Titans 4 U, a capsuleer run investment vehicle run by Bad Bobby since last summer has now ceased trading after unusual behaviour was observed by trustees and investors.

Suspicions were raised on the 3rd of September when Proton Power reported in the Market Discussion section of GalNet that the directors of Titans 4 U had been dismissed from their roles a day before a vote was created to “unlock the 5 titan bpo’s.”

Bad Bobby confirmed on the 4th of September that he had indeed stolen the assets and funds of Titans 4 U.

In an exclusive interview with the Interstellar Correspondents, Bad Bobby has given a detailed account of the true value of the assets stolen, and also his future plans. He divulged to us that although he ran Titans 4 U as a legitimate operation, he was always going to “keep his options open” and his desires to bail out and cash in on the venture were always in his mind.

Bad Bobby explained that the idea for Titans 4 U was not actually his, but a fellow capsuleer. However, the aforementioned capsuleer went on to execute thefts from other ventures such as EBANK instead. Bad Bobby has stated that he had always worked alone from the start, and that no one other than himself knew his possible intentions to execute a mass theft.

We can now officially confirm the items stolen for the Titans 4 U heist, as detailed by Bad Bobby; five blueprint originals which included two Erebus, two Avatar, and one Leviathan, as well as one Avatar blueprint copy, 156 billion ISK, and a faction “deathstar” starbase tower with fittings.

When asked about his personal feelings towards those who had invested in Titans 4 U, his response was one of little sympathy; “It’s a shame that some people are hit very hard by the scam, but that’s the nature of investment. Nobody should ever invest what they cannot afford to lose.”

Many capsuleers who had invested in Titans 4 U appeared to have admiration for such a large scale theft, regardless of their own personal assets lost in Titans 4 U. Capsuleer Istvaan Shogaatsu, himself known for large corporation thefts praised Bad Bobby; “Now that’s a corp theft. Congratulations!”

Vaerah Vahrokha, a new Eden capsuleer who conducts audits for various IPO’S, and who has come across strong opposition to her seemingly ‘pointless’ number crunching, made her opinion very clear on the matter, “Enjoy losing more dozens of billions [investors]. Talk is cheap, my payback is not.”

Bad Bobby has confirmed that he is already working towards his next ‘venture’, but it may prove difficult to beat Titans 4 U.

Jita – One capsuleer has stated her intent to visit every solar system in New Eden, cataloging the journey as she goes.

Hitomi Baka, the CEO of Koala Coalation [KAYC], recently started the epic journey across the known galaxy. Says Baka, “Well, I started hitting every region in [New Eden], then decided that it was too small a challenge, so I decided to go to every system as well.”

Proof of this journey will be documented in the photos Baka plans to take at each step of her journey. “I am taking a [Neocom Image] of each system as I jump into it, [then] naming them and sorting by regions.” The journey is expected to take anywhere from three to six months if she keeps her current pace.

Baka explains her motivation: “Initially, it was just a passing fancy. When I thought more of it and began to plan, it made me think. [Lawless space] and people claiming territory stop a lot of [pilots] from exploring. I decided to not only be the only person to have been in every known system, but to show others that it’s not as scary as they think.”

Although Interstellar Correspondents has heard of similar feats, none has involved a system by system journey. Early last year, DevilDogUSMC of H E L I C O N Alliance recorded a successful circumnavigation of the known galaxy. He survived the journey with his ship intact.

Baka will travel the stars in a specially modified Tengu designed to dissuade attempts to hinder her progress. At the conclusion of her trip, she plans to auction off the Tengu used in the journey as a collector’s item, the proceeds of which will be donated to EVE University.

Pilots interested in tracking Baka’s progress can find her general whereabouts listed under her bio; her exact location will not be published for security reasons.

Mineral prices in New Eden fluctuate on a daily basis creating additional work for New Eden’s entrepreneurs actively involved in the markets. The Eve Morning Reports was created by a capsuleer to ease that burden.

The Eve Morning Report, created and broadcast by Utemetsu, claims to be a very detailed, daily update on many mineral prices including recaps of previous prices for capsuleers to determine trends.

Utemetsu recalled that compiling the information for the broadcast used to take a great deal of time, and involved going through each mineral’s price history individually. The time taken to analyze the market data screens and to correlate the daily changes was very time consuming. With the newer direct link to the New Eden markets available, the information can now be compiled and delivered much faster.

When asked which type of capsuleer he believed would find the reports of most value, he mentioned that even though the reports are aimed at those from mostly trade and industry backgrounds, the reports can be of aid to every New Eden capsuleer: “In reality, all capsuleers could find this information useful. Even if they don’t touch the market screen beyond ‘sell item’, it’s still wise to have at least an idea of where price averages are.”

Utemetsu also made it clear that his shows are not to be taken as “financial advice” but simply another tool available for capsuleers to use in the pursuit of ISK.

Utemetsu has expressed a keen desire to expand his reports into more diverse areas in the near future: “By the end of the year I hope to have a show, or a set of shows, providing information on all aspects of life in New Eden; not just economics. War updates, segments about missioning, fitting, manufacturing, and politics.”

GalNet References

Original Posting

Kourmonen – The Bleak Lands. In a battle involving a most unlikely fleet, it took the combined efforts of Minmatar Republic militia ships and the Amarr Empire militia forces to break a Wildly Inappropriate [WI] stargate camp.

“The Wildly Inappropriate forces were spotted [engaging] some of the Amarr Militia…” states the joint force fleet commander, Predator Elite, “…we also noticed they were [engaged with] the Minmatar pilots as well.” It was at that point Flyinghotpocket, a member of Filthy Franchise [N4STY] and a member of the Minmatar Militia, is credited with arranging a treaty with the Amarrian fleet.

Although not common, these impromptu ‘cease-fire’ situations do occur when warranted. When asked if the contact from the Republic forces was a surprise, Predator Elite – member of Core Impulse and FC for the Amarr Militia – states, “[I was] not really surprised because there were times before when we were fighting that a pirate gang would jump on us and we all would stop fighting and kill off the pirates…so I was ok with it.” Missy Lorelai, a member of N4STY, echoes that statement, “As of late, some 0.0 pirate corps have been engaging both sides during conflict or pirating plexes or missions.” but she quickly qualifies, “…we only work with one FC with Treaties…Predator Elite.”

The most recent ‘Treaty’ lasted approx twenty minutes while the combined militia fleet held the field against the Wildly Inappropriate camp. No occurances of friendly-fire were reported, and after looting the field, each fleet went their own way. It must also be reported that these two fleets engaged each other later in the evening, with the Amarr Empire forces holding the field.

This is yet another instance of the level of organization that it appears the militias are undergoing to become more competitive against some of the more powerful Alliances. When asked about how the militias are evolving, Wolfduke, a member of Wildly Inappropriate and former Venge Captain for the Republic, states, “It was great to finally see some coordination in their forces,” he adds, “Even though it involved siding with the devil…in their case.” Wolfduke noted that it was only afterwards he heard that the two militias had called for a cease-fire to fight them. But, while he is “far too devoted to [Wildly Inappropriate] to change allegiances”, he was proud to see how the fleets have evolved from being “poor quality and not focused at all.”

Although the two militias remain bitter enemies, they have proven that it would be unwise to get between them while they are fighting.

GalNet References

Battle Details

Molea, Khanid – On 112.08.18, Azia Burgi’s cemetery was attacked by combined forces from Goonswarm Federation and TEST Alliance.

This is the second time the cemetery has come under Goonswarm’s crosshairs as they were also responsible for the destruction of the first cemetery, in Y110.

According to Azia Burgi, the cemetery’s caretaker, the tower guarding the ‘caskets’ came under fire on Monday: “It was about midnight… when around 60 Goon pilots jumped into Molea and started attacking us.”

Azia explained that while three pilots of her corporation were manning defences, Goonswarm’s pilots used their numbers and their remote repair capability to continue their attack virtually unscathed: “each time we primaried a ship they had 5 Guardians backing it up, ” she said.

Reports indicate that the starbase protecting the cemetery was a medium tower of Amarr design. The tower lacked the tough defences found in larger ones, but it had been choosen by Azia as a good compromise on durability and available burial volume. “When up against an alliance as large as Goonswarm no amount of sentry guns will stop them,” she explained.

The starbase’s destruction has not affected Azia’s morale. According to her, the ‘caskets’ have mostly remained in place and she has hinted at plans for the cemetery’s future: “I will not be bullied… [but] I can’t really reveal the actual plans on how i plan to rebuild while the war is still active… I am still accepting corpses” she concluded.

GalNet References

Cemetery Information
Molea Cemetery Destroyed by Jihadswarm
Capsuleer Cemetery Flourishes

New Eden – More than two months after the signing of the Caldari Defence Initiative, the pact remains alive and well, as shown by recent cooperative efforts.

According to eddie valvetino, CEO of the Bi-Polar Bears and a fleet commander with the Gallente Federation, “Since the forming of the CDI, they [Amarr and Caldari Forces] have been a lot more active together… To be honest, the only time the Caldari really get a good fleet up and go for a fight, you can be sure they have backup from the Amarr.”

While strength in numbers appears to be one benefit of the CDI, strengthening cooperation and organization appears to be another goal. Gunnyt31, Fleet Commander and Senior Member of Inglorious-Basterds [I.B.S.], says, “The CDI will hopefully minimize the chaos that is created by high sec war decs while forming fleets in our main systems.”

In the past, corporations at war stood alone as hired mercenaries picked them out of militia fleets. To counter this, Gunnyt31 explains; “If one of the CDI Corp [has war declared upon them] then they [all CDI member corps] come in to assist that corp.” Stalking Mantis, member of I.B.S. adds; “[..this allows] the [militia] corporations to focus on the actual war with the Gallente without being sidetracked by Mercs…”

“[Militia warfare] seems very unwelcoming at the beginning to newer pilots… there are loads of [fighting] never too far to be had once [the pilot] gets a solid reputation as a pilot and not a potential spy.” states Stalking Mantis, voicing a major security concern. With the CDI now in place and the combined fleets being fielded, eddie valvetino states, “Our intelligences and spy networks now have to include the Amarr.” When asked about the level of concern about the apparent successes of the CDI, he adds, “This is the ebb and flow of New Eden. Corps, alliances and coalitions grow, become powerful and they then collapse.”

Whether the CDI will fade away with time remains to be seen, but by all accounts, the larger multi-factional fleets fielded recently have caused some disruption to the Gallente militia and forced them to adapt. What remains to be seen is how the militias will retain the pilots that cut their teeth in battle fighting for the ideals and survival of their Nations.

Galnet References

Caldari Defence Initiative Signed by Militia Corporations

The Utu blueprints were awarded to HYDRA as second place prizes in Alliance Tournament VIII. Only fifty Utu hulls can ever be built and their value is estimated at about 30 billion ISK per unit.

The Utu is a specialized drone platform based on the Ishkur design. The vessel is also able to field considerable scrambling capabilities and is considered a strong combat platform.

Records indicate that at least one Utu vessel has already been destroyed. The vessel belonging to Morel Nova met its fate at the hand of CTPAHHUK UKC on 112.07.19.

Several of the forty-nine surviving ships have now been put on sale. Phunkadin explained that HYDRA RELOADED decided to sell part of its Utu vessel stock in a bid to raise enough capital to build a supercapital fleet.

According to Phunkadin, not all of the Utus are going to be sold: “we are going to use some of them… [to show] we are the best and should not be messed with.”

It is believed that the alliance has already sold about ten vessels and the same number have been contracted to Chribba as collateral for an IPO on the alliance’s behalf. Chribba also bought one Utu for private use.

Additionally, one Utu frigate was awarded last month during the privately owned lottery “ShipsofEve:AT8″.

Conoban, Kor-Azor – The Bank Of Eve [EOBT] has opened for business, aiming to bring trust to New Eden where other banks have had past difficulty.

Blastyoazz666, a founding member of the bank believes that it has the potential be the best in New Eden. He claimed that capsuleers “always look for more ISK”, and there is no better way than by “getting a loan”. He also stated that he believes EOBT will be successful as they have “watched the rest fail”, and have learned from those mistakes by other banks.

He believes that to succeed they need to earn the trust of the capsuleers that will be banking with them and need to put in the work: “We are dedicating all of our time to this idea. We have spreadsheets made for quick look ups on members.”

Blastyoazz666 further explained that confidence will be achieved by asking customers to “put up collateral” and that they already have some who wish to “try us out and see how we do”.

EOBT has taken four months of planning and they believe they are ready for anything, even when hiring, as they plan to do “background checks” on all new staff which includes talking to all their past corporations.

Well known and trusted capsuleer, Chribba, gave a short statement saying that in his belief the customer needs to have “trust and faith” that the bank will take good care of their money. The bank would also need to communicate as failing to do so would make trust in the venture “decrease” in Chribba’s opinion.

So far capsuleers are remaining skeptical, with RAW23 stating: “You need to put in some time and effort convincing [capsuleers] that you can be trusted and the way to do this is to start small and then grow.” Another, Phoebe Halliwell, said: “The fact that you only have ten billion [ISK] between all the involved owners of the bank doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in your ISK making abilities.”

As they are now open for business, capsuleers may be reminded of the previous failings of EBANK and the current rebuilding process that they are undergoing.

With the bank preparing for its opening, capsuleers will have to decide not only if it delivers the trust it promises to customers, but also if it has the potential to last.

Galnet References

EOBT announce they are open for business
Banking has confused more than one capsuleer in the past
EBANK’s problems are made public
Customers lose faith in EBANK
Dynasty Banking struggle

Jita, The Forge – On 112.08.07, a Kestrel frigate carrying 74 Pilot’s License Extensions [PLEX] worth about 22 billion ISK, was blown up just outside of the Jita 4-4 station.

The frigate, piloted by Aystra of SpaceMonkey’s Alliance, was destroyed by slickdog and Viktor Vegas of The 0rphanage Alliance as part of a CONCORD sanctioned war between the two entities. It remains unclear why the frigate pilot took the risk to move such a valuable cargo during an active war.

According to wilbongbe of the SpaceMonkey’s Alliance, we might never know the reasons behind the attempted move, as the weight of the tremendous ISK loss pushed Aystra to immediately put an end to her capsuleering days.

The attacking pilots were unaware of the precious cargo and they immediately eliminated the wreck to deny any theft by scavenger pilots.

“I would probably be kicked out [of the alliance] if [PLEX] were to drop… I was the one that killed the wreck,” concluded slickdog.

Jita, The Forge – Tarac Nor, the capsuleer behind the betrayal and disbanding of Ushra’Khan [UNITY] has confirmed rumours by openly joining HYDRA RELOADED [HYDRA].

Tarac has confirmed that he was paid five billion ISK by HYDRA for “station docking and as sort of a gift”. This will not come as a shock to the former members of UNITY who had always suspected that ISK was changing hands.

Long-term, Tarac has revealed that he plans to stay at HYDRA for as long as he is “welcome”, stating that the capsuleers of HYDRA are “really cool guys to fly with.”

Even though he does not have any plans for the immediate future, Tarac did express a wish of being a CEO: “I’ll stay in HYDRA and have fun. I dont really have any plans at this point. I may try my hand at running a [combat] corporation of my own.”

In closing, Tarac expressed no wish to speak to any of his former alliance members, apparently wanting to put it all behind him: “What’s done is done, they have moved on. I’ve spoken to my friends in private.”