As a researcher with years of experience in financial fraud investigations, I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu when reading about the latest developments in the OneCoin case. The High Court of Justice’s decision to issue a Worldwide Freezing Order against Ruja Ignatova and her associates is long overdue, in my opinion.
In a significant legal move, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom has imposed a Global Asset Freeze on Ruja Ignatova, often referred to as the “Cryptoqueen,” and various individuals believed to be her associates, all linked to the controversial OneCoin project.
As a researcher, I’m sharing an update based on a BBC report: On August 7th, I found myself among over 400 individuals who petitioned for the seizure of assets linked to OneCoin co-founder Ruja Ignatova, Sebastian Greenwood, Christopher Hamilton, and Robert MacDonald. These individuals are associated with the collapse of OneCoin.
It’s suspected that these individuals were involved in washing money for OneCoin. Four key figures who publicly endorsed OneCoin, a supposedly fraudulent scheme, are under closer examination. The order also focuses on four public endorsers of OneCoin, several businesses used by Ignatova to launder funds and buy assets, and other entities involved in the process.
As a researcher delving into the intricate world of digital currencies, I uncover the compelling tale of Ruja Ignatova, who stands accused of orchestrating an elaborate Ponzi scheme involving OneCoin. This scheme is believed to have defrauded investors of an estimated $4 billion from its inception in 2014 until its eventual collapse in 2017. Remarkably, this downfall occurred around the same time that Ignatova vanished without a trace, adding yet another layer of mystery to her story.
Based on a recent update, she was last spotted in Athens, Greece, evading law enforcement agencies. This has resulted in the FBI listing her among their Top Ten Most Wanted individuals. In an attempt to apprehend her, the U.S. State Department declared a $5 million reward for any information that helps locate and arrest her, with the aim of bringing her to justice by January 2024. However, despite this offer, her current location remains a mystery.
Multiple individuals connected with Ignatova have encountered legal issues, such as her sibling, Konstantin Ignatov, who admitted guilt for money laundering and fraud charges back in 2019.
As a crypto investor, I found myself in a tough spot when the founder of a cryptocurrency project, initially facing a 90-year sentence, was surprisingly released after serving just three years due to his collaboration with U.S. investigators. This cooperation involved testifying against OneCoin’s lawyer, Mark Scott.
Scott was found guilty of bank fraud and money laundering, yet the court handed down a more lenient punishment compared to the 17-year term proposed by the prosecution.
In 2023, Karl Greenwood, a partner in OneCoin, was convicted and given a 20-year jail term. Additionally, he was instructed to relinquish $300 million that he had obtained through the deceitful operation.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-08-08 03:33