The OneCoin Scam Saga Continues: Lawyer Denied Retrial
Years after the OneCoin scam took place, a lawyer involved in the pyramid scheme has been denied a new trial by a US court. Mark Scott, who helped launder $400 million from the scheme, was found guilty of money laundering and bank fraud conspiracy in November 2019. Despite evidence that the prosecution witness, Konstantin Ignatov, lied on the stand, the court ruled that Scott was not innocent. The decision allows for Scott to be sentenced, but his lawyer plans to appeal. Ignatov, who pleaded guilty and cooperated with prosecutors, had also been prosecuted for his role in the fraudulent scheme.
OneCoin: One of the Largest Fraud Schemes
Karl Greenwood, co-founder of OneCoin, was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $300 million in forfeiture. Alongside Ruja Ignatova, he operated one of the largest fraud schemes ever perpetrated, according to the Department of Justice. The pair made over $4 billion from their fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. Ignatova, known as the “Cryptoqueen,” is still at large and is listed as one of the FBI’s top 10 most-wanted fugitives. She is also Europe’s most wanted criminal, with a reward offered for information leading to her arrest. Her current whereabouts remain unknown after boarding a plane from Bulgaria to Athens.
Hot Take: The Ongoing Battle Against Crypto Scams
The denial of a retrial for Mark Scott highlights the continued efforts to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in crypto scams like OneCoin. Despite claims of innocence and allegations of perjury by witnesses, the court’s decision underscores the weight of evidence presented against Scott. The sentencing and ongoing pursuit of individuals involved in this massive fraud scheme sends a clear message that the authorities are committed to protecting investors and ensuring the integrity of the cryptocurrency industry. As the search for Ruja Ignatova, the mastermind behind OneCoin, continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence and caution in the crypto world.