OneCoin Scam: Attorney Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
An attorney involved in the infamous OneCoin cryptocurrency scam, Irina Dilkinska, has been sentenced to four years in jail for her role in helping launder a $4 billion crypto fraud scheme in 2019. Dilkinska pled guilty last year for her involvement in the scheme.
The Latest Verdict in the OneCoin Saga
The co-conspirator, Dilkinska, is the latest individual to receive a prison term in the multibillion-dollar crypto pyramid scheme. The judgement was delivered by the US District Judge Edgardo Ramos in New York.
- Founder Sentenced:
- Karl Sebastian Greenwood, co-founder and main promoter of OneCoin, received a 20-year jail term earlier this year.
- Other Individuals Sentenced:
- OneCoin lawyer Mark Scott was sentenced to 10 years in U.S. federal prison for participating in the fraud scheme.
Chief Mastermind Still at Large
Despite several convictions in the OneCoin case, the chief mastermind, Ruja Ignatova, remains at large and is on the FBI’s top 10 most wanted list in 2022.
In November last year, Dilkinska pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams condemned her actions as a breach of conduct and aiding in the exploitation of millions of victims.
“Irina Dilkinska’s involvement in the sprawling OneCoin pyramid scheme was a flagrant breach of conduct. Rather than upholding the law and embracing her position as the Head of Legal and Compliance, she facilitated and committed money laundering, aiding in the exploitation of millions of victims.”
The Rise and Fall of OneCoin
OneCoin, a controversial cryptocurrency, gained notoriety for its involvement in deception and fraud, particularly after the disappearance of its key figure, Ruja Ignatova, in 2017.
- Deceptive Practices:
- Ignatova and Sebastian Greenwood misled investors by promoting OneCoin as a potential “Bitcoin killer,” promising significant returns and disparaging their investors.
- In 2017, Ignatova vanished as authorities closed in, and she is currently on the FBI’s most-wanted list.
- Ponzi Scheme Allegations:
- US prosecutors estimate that the Ponzi scheme amassed around $4 billion, defrauding investors worldwide.
Hot Take: Justice Served in OneCoin Scam
With the recent sentencing of Irina Dilkinska for her involvement in the OneCoin scam, justice continues to be served in this ongoing case of financial deception and fraud. The conviction of key figures in the scheme sends a strong message to those involved in fraudulent activities within the cryptocurrency space.
Sources: