The cinematic return of Kevin Spacey with the project “Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force” is intertwined with the echo of a federal investigation involving individuals linked to Forsage, the DeFi scheme identified by authorities as an alleged pyramid scheme. In this context, the name of Vladimir Okhotnikov, credited as co-writer and cast member, has emerged in documents related to civil and criminal proceedings connected to the case, although his actual association with the film project is still awaiting official confirmation.
According to the data collected by our editorial team and the analysis of the filed court documents, the indicated names appear in multiple procedural documents and federal charges. Industry analysts note that the reconstruction of on-chain flows analyzed by investigators is consistent with the estimate of approximately 340 million dollars indicated by the authorities. This picture, although partial and evolving, confirms that the case has both legal and reputational implications for the parties involved.
Who is the suspect and how does he fit into the film with Kevin Spacey
According to some reports, Vladimir Okhotnikov is allegedly involved in the production of “Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force.” His name appears in proceedings related to the Forsage case, a DeFi platform accused of operating as a global pyramid scheme. U.S. authorities, including the SEC, have described Forsage as a fraudulent project based on smart contracts.
The US Department of Justice has announced the charges against the alleged founders of Forsage, estimating the business turnover at approximately 340 million dollars and alleging crimes that include conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The main charges in the federal documents date back to the end of February 2023.
Essential Timeline of the Forsage Case
- 2022 — The SEC initiated civil actions against Forsage, classifying the project as a pyramid scheme based on smart contracts.
- February 22-23, 2023 — The US Department of Justice filed criminal charges against the alleged founders, reporting an estimated collection of approximately 340 million dollars globally.
- Update as of September 4, 2025 — Legal proceedings and actions continue in various jurisdictions; the accusatory framework remains evolving and may vary based on the defendants and the competent court.
What the authorities are contesting
- Estimated amount: approximately 340 million dollars raised globally (source: DOJ/SEC releases).
- Main allegations: online fraud and activities that can be configured as a pyramid scheme, disguised as a DeFi platform and organized through affiliate matrices.
- Legal status: both criminal proceedings and civil actions are ongoing; the presumption of innocence applies until a final verdict is reached.
Forsage, in brief: how it operated according to the documents
The documents describe Forsage as a system based on smart contracts active on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Tron, organized through affiliate matrices and peer-to-peer payments. The documents indicate that returns for users largely depended on the recruitment of new participants, configuring an unsustainable economic model akin to a pyramid scheme.
The film and the reputational issue
“Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force” was presented as the return of Kevin Spacey, both in front of and behind the camera. Some industry media have reported the presence in the cast of actors such as Tyrese Gibson, Dolph Lundgren, and Eric Roberts, but these elements are still subject to verification with the productions involved. During the Venice Film Festival, the project gained visibility through promotional materials and private presentations; the showcase can be viewed on the official website of the Venice Biennale.
The fact that a co-writer is linked to legal proceedings of such magnitude has fueled a heated debate in the industry, between the protection of artistic freedom and the need not to legitimize figures at the center of financial fraud disputes, influencing the public perception of the project.
Spacey and the Forsage Case: What Emerges
- Involvement: so far, there are no charges from the DOJ or the SEC against Kevin Spacey in relation to Forsage.
- Connection: the link remains indirect, through the reported presence of Vladimir Okhotnikov in the film’s creative team, with some details yet to be confirmed.
- Impact: the overlap between the film’s promotion and the ongoing investigations could affect the perception of the project by the press and the public.
Implications for the crypto sector
- There is a tightening of controls and regulation on DeFi products, particularly those that include referral and affiliate systems, as highlighted by the SEC’s action in 2022.
- The authorities are intensifying coordination between civil and criminal bodies, with increased use of on-chain forensic analysis and international collaborations to trace cross-border flows.
- The demand for greater transparency remains central for retail investors: clearer governance, smart contract audits, and sustainable remuneration models are identified as key measures to reduce risks.
Quick FAQ
Who formalized the charges against Forsage?
The US Department of Justice has disclosed the criminal charges (charges dated February 2023), while the SEC initiated parallel civil actions against the project in 2022.
What is the legal status of Vladimir Okhotnikov?
Okhotnikov has denied any wrongdoing; he is currently involved in proceedings related to the Forsage case, with no final judgments made public at this time (update as of September 4, 2025).
Was the film blocked or withdrawn?
There are no official withdrawal orders. However, communication about the project is influenced by the media attention related to the ongoing investigations on Forsage and the still open verifications on production credits.
Was the trailer presented in Venice?
Promotional materials and presentations were shown during the Venice Film Festival at the end of August; further official details on the cast and distribution are pending confirmation from the parties involved.