US Government Increases Reward for Information on Cryptoqueen
The United States government has recently announced an increase in the reward offered for information leading to the arrest or conviction of OneCoin co-founder Ruja Ignatova, also known as Cryptoqueen. The reward has been raised to a staggering $5 million, reflecting the severity of the fraud committed by Ignatova and her associates.
OneCoin Co-founder Wanted for Fraud
Ignatova is wanted by US authorities for her role in orchestrating a massive transnational fraud scheme through the creation and promotion of OneCoin. Despite some of her co-conspirators being apprehended and sentenced, Ignatova has managed to evade capture and remains on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List.
- She co-founded OneCoin in 2014 and falsely marketed it as a legitimate cryptocurrency investment.
- The Ponzi scheme led to investors losing over $4 billion by 2017.
- Ignatova fled Bulgaria in 2017 to avoid arrest and has been on the run ever since.
Possible Sightings and Speculations
There have been rumors suggesting that Ignatova may have undergone cosmetic surgery to alter her appearance. It is believed that she is traveling with armed security personnel and changing locations frequently to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies across different countries.
- The FBI suspects that she may be using a German passport to move between countries such as the UAE, Russia, and Eastern Europe.
- There were unconfirmed reports of her demise at the hands of a Bulgarian drug lord in 2018, but subsequent investigations have not corroborated these claims.
- The BBC team covering the case has received potential leads on her whereabouts, indicating that she may still be alive and actively evading capture.
The Search Continues
Despite the ongoing manhunt for Cryptoqueen, Ignatova’s whereabouts remain unknown. Law enforcement agencies in collaboration with international partners are working tirelessly to track her down and bring her to justice for the financial crimes she is accused of committing.
Hot Take: Stay Vigilant in the Crypto Space
The case of Ruja Ignatova and the OneCoin fraud serves as a cautionary tale for investors and enthusiasts in the cryptocurrency space. It highlights the importance of conducting due diligence, verifying the legitimacy of projects, and being cautious of promises that seem too good to be true.