A surprising revival effort is underway for the infamous energy company Enron Corp, which became synonymous with corporate fraud after its spectacular collapse over two decades ago. Misleading marketing has seemingly emerged as part of an elaborate prank, suggesting that Enron intends to return to the energy sector while hinting at the launch of a cryptocurrency token.
On December 2, marking the 23rd anniversary of Enron’s bankruptcy, a group advertising itself as Enron unveiled plans to relaunch as a company focused on addressing the global energy crisis. This announcement was disseminated through a post on social media, along with a billboard placement in Houston, Texas, where the original firm was based.
However, the so-called new Enron has raised eyebrows with claims on a now-deleted social media post, implying the release of a digital token. While they have made it clear that no such offering is currently available, they teased the public with promises of future developments. The company’s website offers a disclaimer, indicating that its content is meant for entertainment and is protected under parody laws.
Interestingly, the Enron trademark is owned by a company in Arkansas known as College Company, with ties to Connor Gaydos, who is recognized for his association with the satirical “birds aren’t real” conspiracy theory. Former Enron employees have reacted with dismay to this revival. One representative of ex-employees has expressed that such mockery is disrespectful to those who suffered due to the company’s actions, noting her personal losses during the scandal.
In contrast, some former executives viewed the situation differently, suggesting that using humor to highlight past atrocities may serve as a way to address uncomfortable truths from history. Enron’s demise originated from deceptive accounting practices that concealed significant debt, leading to its bankruptcy, which at the time was unprecedented in U.S. history and resulted in thousands losing their jobs.
