BitClub Network’s Joby Weeks Invests $40,000 in Lobbying Efforts Amid Legal Battles
In a surprising turn of events, Joby Weeks, a central figure in the infamous BitClub Network Ponzi scheme, has reportedly spent $40,000 on lobbying efforts targeting key U.S. government bodies, including the Senate, House of Representatives, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the White House. This development, documented in a public disclosure filing for January to March 2025, reveals Weeks’ engagement of JM Burkman & Associates, a firm led by Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl—both convicted fraudsters themselves. This article delves into the details of Weeks’ lobbying activities, the controversial background of his hired lobbyists, and the ongoing legal saga surrounding the $722 million BitClub Network crypto scam.
What is Weeks Lobbying For?
Joby Weeks is a key figure in BitClub Network, a multi-level marketing (MLM) cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of approximately $722 million. Launched in 2014, BitClub Network promised high returns through crypto mining and trading but began collapsing in 2016, fully halting daily returns by 2018. In November 2019, Weeks and several co-conspirators faced charges related to the scam. By 2020, Weeks pleaded guilty to conspiring to offer and sell unregistered securities and tax evasion. However, his sentencing has been repeatedly delayed for reasons not publicly disclosed, leaving his legal status in limbo.
Currently, Weeks is under home incarceration in Florida with his new wife, having remarried after leaving his previous wife, who was battling cancer. Amid these personal and legal developments, Weeks has been actively filing motions to dismiss his case and reportedly attempting to withdraw his guilty plea, which may explain his recent lobbying efforts.
The $40,000 Lobbying Push: JM Burkman & Associates
According to the public disclosure filing, Weeks hired JM Burkman & Associates to lobby on his behalf. The firm, operated by Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl (also known by aliases such as Jacob Klein), has a notorious reputation due to its leaders’ criminal histories. The $40,000 spent on lobbying raises questions about Weeks’ financial resources and the objectives of his advocacy efforts.
Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl: A Troubled Track Record
The decision to hire JM Burkman & Associates is particularly striking given the firm’s controversial leadership. Both Burkman and Wohl have been convicted of fraud-related offenses:
- 2020 Election Interference: In 2022, Burkman and Wohl were convicted of telecom fraud for orchestrating a robocall campaign targeting predominantly Black neighborhoods in multiple states. The campaign falsely discouraged mail-in voting during the 2020 U.S. presidential election. As a result, an Ohio judge sentenced them to 500 hours of community service registering voters, and the Federal Communications Commission imposed a $5 million fine.
- Staged FBI Raid: In 2020, the duo hired actors to stage a fake FBI raid at Burkman’s home, deceiving The Washington Post into reporting the fabricated incident. Wohl used the alias “Jacob Klein” during this stunt, further tarnishing their credibility.
- Unregistered Securities in California: In 2019, Wohl faced charges in California for selling unregistered securities. He pleaded guilty to four felony counts and received two years of probation, as per Riverside County court records.
By mid-2024, Burkman and Wohl were operating “LobbyMatic,” a self-proclaimed “AI lobbying firm.” However, the LobbyMatic website is now defunct, yet Weeks’ disclosure filing indicates that the pair continues to accept payments for lobbying services. The source of Weeks’ $40,000 payment remains unclear, adding to the mystery surrounding his financial situation.
The BitClub Network Fallout: A Ponzi Scheme
BitClub Network’s collapse left thousands of investors with substantial losses. The scheme lured participants with promises of passive income through cryptocurrency mining and trading, only to unravel when returns became unsustainable. By 2018, the platform had ceased daily payouts, and by 2019, authorities had charged Weeks and his co-conspirators. The case underscores the risks of unregulated MLM crypto schemes and the devastating consequences for victims.
Conclusion
Joby Weeks’ decision to spend $40,000 on lobbying through JM Burkman & Associates highlights the complexities of his ongoing legal battle and the controversial figures he has chosen to align with. As the BitClub Network case progresses, investors and observers alike await clarity on Weeks’ fate and the potential recovery of funds lost in the $722 million scam. For now, Weeks’ lobbying efforts and legal filings reflect a desperate bid to reshape his narrative and avoid accountability for his role in the Ponzi scheme.