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Ruja Ignatova, also known as the “Missing Cryptoqueen”, has been placed on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list.
Bulgarian-born Ignatova, who is believed to be in her 40s, is wanted for her alleged role in running a cryptocurrency scam known as OneCoin. Federal investigators accuse the fugitive of using the scheme to defraud victims of more than $4bn (£3.2bn).
She has been missing since 2017, when US officials signed an arrest warrant and investigators began closing in on her.
In 2014, OneCoin, a self-described cryptocurrency, began offering buyers commission if they sold the coin to more people.
But FBI agents say OneCoin was worthless and was never protected by the blockchain technology used by other cryptocurrencies.
According to allegations made by federal prosecutors, it was essentially a Ponzi scheme disguised as a cryptocurrency.
“She laid out her scheme perfectly, taking advantage of the frenzied speculation of the early days of cryptocurrency,” said Damian Williams, Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor.
The FBI adds fugitives to its most wanted list when it believes the general public may be able to help track them down.
A bureau notice published Thursday offered a $100,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of Ms. Ignatova, who was indicted in 2019 on eight counts, including wire fraud and securities fraud.
She is the only woman on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list.
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