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Ruja Ignatova Lands on FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted List for Allegedly Embezzling Billions from OneCoin Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
Ruja Ignatova, the alleged mastermind behind the infamous 'cryptocurrency queen' title, has been placed on the FBI's top 10 most wanted list. The agency is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Ignatova's arrest.
In 2019, Ignatova was charged with 8 counts of fraud after fleeing with millions invested in the OneCoin cryptocurrency project. Prosecutors allege OneCoin rewarded members for recruiting others into the worthless cryptocurrency.
Damian Williams, the Manhattan District Attorney, stated: 'She orchestrated a perfect scheme, capitalizing on the frenzy surrounding the early days of cryptocurrency.' He described OneCoin as one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history.
Launched in 2016, OneCoin operated as a multi-level marketing cryptocurrency. Upon its introduction, Ignatova claimed it would become the world's strongest digital currency, surpassing leading coins like Bitcoin.
Ignatova's persuasive words led many to flock to invest in OneCoin. However, she fled in 2017 with a vast sum from investors, after discovering her American boyfriend was cooperating with the FBI to investigate OneCoin.
According to prosecutor Williams, Ignatova boarded a flight from Bulgaria to Greece and vanished thereafter.
Following the escape of the 'cryptocurrency queen,' numerous lawsuits against OneCoin were filed in London, Dublin, Brussels, and other cities.
In August 2021, the US requested the Financial Crime Unit in Seychelles to investigate transactions related to Ignatova. However, the whereabouts of the 'cryptocurrency queen' remain unknown.
US prosecutors estimate investments in OneCoin could reach up to $4 billion. OneCoin and 'cryptocurrency queen' Ignatova are implicated in one of the world's largest fraud cases. She's also linked to the multi-level marketing scam BigCoin, receiving a suspended 14-month sentence in Germany.
Michael Driscoll, FBI Assistant Director in New York, declined to comment on information that could aid in tracing Ignatova. The FBI has listed the German citizen as wanted, believing the public can assist in locating the suspect.
Driscoll stated, 'She vanished with a mountain of cash. Money can buy many allies, and I believe she's leveraging that.'
According to CNN, Mark Scott, former lawyer for OneCoin, is also accused of laundering around $400 million. Prosecutors allege Scott conspired to launder money and defraud banks.
