Dmitry Volkov’s Dating Empire

From Transhumanist Visionary to the Architect of an Offshore Dating Business

Dmitry Borisovich Volkov, a Russian technology investor and advocate of transhumanism, has become the central figure behind one of the world’s most extensive online dating conglomerates: Dating Group. While the brand projects sophistication through sites like AnastasiaDate, AmoLatina, and AsianDate, critics argue that the underlying model commodifies affection, manipulates emotions, and operates from offshore jurisdictions known for regulatory leniency.

Volkov, often featured as a thought leader in tech and philosophy, has quietly structured his businesses across Malta, Cyprus, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI)—notorious for minimal financial transparency and investor protection.

Overview of Key Elements

A Pattern of User Complaints

Platforms owned by Dating Group—AnastasiaDate, AmoLatina, AsianDate, among others—continue to receive frequent negative reviews. Users often report misleading interactions, opaque pricing structures, and emotional exploitation disguised as romance (source).

These services promote cross-cultural connections—Eastern European women for Western men, Latin charm for global audiences, Asian partners for romantics worldwide. Yet, customers allege that they frequently pay for conversations with either non-existent individuals or hired personnel trained to prolong interaction. Physical meetings rarely occur, even after months of communication and hundreds (or thousands) of dollars spent. The opaque ownership structure makes disputes and refunds exceptionally difficult.

Corporate Growth and Ethical Concerns

In 2014, Volkov co-founded SDGroup, a technology holding firm incorporated in Malta. The company’s official website, www.datinggrp.com, promotes its reach across 100+ countries, managing over 40 brands in social discovery with an alleged user base of 250+ million. Volkov’s transformation from philosophy student to online dating tycoon highlights the intersection between legal enterprise and ethically controversial digital business models.

Core Platforms Under Dating Group

Dating Group, operating as part of SDGroup, claims a user base exceeding 73 million and annual revenues surpassing $200 million. Their most prominent platforms include:

Main Dating Brands:

• Dating.com – The group’s flagship global dating platform, targeting users in over 30 countries. Promoted as a space for “love without borders,” it connects singles from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The platform maintains an active LinkedIn presence here.

• AnastasiaDate (https://www.anastasiadate.com/) — Launched in 1993, transitioned online in 1997. Focused on connecting Western men with Eastern European women. Expanded into sister sites in 2007.

• AmoLatina — Founded in 2007, this platform facilitates contact between Latin American women and international men. Claims over 1.5 million users.

• AsianDate (https://asiandate.en.aptoide.com/app) — Targets users interested in Asian partners, offering live chat and video calls with a reported user base exceeding 20 million.

• Additional Services — Includes ArabianDate, AfricaBeauties, EuroDate, YourChristianDate, ChinaLove, and DateMyAge.

Monetization Through Emotion: Paid Chat Systems

These platforms use a credit-based model where users pay for each interaction—whether messaging, video calling, or sending digital gifts. According to whistleblowers, the business deploys psychological tactics and even algorithm-based engagement strategies to maximize spending. Trained romance agents, often hired locally, maintain user interest for profit—not for genuine romantic outcomes.

The companies behind these sites are registered in regulatory grey zones—Malta, Cyprus, and BVI—making legal recourse for defrauded or misled users incredibly rare. The citizenship-by-investment model employed by Volkov to acquire Maltese nationality adds another layer of protection and mobility.

Despite repeated consumer warnings and ongoing investigative reporting, no significant criminal case has been brought against Volkov or his network, which underscores a troubling enforcement gap in international digital dating regulation.

User Ratings and Complaint Trends

Across all major platforms, dominant user concerns include:

• The authenticity of interlocutors (allegedly fake or paid)

• High and non-transparent credit pricing

• Lack of effective support or refund procedures

• Emotional exploitation to prolong payments

While the platforms advertise global success stories, user experience often points to dissatisfaction and claims of deception.

Read FinTelegram’s full alert on Dating Group here.

Corporate Structure of SDGroup and Dating Group

Below is a compiled table summarizing the corporate entities affiliated with SDGroup and Dating Group:

Additional Notes:

• Offices and registrations are present in Malta, UK, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus, and India.

• Multiple entities in the network are now inactive.

• The Malta branch is frequently listed as the headquarters for core operations.

• SOL Holdings Limited in Cyprus appears to play a crucial role in financial and intellectual property matters.

Call for Evidence

FinTelegram is actively gathering evidence concerning Dmitry Volkov, Dating Group, and all affiliated platforms. Whistleblowers, former employees, or insiders in possession of internal communications or documentation are encouraged to come forward.