The Norwegian Gaming Board cleared Lyoness of illegal activities in Norway, concluding a six-month investigation that began last December. The Board's preliminary audit report found the company does not operate an illegal pyramid scheme.
The investigation aimed to assess whether Lyoness functioned as an illegal pyramid. This inquiry specifically considered the company's Account Unit investment scheme. Despite this component, the Board's conclusion stated, "The Company does not engage in illegal activities in Norway."
The preliminary report explicitly found Lyoness "not engaged in an illegal pyramid sales system in Norway in violation of the Lottery Act § 16 second paragraph." This finding was based on information the Gaming Board had regarding Lyoness's operations in Norway at the time of the audit.
More detailed information from the Gaming Board was expected following this preliminary statement. The Gaming Board has historically identified various fraudulent schemes. Some observers noted the current finding seemed unusual given their past record concerning investment programs.
The Gaming Board published its full report on the Lyoness decision on September 21, 2014.