By Keri Algar

SYDNEY, NSW: Ruslan Kogan, online retail entrepreneur, has today launched TradeLeaks in the name of retail and trade transparency. The whistleblowing website encourages consumers and industry insiders to leak information about businesses directly to the public, by posting information and evidence directly onto the site.

In a statement to the media, Kogan said: "We know that most retailers are open and honest, but we also know there is a lot of dodgy scheming and deception in the world of trade.

"The problem is there is no way for the average consumer to stay informed about this secrecy. TradeLeaks is here to change that. Customers can now learn the truth about any retailer out there and make more educated decisions with their hard earned money.”

Current.com.au spoke with Kogan, who said that this was not a publicity stunt.

“For nearly five years now, Kogan has been talking about the openness and transparency of the internet and how it is changing the world of retail and trade. This is the next stage of that. We believe it is a great concept that will get publicity, but it is independent of the Kogan consumer electronics brand.”

According to Kogan, TradeLeaks went from idea to inception in around a week and was developed with co-founder David Shafer.

With regards to the legality of the enterprise Kogan said TradeLeaks was aware of its legal position.

“We are just a medium for sources to expose lies and deception. If exposing a lie causes TradeLeaks to be sued, then that is a court case we would be happy to defend.”

At the time of publishing, TradeLeaks had 10 postings.

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