US places $5million bounty on co-founder OneCoin for global cryptocurrency fraud

Ruja Ignatova defrauded investors over $4 billion globally

 

Admin I Wednesday, June 26, 2024

 

WASHINGTON – The United States of America has placed a $5 million bounty on German citizen, and co-founder of OneCoin, Ruja Ignatova for her involvement in cryptocurrency fraud.

In a statement, the Department of State the $5milion is offered under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for anyone with information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of German national Ruja Ignatova.

Ruja Ignatova is wanted in the United States for her participation in one of the largest global fraud schemes in history.

“Beginning in approximately 2014 in Bulgaria, Ignatova, as co-founder of OneCoin Ltd, and others defrauded investors from across the world out of billions of dollars. Ignatova promoted OneCoin as a digital currency investment through false statements and representations to attract investors. By 2017, OneCoin is believed to have defrauded victims of more than $4 billion.

“On October 12, 2017, Ignatova was indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

“Two weeks after the indictment Ignatova travelled from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Athens, Greece, to evade arrest and has been a fugitive since that time. In February 2018, a superseding indictment was issued charging Ignatova with the additional crimes of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud. In 2022, she was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. Germany has also criminally charged Ignatova for her role in the transnational fraud scheme”, the statement said.

The Department spokesman said today’s reward offer of up to $5 million is authorized by the Secretary under the Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program,
supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice.

“If you have information, please contact the FBI via Telegram: @RujaReward, Signal: @RujaReward.01, or online at tips.fbi.gov. If you are located outside of the United States, you may also visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If in the United States, you can also contact the local FBI office”.