The U.S. Department of State has significantly increased its reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Ruja Ignatova, the founder of the fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme OneCoin. Ignatova, known as the "Cryptoqueen," disappeared in 2017 after being charged with fraud and money laundering in the U.S. The FBI, which added Ignatova to its "ten most wanted fugitives" list, previously offered a $250,000 reward. This amount has now been raised to $5 million. Ignatova's last known location was in Athens, Greece, and authorities believe she may have altered her appearance through plastic surgery.
Ignatova's OneCoin scheme, founded in 2014, defrauded investors of approximately $4 billion. Multiple individuals involved in the scam, including Ignatova's brother Konstantin Ignatov, have faced legal consequences. Konstantin Ignatov pleaded guilty to related charges in 2019 and served 34 months in prison before his release in March 2024.
The OneCoin saga continues to unfold as international authorities intensify their efforts to bring Ruja Ignatova to justice.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is based on the referenced research articles. It is essential to conduct further research and analysis before making any investment decisions. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and investors should exercise caution and consult with financial professionals before engaging in cryptocurrency trading or investment activities.
