A UK-based crypto entrepreneur has drawn attention due to connections with the largest illegal drug operation in the country. Reports indicate that the individual operated a crypto game named Paradox Metaverse, which was labeled a Ponzi scheme by crypto investigator Coffeezilla, and is now associated with an illicit weight loss drug enterprise in the UK.
Founded by brothers Amio Talio and Faisal Tariq, the project gained traction by securing a livestream segment with IshowSpeed, a popular gaming streamer with over 43 million followers. An investigation by The Guardian has revealed that Tariq Faisal is linked to an industrial estate unit in Northampton, which was raided by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
During the October raid, enforcement officers seized thousands of unlicensed Alluvi-branded weight loss pens, along with raw chemical ingredients, manufacturing equipment, packaging materials, and £20,000 in cash. Some of these pens contained retatrutide, a potent compound still undergoing clinical trials and not approved for medical use. Although no arrests were made, authorities characterized the seizure as their largest to date.
Despite the raid, the Alluvi website remained active during the holiday season, stating that products were unavailable due to high demand. Its Telegram channel continued to engage thousands of customers, who reportedly placed orders daily. Although the industrial estate is secured, rumors suggest that production may have relocated. The Guardian”s report highlights the connection between Faisal Tariq and the operation, although he has not yet been officially charged.
Documents reviewed by the Guardian allegedly link Tariq to businesses involved in selling Alluvi products, supported by testimonies from sources familiar with the illegal drug trade. The raided unit was recognized by local residents, even as the MHRA has not disclosed the specific location of the warehouse. Records show that the unit is registered to Wholesale Supplements Limited, a company where Faisal Tariq is listed as the director.
Inquiries into the operation revealed that Alluvi products were marketed through a website called Ecommerce Nutri Collectiv, which lost its payment provider Stripe following its involvement. Investigations also indicated that this company shared a registered address with Vantage Commercials Group, a firm once operated by Tariq.
The Paradox project, which includes Paradox Coin and Paradox Metaverse, a play-to-earn blockchain game, has faced numerous controversies. It purported to allow players to earn cryptocurrency while engaging in gameplay but has been accused of being a scam by various players and online critics. Coffeezilla publicly challenged Tariq and his brother during a YouTube interview, scrutinizing the project”s claims and tokenomics. Tariq denied these allegations, asserting that he was not promoting a get-rich-quick scheme.
Local residents have reported seeing numerous high-end vehicles parked near the raided units. Medical professionals have raised concerns regarding the dangers of illegal drugs, emphasizing that retatrutide has not completed clinical trials, and unregulated injectable drugs carry risks of contamination and improper administration. Moreover, there are claims that the MHRA is not acting swiftly against offenders, as the agency has confirmed that no arrests have occurred following the raid. When asked about Tariq, the agency declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations.
