.
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Abstract:While holding a reputation rooted in longevity, ActivTrades has recently become the subject of alarming reports regarding the sudden removal of trader profits. Our analysis of data ranging from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a specific pattern: traders generate returns, attempt to withdraw, and subsequently find their profits—and occasionally principal deposits—deducted without clear recourse.

Abstract: While holding a reputation rooted in longevity, ActivTrades has recently become the subject of alarming reports regarding the sudden removal of trader profits. Our analysis of data ranging from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a specific pattern: traders generate returns, attempt to withdraw, and subsequently find their profits—and occasionally principal deposits—deducted without clear recourse.
For many African traders, the ultimate fear is not market volatility, but broker intervention. Recent complaints lodged with WikiFX suggest a disturbing trend where successful trades are retroactively nullified.
The most striking piece of evidence comes from a trader who reported a harrowing experience in June 2025. After successfully trading on the platform, the user attempted to realize their gains, only to find that $33,253.79 USD in profits were removed from the account. According to the trader's record, this deduction occurred “without any clear explanation.” More concerning is the allegation that the broker also refused to return the user's initial capital (real money), creating a scenario of total loss despite successful market prediction.
This is not an isolated incident. Another report dated August 2025 mirrors this specific mechanism. A trader described depositing funds and generating a profit, but upon initiating a withdrawal request, the broker allegedly “removed the profit” and simultaneously “removed the deposit amount.”

Traders often assume that a broker with a United Kingdom license is automatically safe. However, a deeper audit of the ActivTrades regulatory framework reveals a complex picture. While they maintain high-tier status in London, other jurisdictions show “revoked” statuses and offshore dependencies.
Acting as a neutral database auditor, WikiFX presents the complete regulatory footprint found in our records below. Traders should note the difference between “Valid” and “Revoked” statuses.
| Regulator Name | Country / Jurisdiction | License Type | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | United Kingdom | MM (Market Making) | Valid |
| Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) | Bahamas | Offshore Regulatory | Valid |
| Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) | UAE | General License | Revoked |
Beyond the standard licenses, our records indicate significant regulatory friction in Southeast Asia. The Indonesian Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (BAPPEBTI) has previously disclosed information regarding the blocking of illegal commodity futures trading websites. ActivTrades appeared in this disclosure effectively blacklisting the domain in that region for operating without local licensure.
The narrative emerging from the complaints suggests that the “trigger” for these issues is almost always a withdrawal request.
In April 2025, another trader reported having $1,543 in their account. After waiting two weeks for a partial withdrawal of $500, the request was not granted. Instead, the trading account was closed. The trader alleges that despite customer service claims that funds were returned, nothing was received. The user described the experience as dealing with a “thief broker,” citing a complete lack of email response regarding the missing funds.
This pattern was corroborated by a UK-based trader earlier in 2024. This user had been trading for six months without issue. However, the moment they attempted to withdraw profits, the account was closed. The broker reportedly claimed the termination was due to “trading activities.” The trader challenged this logic, asking, “Why didn't they claim it before if they saw any wrong activities?” implies that the trading style was only a problem once money was leaving the broker, not while it was being deposited.

To maintain objectivity, it is crucial to note that not all feedback is negative. Records from early 2024 include positive sentiments from traders in Germany and the UK.
This creates a “Jekyll and Hyde” profile for the broker. The entry process (deposits, verification, platform setup) appears smooth and professional, earning praise from newcomers. However, the exit process (withdrawals, profit realization) is where the severe friction—and alleged fund removal—occurs.
While ActivTrades holds a valid FCA license, the repeated allegations of “profit stripping” and account closures upon withdrawal requests are significant red flags that cannot be ignored. The revocation of their UAE license further suggests volatility in their compliance history.
Anonymity Disclaimer: All cases cited in this article are based on real records lodged with the WikiFX Support Center. User identities have been hidden for their protection.
Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk to your invested capital. The information provided here is based on available data and trader feedback. Please conduct your own due diligence before depositing funds.
Disclaimer:
The views in this article only represent the author's personal views, and do not constitute investment advice on this platform. This platform does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the information in the article, and will not be liable for any loss caused by the use of or reliance on the information in the article.

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