Co- founder of OneCoin Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison
Karl Sebastian Greenwood, who was involved in the infamous OneCoin scam and worked closely with Ruja Ignatova, likewise known as โCryptoqueen,โ has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Ignatova, who was on the FBIโs 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, is rumored to have been murdered in 2018.
Main Promoter of OneCoin Project Sentenced
Karl Sebastian Greenwood, a Swedish citizen, was sentenced on September 11 in New York for his role as the main promoter of the OneCoin project. Prosecutors assertย that Greenwood made $300 Million from the Ponzi scheme and used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including high-end items and properties in numerous countries. He was arrested in Thailand in 2018 and extradited to the United States.
Admission of Guilt and Leniency Plea
Greenwood admitted to knowingly promoting OneCoin and defrauding investors. He pleaded guilty to his crimes in December 2022 and begged for leniency from the court. Greenwood arguedย that he suffered harsh conditions while being detained in Thailand and the US.
The OneCoin Scam
The Bulgaria-based OneCoin project, established by Ruja Ignatova, stole over $4 Billion from investors worldwide. Ignatova and her team marketed OneCoin as a rival to Bitcoin, successfully convincing people to invest in their cryptocurrency.
Other Executives Facing Charges
Alongย with Greenwood, Irina Dilkinska, the former head of legal and compliance for OneCoin, is facing charges in the Unitedย States. She could receive a maximum sentence of 40 years for wire fraud and alleged money laundering violations. Ignatovaโs ex-boyfriend, Gilbert Armenta, was sentenced to five years in prison for promoting OneCoin and laundering money from the scam.
The Mystery of Cryptoqueenโs Whereabouts
Althoughย while OneCoin executives are serving their prison sentences, Ruja Ignatova remains at large. There have been reports that she was last seen in Athens, Greece in 2017 and speculation that she is hiding on a yacht in the Mediterranean Sea. Bulgarian sources suggest that Ignatova may have been murdered in 2018 on the orders of a local drug lord. The FBI has included her on their โ 10 Most Wanted Fugitivesโ list with a $100,000 reward for information leading to her arrest.
Hot Take: The Fall of OneCoin and the Elusive Cryptoqueen
The sentencing of Karl Sebastian Greenwood marks another wholeย lotย of development in the downfall of the OneCoin scam. Althoughย while some key figures involved in the project are facing justice, including Greenwood himself, the mastermind behind it all, Ruja Ignatova, remains on the run. The mystery surrounding Ignatovaโs whereabouts and destiny adds intrigue to this high-profile case. As authorities continue their efforts to locate and bring her to justice, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and caution when investing in digitalย currencies. The OneCoin saga serves as a cautionary tale for those who couldย be tempted by promises of quick riches and outlines the importance of thorough research and due diligence before getting involved in any cryptocurrency project.
Owen Patter is a distinguished crypto analyst, accomplished researcher, and skilled editor, leaving a notable imprint on the cryptocurrency landscape. As a proficient crypto analyst and researcher, Owen delves into the intricate realms of digital assets, offering insights that resonate with a diverse audience. His analytical acuity is harmoniously paired with adept editorial skills, allowing him to transform complex crypto information into easily comprehensible content.
