Company linked to JuicyFields scandal faces scrutiny in Kolding, Denmark

A company in Kolding, Denmark, was once celebrated for its crucial role in the global investment initiative JuicyFields, which promised participants substantial returns from cultivating medicinal cannabis. Cannabis International, a firm based in Jutland, was promoted as a site for cannabis cultivation. However, investigations have revealed that JuicyFields was, in fact, a scheme orchestrated by Russian organized crime, defrauding around 186,000 individuals globally, including in Denmark, totaling nearly five billion kroner.

A former JuicyFields director, Thomas Stieger, became suspicious after visiting the Kolding site in January 2022. At that time, he had transitioned from a more traditional finance background and was unaware of the fraudulent nature of the operations. He noted a shocking lack of cannabis plants, observing merely a few test plants that appeared unhealthy.

Following his visit, JuicyFields took control of Cannabis International and announced it would produce 40,000 kilograms of cannabis annually. Yet, Stieger expressed doubts about the feasibility of such production, which further deepened when JuicyFields abruptly shut down in July 2022, vanishing with billions in investor funds.

In the aftermath, Stieger faced online harassment and threats, becoming personally impacted by the fallout, which left him without employment in his previous field. He took a job in a supermarket while under police investigation regarding his involvement with JuicyFields. It has been identified that the perpetrators were organized criminals from St. Petersburg, unbeknownst to Stieger at the time.

Experts highlight the sophistication of these operations, noting a stark contrast to typical scams, as they showcase considerable skill in exploiting investor greed while presenting a polished facade.