- The U.S. Department of State has announced a substantial reward for information leading to the capture or conviction of Ruja Ignatova, the notorious founder of OneCoin, who has been missing since 2017.
- Ignatova, now a wanted fugitive, has been accused of orchestrating one of the largest cryptocurrency Ponzi schemes, defrauding investors of billions of dollars.
- “OneCoin is one of the most significant global fraud operations in history,” stated the U.S. Department of State as it increased the reward for information on Ignatova from $250,000 to $5 million.
Discover the latest developments in the ongoing hunt for OneCoin founder Ruja Ignatova, including new reward incentives and details of her alleged crimes.
U.S. Department of State Increases Reward for Information on OneCoin Founder
The U.S. Department of State has revisited its approach to capturing Ruja Ignatova, elevating the reward to $5 million in hopes of garnering actionable intelligence. This significant increase under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program underscores the severity and scope of Ignatova’s alleged crimes.
The Massive OneCoin Ponzi Scheme Unveiled
Authorities in Bulgaria announced that between 2014 and early 2017, the OneCoin scheme deceived investors out of approximately $4 billion. Operating under the guise of legitimate cryptocurrency, OneCoin offered fake tokens through a misleading promotional network. Unlike real cryptocurrencies, OneCoin did not operate on any blockchain. Ignatova and her team manipulated investors by generating coins automatically and providing false assurances of significant returns.
Consequences of Ignatova’s Actions: Sentences and Fines
In addition to Ignatova facing charges in Germany, the United States, and India, several of her associates have already been sentenced. Karl Greenwood, a co-founder of OneCoin, received a 20-year prison sentence and a $300 million fine. Similarly, project attorneys Irina Dilkinska and Mark Scott have been sentenced earlier this year for their roles in the fraudulent activities.
Ruja Ignatova’s Mysterious Disappearance
I have not ignored the rumors and speculations surrounding Ignatova’s disappearance. Shortly after an indictment was issued in the United States in the autumn of 2017, Ignatova vanished. She was last seen boarding a flight from Sofia to Athens. FBI investigations suggest she might have altered her appearance through plastic surgery and might be traveling with a German passport in regions like the Middle East or Eastern Europe.
Speculations and Rumors of Her Death
Unsubstantiated claims have surfaced about Ignatova’s death. A 2023 report by a Bulgarian media outlet alleged that she was killed in 2018 by a drug lord in the Ionian Sea. These claims remain unverified, adding more mystery to her already enigmatic case.
Conclusion
The hunt for Ruja Ignatova continues, with U.S. authorities incentivizing global citizens to assist in her capture. Despite sentences handed down to her associates, the mastermind behind OneCoin remains at large, leaving a trail of deception and unanswered questions. The increased reward signifies not only the magnitude of her crimes but also the determination of international law enforcement to bring her to justice. Stay tuned as more developments unfold in what remains one of the most significant fraud investigations in recent history.
