In a case that fits snugly between financial thriller and a magician’s disappearing act, the FBI has announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Ruja Ignatova, better known as the 'Cryptoqueen.' Ignatova, the elusive founder of OneCoin and a fixture on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, is accused of orchestrating a global cryptocurrency scam so brazen that The Times called it “one of the biggest scams in history”.
Since 2014, Ignatova allegedly persuaded millions to invest in OneCoin, a “cryptocurrency” with all the blockchain credibility of a Monopoly game, defrauding investors out of an estimated $4 billion. Then, just as law enforcement closed in, she vanished in October 2017—leaving only the faint scent of a private jet and billions in vanished investor funds.
“She was always miles ahead,” remarked a weary investigator, adding, “and sometimes whole continents.” The FBI notes that Ignatova may have changed her appearance and continues to use aliases, including “Dr. Ruja” and “Cryptoqueen.” Authorities warn she is probably traveling with armed guards, which seems ironically fitting for someone who specialized in robbing people blind without ever leaving a conference stage.
In an odd twist, rumors have swirled of Ignatova’s fate: some claim she was murdered by underworld figures, while others insist she’s living in obscurity—perhaps plotting a new digital unicorn to enchant fresh victims. The FBI, however, remains hopeful, raising the bounty from $100,000 to $5 million in the hopes that one of her associates might trade loyalty for a little old-fashioned fiat currency.
For comparison, the previous record for ‘crypto vanishing acts’ was held by the founder of BitConnect—but at least that scam had the decency to provide a viral meme.
Sources: FBI (Reward Announcement) • Wikipedia: OneCoin • Wikipedia: Ruja Ignatova • BBC News • FBI PDF Poster • Times of India • Bloomberg • U.S. State Department • U.S. Embassy Bulgaria • YouTube • BankInfoSecurity • LiveNOW from FOX • IRS • CNN • BBC • FBI Most Wanted Image • U.S. Embassy Tag Page • U.S. DOJ • New York Post •