Exposing Corruption: EK's Prison Threats, Lawsuits, Dangerous Workplace, & Leaked Documents

This video required coordination with investigators, business analysts, sources and whistleblowers, former EK staff and current suppliers, and more. We dive deep into what we think are the corrupted ethics and nepotism of the world's largest PC water cooling manufacturer, EK WB, as we investigate its finances, issues with payment, its past breaches of contract where it lost court battles, and demand letters that are intimidating with references of jail time. This video cost us over $40,000 to make between all the research, hired firms, investigators, and analysts, and our own costs internally.

For the unfamiliar: EK Water Blocks makes water cooling equipment for computers, especially gaming PCs, AI PCs, and data centers. The parts are typically radiators, CPU and GPU blocks, and AIOs. EK Water Blocks (EKWB) alternatives are normally companies like Alphacool, Corsair, Watercool, etc.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Investigating EK Water Blocks
04:48 - More Complaints of Pay Delays
07:12 - Racism, Dangerous Workplace, & Pay
12:12 - Irresponsible Leadership
14:11 - Revealing EK's Sprawling Network
16:17 - Debts, Loans, Owners, & Investors
20:30 - Finding the $5 Million
25:36 - Recapping the Money Claims
28:06 - Org Chart: A Total Mess
35:12 - Lawyer (VA): Defining an LLC & Its Purpose
35:31 - Lawyer (VA): Piercing the Corporate Veil
38:32 - Lawyer (VA): Hiding Money & Capitalization
39:54 - Lawyer (VA): Civil Conspiracy & Criminal Conspiracy Defined
44:27 - Lawyer (KW): Tax Forfeiture
45:17 - Lawyer (KW): Personal Liability of CEOs & Officers
45:52 - Lawyer (KW): Foreign Entities, Liability, & Supply Debts
47:32 - Conclusion: Looking Forward
51:13 - Conclusion: EK Has Lost It

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Steve Burke: Host, Research, Video Editing, Writing
Vitalii Makhnovets: Video Editing
Andrew Coleman: 3D Animation, Video Editing

[thesword]

GN has truly transcended from being one of the best tech review companies, to one of the most important. The thoroughness of your due-diligence, research, and outreach is unparalleled. Not only putting in the time, showing the receipts, but also opening avenues for those affected to seek counsel is amazing. You've set the standard. All other tech review/journalism companies should be measured against GN. A sincerest thanks to the entire team for their hard work. This type of journalism is not easy, it is not comfortable, but it is absolutely crucial.

[snazzy]

That org chart is insane. You guys are insane. Absolutely incredible work.

[eslachance]

The rise of investigative journalism youtubers borne out of the necessity to keep people accountable is positively insane, and I appreciate every bit of it. Thank you for your service!

[Katzenfels]

Thank you Steve et al for your great work, keep it up! My contribution to your independence. Let's support more honest and ethical behavior!

[evelyntech]

Proper journalism like this is why outlets like GN are so important.

[mikhayahu]

10 years ago I would not have imagined that we would get better investigative journalism on youtube than the big news networks. Well done GN!

[LemonRush]

It's rare to see investigave journalism of this level nowadays. Glad to see you keep filling those shoes in the tech space.

[iamiq]

Guys, your journalism should be a standard for everyone. The standard of consistency in your reporting is better than my breathing rate. Thank you, everyone at Gamers Nexus.

[Erelyes]

Debauer wasn't kidding when he said the first GN video on EK was the tip of the iceberg.

[rodmandealerman]

When a company shill says '...take this very seriously...', what they meant to say was 'we are sorry we got caught, we won't make it right, and you have no recourse'.

[QuickLern]

When you started Gamers Nexus, did you ever think one day you would be taking on evil corporations and championing people fighting for their livelihoods? Who knows where your journey will take you, but Godspeed. I’m buying a damn shirt.

[scarlett]

Thank you GN for spending the money and taking the time to do this important investigative work. We should all support this independent tech journalism that isn't just a sycophantic quid pro quo with the tech industry. GN has really earned my respect.

[frostghoul]

Oh boy, now we have the second edition of cooking EK.

[Anzrul]

Steve has become the benchmark for when an issue in the tech industry has gone from "someone messed up" to "someone seriously F'd up". If Steve has an hour long or longer video on your screw up, you've seriously F'd up. Thanks for all the hard work Steve.

[Stop_Pre-Ordering_Video_Games]

Best journalism I've seen in years. The media, tabloids, and reporters should take note of what can be achieved if you put the effort in.

[ZenonSethG]

This is investigative journalism at its finest. I hope the EK higher ups responsible get to face consequences for their horrible treatment of employees and associates. Keep up the great work as always GN!

[cheese_crab]

EK is probably looking into custom person sized cooling solutions for how much they're sweating right now

[SalemTechsperts]

Quite literally The Greatest Tech Channel That's Ever Lived. I can't begin to fathom the amount of time, effort, and research this took. Insane work.

[calisto]

Thanks, GN and gang, for the great reporting and trying to help the employees!

[f.stopperrmedia]

Absolute hats off to all the days and hours of work that this level of journalism requires, and more-so the people willing to put in that work. We are so lucky as a community to have you! Thank you for everything!