Global Pi Market Surges Past 200,000 Users, But Allegations of Crime Spell Doubt

The Global Pi Market (GPM), one of the largest decentralized marketplaces within the Pi Network ecosystem, has surpassed 208,000 registered users this October.

However, even as its growth cements GPM’s role as a flagship example of Pi’s real-world utility, allegations of illegal sales involving stolen vehicles have ignited controversy around the project’s rapid expansion.

Decentralization Through Franchising Pays Off For Pi Network’s GPM

Founded by Alhaurin1968 and Ron123Cash, GPM began as a peer-to-peer trading platform inside the Pi Browser, allowing users (Pioneers) to buy, sell, and offer services using Pi tokens directly.

“Create a real marketplace where Pi is not theory—but daily practice,” PiNewsZone quoted GPM’s mission.

In less than two years, that idea grew into a vast, decentralized trading ecosystem boasting over 17,000 live ads, 22,000 Telegram members, and real transactions in Pi occurring daily across the globe.

Users trade everything from digital services and electronics to cars and property listings, creating what GPM calls a “100% Pi-based economy.”

To secure trades, the marketplace employs MultiSig Wallets, escrow protection, and a dispute resolution system, all managed through GPM’s built-in infrastructure.

The platform also promotes an environmental initiative under its “Pioneer Forest” project, to plant five trees for every 100 successful trades.

One of GPM’s most notable innovations is its Franchise Model, which allows local entrepreneurs to operate regional GPM branches while earning commissions on transactions within their markets.

Each franchise partner acts as a local ambassador, helping onboard users, manage listings, and build trust within their community.

With franchise earnings set at 2% per transaction and headquarters taking 1%, the system merges decentralized governance with entrepreneurial opportunity.

GPM has already expanded to multiple regions. It describes itself as a network of connected Pi marketplaces, a decentralized ecosystem with real-world business roots.

Allegations of Illegal Sales Surface Against GPM

Despite these milestones, recent claims have cast a shadow over GPM’s legitimacy. A verified Pi Network community account on X (Twitter) suggested that certain “foreign used” cars listed on the platform may actually be stolen vehicles exported to Africa.

The post linked to Interpol’s stolen vehicle database, raising the possibility of transnational criminal activity infiltrating the otherwise community-driven platform. GPM has not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.

Prices on the platform are determined by minimum floor values rather than the debated Global Consensus Value (GCV) of Pi. This can lead to wide discrepancies in asset pricing, especially for high-value items like vehicles.

A Critical Moment Before Hackathon 25

As the Pi Network gears up for Hackathon 25, GPM plans to present new features such as integration with Pi DEX, tokenization tools, and an expanded multi-tenant architecture.

“We’ve shown that Pi works. The next step is connecting every local market to a global chain of trust,” read the announcement, citing co-founder Alhaurin1968.

However, as questions around compliance and transparency mount, GPM faces a pivotal test. It needs to prove that real utility in the Pi economy can coexist with regulatory integrity.

The network is at a crossroads. On the one hand, the marketplace’s explosive growth could become a showcase for decentralized commerce. On the other hand, it could go out as a cautionary tale of unchecked expansion.

Both outcomes hinge on how it responds to the allegations now gripping the Pi community.